TessDrive brings you the latest developments across commercial vehicle expos, executive appointments, municipal EV fleet rollouts, international production milestones, and regional electric mobility expansions.
Isuzu powers Mindanao commercial logistics at Trucxpo 2026
Isuzu Philippines Corp (IPC), alongside its Cagayan de Oro dealer partner North-min Auto Dealers Inc (NMadi), gathered transport operators, agricultural enterprises, and financial partners for the Isuzu NMadi Trucxpo 2026 at the Isuzu Cagayan de Oro Showroom.
The two-day expo addressed Northern Mindanao’s growing agribusiness and freight requirements, showcasing specialized body configurations developed with certified truck body builders:
Isuzu Traviz: Displayed in three light-duty formats: a utility vehicle (UV) for passenger and cargo transport, an enclosed aluminum van, and a refrigerated van for temperature-controlled local routes;
Medium-duty cold chain trucks: Featured the Isuzu FVR and Isuzu FRR configured with high-output refrigerated van bodies to transport food products and pharmaceuticals across inter-provincial corridors;
Isuzu NQR Dropside: Tailored for the rapid loading and unloading of construction supplies, agricultural yields, and commercial hardware.
The event concluded with the Isuzu NMadi Partners’ Recognition Night, honoring fleet, corporate, and financial institutions.
IPC president Mikio Tsukui said: “At Isuzu, we understand that businesses require transport solutions that are reliable, efficient, and aligned with their operational requirements. Through the Isuzu NMadi Trucxpo, we provide customers with access not only to our commercial vehicle lineup, but also to the expertise and specialized solutions of our trusted partners, helping them make informed decisions for their businesses.”
NMadi general manager Nyle Balasabas added: “We don’t just sell trucks. We help businesses move. And when businesses move, industries move. When industries move, communities move. And when communities move, Mindanao moves forward.”
GAC named 2026 breakthrough automotive brand by Kantar
GAC Philippines was officially named the “2026 Breakthrough Brand – Automotive” in Kantar Philippines’ 2026 BrandZ Spotlight on Philippine Brands report. Published annually, the BrandZ study evaluates brand equity through financial benchmarks and Kantar’s meaningful, different, and salient (MDS) consumer perception framework.
The award recognizes GAC’s rapid market penetration following its transition into a wholly owned local subsidiary under GAC International and the implementation of its “One GAC” strategy unifying GAC Motor, AION, and Hyptec. The brand’s expansion aligns with rising consumer acceptance: The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines-Truck Manufacturers Association (Campi-TMA) recorded a 15.3% market penetration for electrified vehicles (xEVs) in the first half of 2026, while Kantar’s April 2026 survey indicated that 74% of Filipino respondents are open to purchasing an EV.
GAC Philippines general manager Calvin Cheng said: “Being named the 2026 Breakthrough Brand-Automotive reflects our rapid strides in the market and our commitment to empowering Filipinos with cutting-edge mobility technology through our new energy lineup.”
GAC operates 30 dealerships nationwide, backed by a central parts warehouse, two years of roadside assistance, and battery warranties extending up to 8 years or 200,000 km on pure electric models.
Book test drives at gacgroup.com/en-ph/test-drive or follow @gacmotorph on Facebook and Instagram.
Tim Wels appointed managing director for Ford Philippines
Ford Motor Co announced the appointment of Tim Wels as managing director of Ford Philippines, effective Nov. 1, 2026. Wels succeeds Pedro Simoes, who is returning to the Middle East following an organizational transformation of the Philippine business.
Wels currently serves as general manager for marketing and strategy at Ford Australia, where he has built nearly two decades of brand, product launch, and operational experience since joining in 2008. In his new role based in Manila, Wels will report directly to Andrew Birkic, vice president of sales and service for Ford International Markets Group (IMG).
The leadership transition precedes Ford Philippines’ 30th corporate anniversary in 2027, following the recent rollouts of the refreshed Ranger and Everest lineups, the Territory Hybrid Platinum, and investments in a new parts distribution center and learning center.
