EV TRUCKS

Terrafirma, Chengdu Dayun firm up ties

Another major Chinese vehicle manufacturer is set to introduce electric commercial vehicles in the country after signing with a new local company that is under the umbrella of a known local vehicle conglomerate.

Chengdu Dayun Automobile Co. Ltd., better known as Chengdu Dayun, officially signed up an agreement with the Terrafirma Motors Corporation (TMC) that is under the Columbian Group of Gov. Jose Ch. Alvarez.

The ceremonial signing was held at the plush Manila Golf Club with TMC chairman Bienvenido Santos and Chengdu Dayun executive vice general manager Xie Ping heading the two set of parties that participated in the event to signify the start of an assembly and distribution partnership between the two groups.

Founded by CAMPI chairman emeritus Gov. Alvarez, TMC is part of the Columbian Group which has traditionally been involved in the manufacture, assembly, distribution and retail of vehicles. The company has partnered with several automotive brands in the past including BMW, Kia, Mazda, Range Rover, Peugeot and Mahindra.

At present, TMC is focusing on contributing to nationwide development by shifting from private vehicle distribution to the assembly of commercial vehicles meant to spur economic development. On a macro scale, the Columbian Group has business interests in the land, sea and air transportation industries.

Chengdu Dayun, meanwhile, is the fourth leading private automotive company in China which is into manufacturing (automobile, new energy vehicles), real estate development, logistics, construction and film investment. With specific focus on cost-effective, green technology, the company aims to create more value for its clients and to help create a better world for the next generation.

As an initial product offering, TMC is set to assemble and distribute to the Philippine market the Dayun Dragon EX5, an electric powered light truck that can be configured in several ways.

“We are very proud to be partnering with the Chengdu Dayun group. With Terrafirma’s expertise in vehicle assembly, the Dragon EX5 is set to become a fixture on Philippine roads. Eventually, with the help of our local distribution partner Astara Philippines, this product will contribute to the vehicle modernization program as a champion of clean air technology. We look forward to contributing to a brighter, cleaner future for the Philippines with this partnership with Chengdu Dayun,” said Santos.

A prototype of the Dayun Dragon EX5 was unveiled after the ceremonial signing. Attended by media and several business partners, the event signifies Terrafirma’s long-term commitment to the automobile industry and to nationwide development.

“We are in talks with Meralco, the country’s leading electric company, to find ways to bring these cleaner emitting vehicles to more industries throughout the country. Terrafirma’s goal is to remain relevant in the area of mobility even as we adapt to the needs of the times. We aim to electrify the future,” ended Santos.