AC Motors takes over BYD distributorship in PH

A huge change has come to BYD brand in the Philippines as AC Motors, a subsidiary of the Ayala Corporation, has taken over the local distributorship of the brand, known as one of the largest manufacturers of electric and hybrid vehicles in China.

This was announced today at a roundtable discussion hosted by AC Motors and attended by members of local motoring media and content creators.

“This partnership between one of the largest multi-brand automotive groups in the Philippines and the world’s leading EV brand is a cornerstone of the group’s goal of accelerating the future of mobility in the country,” said Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, head of AC Motors.

AC Motors is not a new player in the local automotive industry. Currently, it holds the distribution rights for brands—Volkswagen, Kia, and Maxus; as well as motorcycle brands KTM and Husqvarna which both have a local assembly plant. The company also operates dealerships for Honda and Isuzu.

“BYD looks forward to working hand-in-hand with Ayala to promote the development of new energy vehicles industry in The Philippines. Together, we create a greener, more sustainable and brighter future, as we embark on this exciting journey,” said James Ng, managing director of BYD Philippines and Singapore.

The new BYD Philippines will be offering a fully-electric vehicle lineup composed of the Han executive sedan, Tang 7-seater SUV, and the small Dolphin hatchback which has gained some popularity in the local market in recent years. To follow by the end of the year is the ATTO 3. 

The BYD brand first entered the Philippine market under the distributorship of Solar Transport and Automotive Resources Corporation (STAR). With the takeover, STAR will now become the first official dealership. A new dealership facility is currently being built along Quezon Avenue in Quezon City.