Ayala Corporation, a conglomerate in the Philippines, has entered into a partnership with global electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD to drive the adoption of electric vehicles in the country. The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to sustainable mobility and technological innovation.
As part of this strategic alliance, Ayala Corporation will serve as the official distributor of BYD passenger vehicles in the Philippines. The lineup of BYD EVs will encompass various models tailored to different market segments, including the upscale BYD Han executive sedan, the versatile 7-seater family SUV BYD Tang, and the compact BYD Dolphin hatchback. By the end of the year, Ayala Corporation also plans to introduce the BYD ATTO 3, a well-regarded global EV model known for its design, comfort, quality, and performance.
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AC Motors, a subsidiary of Ayala Corporation, will oversee the partnership’s execution. Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, Head of AC Motors, highlighted the significance of the diverse BYD EV range, stating, “These models cater to different market needs and enable us to encourage EV adoption across a broad spectrum of customers.” Drawing from BYD’s established global presence in the EV sector and its recent successes in other Southeast Asian markets, Ayala Corporation aims to establish a similar brand reputation for BYD in the Philippines.
Initial plans include establishing 12-13 dealerships in Manila during the current year, utilizing Ayala Corporation’s diverse business units, which span energy, property, malls, and banking, to complement the growing EV infrastructure. Antonio ‘Toti’ Zara III, a key figure at both BYD Philippines and AC Motors, has set an ambitious target of establishing 40 BYD outlets within the next five years. This collaboration equips AC Motors with advanced technology offerings, further enriching its multi-brand distribution portfolio that includes Volkswagen, Kia, Honda, Isuzu, and Maxus.
James Ng, Managing Director of BYD Philippines and Singapore, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration’s potential to drive mobility technologies forward. “Together, we contribute to a greener, more sustainable future as we embark on this promising journey,” Ng noted, underlining the shared vision of both entities.
The Ayala-BYD partnership holds significant implications for the Philippine EV market, showcasing the nation’s steadfast dedication to sustainability while providing impetus to the local EV industry. Ayala Corporation’s unwavering commitment to electric mobility, leveraging its diverse assets, underscores its capacity to deliver lasting value to EV consumers.
BYD, a fully integrated automotive manufacturer, presents an extensive array of affordable passenger and commercial EVs suitable for wide-scale deployment. Proficient in vehicle design, assembly, battery technology, electric powertrains, and semiconductors, BYD’s expertise extends beyond automotive applications into sectors such as rail transit, renewable energy, and battery storage.
See also: BYD Launches Dolphin Electric Vehicle in Malaysia, Expanding Presence in Southeast Asian Market
Zobel de Ayala conveyed a forward-looking perspective, stating, “Our long-term vision is for AC Motors to become the leading platform for EVs and other new energy vehicles in the Philippines. This includes building up BYD to become a key brand in the Philippine market, with a significant presence among EV brands and in the automotive market overall.”
Beyond the corporate realm, this collaboration holds promising outcomes for Filipino consumers. A broader range of EV options will be available, contributing to enhanced affordability and accessibility of EVs. This development aligns with environmental objectives, potentially mitigating air pollution and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.