As the automotive landscape transforms with the surge of electric vehicles (EVs), the behavior of industry giants in car distribution has become a topic of keen interest. Amid this shift, some early players in the Philippine EV scene are quietly exiting or shifting alliances, while others warmly embrace international EV manufacturers.
One compelling case in point is Ayala Corporation’s AC Motors, which is undergoing a substantial operational overhaul. Leading this transformation is Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, who has taken the reins at AC Motors Group. The company, a major player in the Philippine automotive arena, handles renowned car brands like Kia, Volkswagen, Maxus, and also manages Honda and Isuzu dealerships, along with KTM and Husqvarna motorcycles.
Jaime Alfonso’s ascension coincided with the promotion of Brian Buendia to a significant role in Kia Philippines Motor Corporation (KPMC), the official importer and distributor of Kia vehicles in the country. This shift follows the retirement of Manny Aligada, who had helmed KPMC since its reorganization in 2019.
Recently, AC Motors orchestrated a round-table discussion with media members, introducing Jaime Alfonso as the new head of AC Motors Group, a subsidiary of AC Industrial Technology Holdings. This development accompanied AC Motors Group’s announcement of a strategic collaboration with BYD, a global powerhouse in electric car manufacturing. Jaime Alfonso is poised to take on a key leadership role as the new chairman of AC Motors Group, with Toti Zara, the AC Motors president, continuing to oversee the company’s automotive operations.
The revelation of the BYD partnership raised eyebrows, given AC Motors’ portfolio of Japanese-made vehicles. However, this move aligns with Ayala Corporation’s commitment to advancing sustainable mobility and reducing emissions. Moreover, Ayala Corporation’s recent series of environmental pledges underscore its dedication to combating pollution.
As Ayala Corporation accelerates the establishment of EV infrastructure, aiming to bolster EV sales, its current partnerships may not align with this electrified future. One notable subsidiary reportedly has only committed to 60 top-tier EVs since its launch last year, falling significantly short of their EV infrastructure expansion targets.
Turning to the expertise of Chinese company BYD, which has already produced over 5 million EVs and outpaced Tesla in global EV production, AC Motors’ aspiration to bring affordable and high-quality EVs to the market becomes increasingly attainable.
In this pivotal moment, AC Motors’ strategic collaboration with BYD signals a resolute commitment to a greener tomorrow, steering the Philippine automotive landscape toward a more sustainable and electrified future.