Birkic noted: “(I am confident that Tim,) with a proven track record of driving profitable growth, enhancing brand value, and leading high-performing cross-functional teams, will be able to lead the team and work together with our dealer partners to further strengthen the Ford brand in the Philippines.
“On behalf of the Ford team, I also want to express my appreciation to Pedro for his significant contributions to Ford Philippines. Pedro successfully led an organizational and culture transformation and positioned the business for success in its next phase. We wish him the very best in his new role.”
Wels said: “I am excited to be joining our talented team in the Philippines. I look forward to working with our passionate group of employees, dealers and partners who have all been instrumental to the success of Ford Philippines, especially as it approaches its 30th anniversary in 2027 with an exciting vehicle lineup and enhanced ownership offerings for Filipino customers.”
BYD hands over 8 electric patrol cars to Muntinlupa City
BYD Cars Philippines formally turned over 8 units of the all-electric BYD Dolphin to the City Government of Muntinlupa, deploying them directly to the Muntinlupa Police Station to support daily law enforcement and road patrols.
The procurement serves as a key component of Mayor Ruffy Biazon’s urban sustainability and green technology agenda. By switching from conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) patrol units to EVs, the city aims to reduce municipal fleet emissions, eliminate patrol fuel costs, lower preventive maintenance expenses, and increase vehicle uptime for frontline police officers.
Biazon said: “The acquisition of the BYD Dolphins is a part of the long-term investment in clean energy that Muntinlupa has already committed to. With electric patrol cars, our police force can stay on the road longer without worry and gives them a more reliable way to serve our community.”
BYD Cars Philippines managing director Bob Palanca added: “Muntinlupa’s decision to electrify its police fleet reflects the kind of forward-thinking leadership we hope to see in more local governments. At BYD Cars Philippines, we want to be a genuine partner to local government units (LGUs) as they move toward cleaner, more cost-efficient public service fleets, and this is a strong example of what that partnership looks like in practice.”
Explore municipal and commercial fleet solutions at bydcarsphilippines.com.
Myanmar President tours VinFast Hai Phong complex
During his official state visit to Vietnam, the President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Min Aung Hlaing toured the VinFast Hai Phong manufacturing complex alongside a high-level government delegation.
The delegation was received by VinFast chairman Pham Nhat Quan Anh, who led a walkthrough of the automated body shop and general assembly shop, explaining VinFast’s lean manufacturing processes, robotics integration, and EV architectures. President Min Aung Hlaing highlighted the manufacturing quality, global production standards, and rapid scale of the facilities.
The Hai Phong complex serves as the manufacturing backbone for VinFast’s regional and international operations, supporting its presence in over 10 international markets—including the Philippines, Indonesia, India, and North America.
Green SM expands electric taxi operations to Palembang
Green SM launched its 100% electric taxi service in Palembang, marking its second operating hub on the island of Sumatra following Bandar Lampung, and joining its Indonesian network covering Jakarta, Makassar, Surabaya, and Bali.
The expansion is supported by the brand’s “Green Your Move, Refresh Your City” campaign, organized in coordination with Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment/Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH) under the “Ecosystem & Air Protection” banner.
To introduce the service to Palembang’s 1.8 million residents, Green SM rolled out launch fare discounts: Sept. 12–16: 100% discount (up to Rp 50,000); Sept. 17–25: 50% discount (up to Rp 50,000); Sept. 26–Oct. 2: 35% discount (up to Rp 50,000).
Globally, Green SM has surpassed 850 million passenger trips covering roughly 6 billion km, reducing an estimated 800,000 tons of CO₂ emissions.
Green SM global CEO Pham Nhat Minh Hoang stated: “I am delighted that Green SM has another opportunity to bring the positive values of green mobility to even more people across Indonesia. We believe that through our consistent service quality, professional drivers, and the outstanding benefits that green mobility offers, Green SM will become a trusted companion for the people of Palembang in their daily journeys, while contributing to ecosystem protection and cleaner air in Indonesia.”
