Vietnamese automaker drives into Philippines market

MANILA, Philippines — Vietnamese automotive firm THACO (Truong Hai Auto Corp.) is making its debut in the Philippine market through a distribution partnership with BJ Mercantile Inc. (BJM).

THACO Auto vice president Doan Dat Ninh and BJM vice president Leilani Lim Tan yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the truck and bus distribution cooperation.

Under the MOU, BJM will serve as the official sales, service and parts distributor of THACO trucks and buses in the country.

Doan said THACO decided to enter the Philippine market as it sees opportunities in the country.

“We believe that our products and our services can meet all the requirements of the Philippine market,” Doan said.

According to Doan, THACO is also interested in opportunities to serve the market as the government pushes for the modernization of public transportation.

“We are honored to partner with THACO and are excited to offer their high-quality trucks and buses to the Philippine market,” Tan said.

She said BJM would initially be offering THACO bus models and medium-duty trucks, with all units powered by internal combustion engines.

“In terms of shifting to electric, we feel that we still have to start with the infrastructure first in terms of charging because without the infrastructure, I think it is quite difficult for the operators to shift to electric, even as much as they want to,” Tan said.

Within the truck segment, she said light and medium-duty trucks show the highest growth potential as these remain as the primary mode of transporting goods.

In terms of buses, she said coaches or provincial buses are expected to post the fastest growth.

Founded in 1997, THACO is the leading automotive manufacturer in Vietnam.

Designed for tropical climates and heavy-duty use, THACO vehicles are a perfect fit for local roads.

Apart from THACO, BJM’s automotive portfolio includes Scania, Ashok-Leyland, Fuso and Hongqi vehicles.