Ayala Subsidiary AC Motors Takes Over BYD in the Philippines

Ayala Corporation's automotive arm, AC Motors, has officially become the Philippine distributor of BYD, the world leader in hybrid and pure electric vehicles. BYD dealerships across the country will offer a lineup of fully electric vehicles, including the BYD Han luxury executive sedan, BYD Tang 7 seater SUV, and the BYD Dolphin compact hatchback. The company also announced that it will be introducing the BYD ATTO 3 compact crossover SUV by the end of 2023.

Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, head of AC Motors, said that the BYD models are "compelling" and "target different market segments," allowing AC Motors to promote EV adoption across a wide range of customers. He added that AC Motors aspires to build the same level of respect and relevance for the BYD brand in the Philippines as it has in other Southeast Asian markets.

James Ng, Managing Director of BYD Philippines and Singapore, said that BYD is "looking forward to working hand-in-hand with Ayala to promote the development of new energy vehicles industry in The Philippines." He added that together, they can create a "greener, more sustainable and brighter future."

Ayala has been prioritizing electric mobility vehicles as an enabler of its ecosystem. The group is uniquely positioned to provide long-term value to EV customers, given its assets in renewable power generation, automotive distribution and dealerships, property development and management, manufacturing, financing and insurance, and digital connectivity.

AC Motors plans to open 12 BYD dealerships within the next 12 months, with most of those being in Metro Manila and the Luzon region. The company eventually aims to have over 40 dealerships in the coming years.