President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is hopeful that one day American automaker Tesla would build its cars here in the Philippines.

“With plans to expand further, Tesla is building a generation of Filipinos equipped to lead in the global shift towards sustainable technologies such as this,” he said in his speech.

“It is our fervent hope that Tesla might one day choose to manufacture its vehicles in the Philippines,” he added.

Marcos expressed his enthusiasm for the company’s electric vehicles (EV) as he led the ceremonial launch of Tesla Center Philippines at Taguig City on Monday.

“No one is more excited than I am at this launching of the Tesla Center in the Philippines. As many people know, I’m a bit of a motorhead,” he said.

The President emphasized that while in his lifetime, it has always been internal combustion engines for cars, electric vehicles are seen as the future.

He also underscored the role Tesla will play in the Philippines’ fight against climate change, even if Tesla cars as well as electric vehicles are seen as “premium”

“While it is true that electric vehicles are currently seen as premium products, Tesla’s entry into the Philippine [market] signals much more than high-tech cars on the road. It is a step — a very significant step forward to our long-term transformation towards a more environment-friendly transportation system,” he said.

Marcos reiterated his support for sustainable transport systems. He also boasted policies that will enable automakers like Tesla to grow their business and the EV market in the Philippines.

These include the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion or TRAIN Act, which removed excise taxes on battery electric vehicles; and the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), offering duty-free importation for charging stations, lowering user fees for EV owners and prioritizing registration and traffic privileges.

With plans to expand further, Tesla is building a generation of Filipinos equipped to lead in the global shift towards sustainable technologies such as this.

With these benefits for the EV market, Marcos is optimistic that Tesla’s arrival in the country will encourage local innovation and drive new investments in the EV sector.

“To Tesla, thank you for believing in the Philippines. Your investment in the country extends beyond transportation and infrastructure; it is in the people and potential of the country,” Marcos said.

Tesla officially entered the Philippines on 8 November 2024. It is operating under the name Tesla Motors Philippines Inc. (Tesla Philippines) which is a subsidiary of the US-based car manufacturer Tesla Inc. (Tesla).