Terrafirma, Chengdu Dayun partner for modern jeepneys, e-trucks

MANILA, Philippines — Terrafirma Motors Corp. (TMC), a subsidiary of the Columbian Group, recently signed an agreement with Chinese firm Chengdu Dayun Automobile Co. Ltd. for a commercial vehicle assembly and distribution partnership.

Under the deal, Chengdu Dayun will supply TMC with “drive-away chassis” units – comprised of a China-made Isuzu engine, chassis, transmission, axles and tires.

TMC president Felix Mabilog Jr., in an interview with The STAR, said TMC will then design and assemble the body and other components onto the units, to be used as modern jeepneys under the government’s public utility vehicle modernization program. An initial 25 vehicles have already been delivered to the San Pedro Transit Cooperative in San Pedro, Laguna, and another cooperative has ordered 60 units as well, he said.

“Founded by Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) chairman emeritus Gov. Jose Ch. Alvarez, TMC is part of the Columbian Group, which has traditionally been involved in the manufacture, assembly, distribution and retail of vehicles,” said TMC in a release. It cited past partnerships with automotive brands BMW, Kia, Mazda, Range Rover, Peugeot and Mahindra. Presently, TMC is said to be “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, on the other hand, is the fourth largest private automotive company in China. It is engaged in automotive manufacturing, real estate development, logistics, construction, and film investment.