EV
BYD chairman visits Philippines
BYD Chairman and President Wang Chuanfu visited the Philippines as the Chinese automaker and local partner ACMobility reviewed the growth of their electric vehicle business in the country.
Wang toured BYD dealerships, DENZA showrooms in Alabang and Cebu, and ACMobility charging hubs. He also met frontline employees, customers, dealer principals and business partners during the visit.
BYD Chairman and President, Wang Chuanfu alongside other regional and global BYD leaders, and executives of ACMobility led by CEO, Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, visit a local dealership in Metro Manila to reaffirm its commitment to aid in the country’s electrification push.
The Philippine trip came three years after ACMobility and BYD began their partnership in 2023. BYD now has 81 dealerships nationwide, while premium electric vehicle brand DENZA operates four locations.
Wang described the Philippines as one of the region’s most promising markets for new energy vehicles. He credited the growth of electrified mobility in the country and ACMobility’s investment in customer support.
BYD and DENZA dealer principals alongside BYD Cars Philippines and ACMobility Executives led by Bob Palanca, Managing Director and Jaime Alfonso Zobel De Ayala hold a meeting with BYD Chairman and President Wang Chuanfu and regional BYD leaders to align their commitment to bring Filipinos a more convenient and accessible way to switch to electric mobility
(L-R) Bob Palanca, Managing Director, BYD Cars Philippines; Paul Tionson, President, Evomile Innovations Corp.; Glenn Yu, President, Sea Electric Philippines, Inc.; Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, CEO, ACMobility; Willy Chiongbian, Chairman, Horizon Auto Services, Inc.; Juan Antonio Macasieb, President, Astral Motors Corporation; Dennis Salvador, Head of BYD Brand, Iconic Dealerships Inc.; Fred Feng, Country Head, Harmony New Energy Auto Service (Philippines) Ltd., Corp.; Mark Tieng, President & CEO, Solar Transport and Automotive Resources Corp.; Wang Chuanfu, Chairman and President, BYD Co., Ltd.; Wally Alvarez, Dealer Principal, Image Davao Mobility Corporation; Liza Yao, President, Richprime Motors Corporation; Edward Onglatco, President & CEO, Global Star Motors; Oscar Chng, President, Valuesales Incorporated; Adam Hu, Country Head, BYD and DENZA Philippines; Liu Xueliang, Vice President of BYD Co., Ltd. and General Manager, BYD Asia-Pacific Auto Sales Division
“At BYD, everything begins with our customers, understanding their needs, investing continuously in research and development, and creating technology that genuinely improves people’s lives,” Wang said.
ACMobility chief executive officer Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala said the cost of transportation continues to affect Filipino households and that new energy vehicles could help address that concern.
He said the company has invested across the ownership cycle, including vehicle distribution, dealerships, charging facilities and after-sales support. ACMobility’s electric vehicle charging network currently covers more than 200 locations nationwide.
Zobel said Wang was able to see these operations during the visit. ACMobility plans to continue expanding its services to make electrified vehicles a practical choice for more Filipino families.
(L-R) Emi Arboleda, Aftersales Director, BYD Cars Philippines; Christine Donato, Distributor Chief Finance Officer, BYD Cars Philippines; Steve Gingco, Head of AutoCare and Retail Group, Iconic Dealership Inc.; Erroll Dueñas, Network Director, BYD Cars Philippines; Dana Uson, Head of Strategy, ACMobility and President of ACMobility Premium Dealership Inc.; Isa Suarez-Paras, PR and Communications Director, ACMobility; Adam Hu, Country Head, BYD and DENZA Philippines; Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, CEO, ACMobility; Wang Chuanfu, Chairman and President, BYD Co., Ltd.; Liu Xueliang, Vice President of BYD Co., Ltd. and General Manager, BYD Asia-Pacific Auto Sales Division; James Ng, General Manager of BYD Singapore; Bob Palanca, Managing Director, BYD Cars Philippines; Dennis Salvador, Head of BYD Brand, Iconic Dealerships Inc., ACMobility; Jolo Aranas, Sales Director, BYD Cars Philippines
BYD Cars Philippines managing director Bob Palanca described Wang’s visit as a vote of confidence in ACMobility and the Philippine market.
Palanca said the partners have made progress over the past three years as demand for electrified vehicles has grown. BYD Cars Philippines will continue adding vehicles to its local lineup while improving the ownership experience.
Adam Hu, country head of BYD and DENZA Philippines, said the two brands are working with their partners to increase their dealership coverage, improve customer service and invest further in the local EV ecosystem.
The visit gave Wang a closer look at how BYD’s Philippine operations have developed beyond vehicle sales. The local business now includes a wider retail network, premium DENZA dealerships, charging sites and after-sales services.
BYD and ACMobility said they will continue developing this network as more Filipino motorists consider battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Geely Automobile has appointed Gan Jiayue as chief executive officer as part of a leadership overhaul that also sees founder Li Shufu step down as chairman and executive director.
The changes took effect on 18 August as the Chinese automaker put its long-term succession plan into action.
