Ayala reveals tie-up with BYD

The search for a major electric vehicle (EV)manufacturer that can supply its need for its fast-growing “future-of-mobility ecosystem” is finally over for Ayala Corporation as it finalized a deal to be the official Philippine distributor of BYD, the world leader in hybrid and pure electric vehicles.

Ayala has been prioritizing the electric mobility vehicles as the enabler of Ayala’s 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—all of which are critical components of the EV ecosystem.  

Although it already has a car company under its AC Motors that produces EVs, there is a need for an increase in EVs available to go hand-in-hand with its expansion of the said ecosystem.

AC Motors head Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala said: “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.”

“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 leading share among EV brands and meaningful presence in the automotive market as a whole,” he added.   

While long-time Ayala official Toti Zara oversees the operations of the AC Motors, tey have designated James Ng, the managing director of BYD Singapore, to also look into the BYD Philippines in a concurrent position. 

“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, after the round-table discussion with the members of the media last week at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati. They were joined by Liu Xueliang, the general manager of BYD Asia Pacific Auto Sales Division and president of BYD Japan.

BYD has an expansive line-up of both passenger and commercial vehicles ready to be deployed at a larger scale, they said. Its operations as an automotive manufacturer are also fully integrated, with capabilities not only in designing and assembling the final vehicles, but even in battery technology, electric powertrain development, and semiconductors. In addition to the automotive space, BYD also has investments in rail transit, renewable energy, and battery storage.  

Among the early models to be introduced are the: luxury executive sedan BYD Han; the spacious 7-seater family SUV BYD Tang; and the compact hatchback, BYD Dolphin. By the end of this year, Ayala will also introduce the BYD ATTO 3, a highly awarded EV model that is globally hailed for its outstanding design, comfort, quality, practicality, and performance.