BYD chairman and president Wang Chuanfu recently visited the Philippines to review the Chinese automaker’s local operations and meet its dealers, business partners and frontline staff.

Wang toured several BYD dealerships and the DENZA showrooms in Alabang and Cebu. He also visited ACMobility Charging Hubs and spoke with customers about their experience with electric vehicles.

The visit came three years after ACMobility and BYD began their partnership in 2023. ACMobility serves as the official Philippine distributor and importer of BYD passenger vehicles and DENZA, the automaker’s premium new energy vehicle brand.

“The Philippines has become one of the most exciting and promising markets for New Energy Vehicles in the region,” Wang said.

He credited ACMobility for its work in vehicle distribution, charging services and after-sales support. Wang added that customer feedback and continued research would help BYD develop vehicles and services for the local market.

BYD now has 81 dealerships across the country, while DENZA has four. The two brands have added outlets as more Filipino buyers consider battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Wang also met BYD and DENZA dealer principals during his trip. The talks covered the growth of the local network and the support needed as both brands add more customers.

ACMobility chief executive officer Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala said the cost of transport has long been a concern for Filipino households. He said new energy vehicles could help address that concern through lower energy and maintenance expenses.

“That conviction is what brought us to BYD in 2023, and it is why we have deployed resources across the entire ownership journey,” Zobel said.

These investments cover retail outlets, charging stations and after-sales facilities. ACMobility’s electric vehicle charging network now covers more than 200 locations nationwide.

BYD Cars Philippines managing director Bob Palanca described Wang’s visit as a vote of confidence in the local market. He said the distributor would add models and extend its dealer network as demand grows.

The company has steadily introduced electrified vehicles at different price points since ACMobility took over the distributorship. DENZA entered the premium segment through a separate dealer network.

Adam Hu, country head of BYD and DENZA Philippines, said both brands would continue to work with their local partners to improve customer service and develop the wider EV network.

Wang’s visit gave BYD’s top executive a closer look at the progress of its Philippine business. It also placed the country among the regional markets that the automaker sees as important to its international expansion.