An Conghui, a Geely executive since 1996, succeeded Li as chairman. He has held several senior posts across the group and previously led Zeekr, Geely’s premium electric vehicle brand.
Gan replaced Gui Shengyue, who relinquished the CEO post to become vice chairman. Gui remains an executive director, while former vice chairman Li Donghui continues to serve on the board as an executive director.
Geely said Gan’s management experience and knowledge of the automotive industry would support the company’s operations and long-term plans.
Li Shufu founded Geely in 1986 in Taizhou, Zhejiang province. The business began as a maker of refrigerator parts before entering motorcycle and automobile production.
The company later grew into one of China’s largest privately owned automotive groups, with brands and investments that include Volvo Cars, Polestar, Lotus, Zeekr and Lynk & Co.
Li was named honorary chairman for life in recognition of his contribution to Geely Automobile. The title carries no formal authority within the company’s governance structure.
He remains Geely Automobile’s controlling shareholder and chairman of parent company Zhejiang Geely Holding Group. This will keep him involved in the wider automotive business even after leaving his posts at the listed unit.
Geely said Li stepped down to devote more time to his other business commitments and support the company’s succession plan. He also confirmed that he had no disagreement with the board.
The leadership change comes as Geely increases its overseas presence and faces strong competition in China’s new-energy vehicle market.
An said the company wants two-thirds of its sales to come from markets outside China over the long term. Gan also outlined a target of 600,000 annual vehicle sales in Europe within two to three years.
Geely reached an agreement with Ford in July to produce electric SUVs at the American automaker’s plant in Spain and develop another vehicle for Europe. Volvo’s European factories are also expected to manufacture selected luxury models for other Geely-owned brands.
The group plans to rely on partnerships and existing factories as it expands instead of building new production capacity in every overseas market.
XPENG will formally enter the Philippine market in September through a public launch event that will also introduce its first two local models, the X9 and L03.
The Chinese electric vehicle company said the event will give Filipino consumers their first close look at the brand and its plans for intelligent mobility. Details on the venue, activities and registration will be released through XPENG Philippines’ social media pages.
XPENG will operate through XPENG Philippines, a direct subsidiary that will handle local sales, marketing, distribution and retail operations. The company said the arrangement supports its long-term plans in the country.
The XPENG X9 will lead the initial lineup. The seven-seat electric vehicle is positioned as the brand’s flagship model, with a premium cabin, technology features and space aimed at families, business leaders and professionals.
It will be joined by the XPENG L03, an SUV coupe that combines contemporary styling with the company’s software-led vehicle systems and in-car technology.
Local specifications, variants, pricing and availability for both models will be disclosed at the September launch.
Founded in Guangzhou in 2014, XPENG develops electric vehicles along with its own advanced driver-assistance system, in-car operating system, powertrain and electrical architecture. It has expanded into more than 60 countries and regions, with over 380 overseas stores across Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Oceania and Latin America.
The Philippines will become part of that wider expansion as more EV brands look to establish a local presence. For now, XPENG’s September event will provide the first clear view of the vehicles and business structure it plans to bring to Filipino buyers.
VinFast Marikina has expanded into a full-service dealership center, giving electric vehicle owners in Marikina and nearby areas access to sales, maintenance, repairs, spare parts and charging facilities in one location.
The 500-square-meter site at 8 Mayor Gil Fernando Avenue in Sto. Niño opened in May through VinFast’s partnership with Xentro Motors OPC. It has now been upgraded into a 1S Plus facility, a designation that covers sales, service and spare parts support.
The showroom carries VinFast’s battery-electric vehicle lineup, while its service section has three working bays, including one with a vehicle lifter. It also has tools intended for the brand’s EV models, a parts warehouse and charging equipment for customers.
VinFast said the facility can handle preventive maintenance, general repairs, detailing, body repairs, insurance claims and renewals. Owners can also source maintenance components, mechanical and suspension parts, body panels, coolants and brake fluids from its inventory.
Two wall chargers are installed inside the dealership, while six charging stations are available outside. The site gives VinFast owners in Marikina and Eastern Metro Manila another place to recharge as well as have their vehicles checked or repaired.
VinFast Philippines CEO Rhomel Franco said the upgraded facility is intended to make ownership support more accessible for customers in the eastern part of Metro Manila.
“VinFast Marikina reflects our commitment to making electric mobility more accessible while giving every VinFast owner the confidence that reliable support is always nearby,” Franco said.
Xentro Motors OPC CEO Noel Ignacio said the dealership responds to demand for a more complete EV service option in the area. Xentro Motors is supported by XRC Mall Developer Inc. and operates within a wider network in North and South Luzon.
The Marikina facility is part of VinFast’s growing local network, which now has 36 locations nationwide. The company said more openings are planned in Fairview, Cagayan de Oro, Pasay, Batangas City and Kawit, Cavite.
VinFast is also offering ownership programs such as battery subscription, a resale value guarantee and free charging through the V-Green network until 31 March 2029.
The showroom is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Its service center operates Monday to Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
