Power Wheels Magazine A Notch Above
Terrafirma Motors Corporation (TMC) signed an agreement with Chengdu Dayun Automobile Co. Ltd. (Chengdu Dayun) of China during a signing ceremony held at the Manila Golf and Country Club in Makati on March 8, 2023. TMC Chairman Bienvenido Santos, CAMPI Chairman Emeritus Gov. Jose Ch. Alvarez, Chengdu Dayun Executive Vice General Manger Xie Ping and Asia Regional Manager Sunny Huang (left to right in photo) signed the Exclusive Distributorship Agreement to signify the start of an assembly and distribution partnership between the two automotive companies.
TMC President Felix J. Mabilog, Jr. shakes hands with Chengdu Dayun Executive Vice GM Xie Ping.
TMC and Chengdu Dayun executives pose for a souvenir photo.
TMC is part of the Columbian Group, which has a proven track record in the manufacture, assembly, distribution and retail of vehicles. The company has partnered with several automotive brands in the past including BMW, Kia, Mazda, Range Rover, Peugeot and Mahindra. The Columbian Group also has vast business interests in the land, sea and air transportation industries. Shifting from private vehicle distribution, TMC will be primarily focused on the assembly of commercial vehicles to help spur the economic development of the country.
An aerial view of the vast Columbian Group / TMC assembly plant inside the Laguna International Industrial Park (LIIP) in Biñan, Laguna.
TMC’s partner, Chengdu Dayun Automobile Co., Ltd., is the 4th leading private automotive company in China. The company has business interests in automobile and new energy vehicles manufacturing, real estate development, logistics, construction and film investment. With specific focus on cost-effective, green technology, the company aims to create more value for its clients and to help create a better world for the next generation.
The massive Chengdu Dayun Automobile Co., Ltd. factory complex in Shangxi, China
As an initial product offering, TMC is set to assemble and distribute to the Philippine market the Dayun Dragon EX5, an electric-powered light truck that can be configured in several ways. “We are very proud to be partnering with the Chengdu Dayun group. With Terrafirma’s expertise in vehicle assembly, the Dragon EX5 is set to become a fixture on Philippine roads”, said Santos. “Eventually, with the help of our local distribution partner Astara Philippines, this product will contribute to the vehicle modernization program as a champion of clean air technology. We look forward to contributing to a brighter, cleaner future for the Philippines through our partnership with Chengdu Dayun”, he added.
TMC and Chengdu Dayun executives flank Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista in front of the Dayun Dragon EX5 electric commercial vehicle.
Chairman Emeritus Jose Ch. Alvarez points to the various features of the Dayun Dragon EX5.
TMC also displayed the concept designs for the 31-passenger Class 2 (21 seated and 10 standing passengers) and 23-passenger Class 3 Electric Modern Jeepney.
A prototype of the Dayun Dragon EX5 was unveiled after the ceremonial signing. Attended by media and several business partners, this landmark event signifies Terrafirma’s long-term commitment to the automobile industry and to nationwide development. “We are in talks with Meralco, the country’s leading electric company, to find ways to bring these cleaner emitting vehicles to more industries throughout the country. Terrafirma’s goal is to remain relevant in the area of mobility even as we adapt to the needs of the times. We aim to electrify the future”, ended Santos.
TMC gave members of the local motoring media a sneak peek at the Dayun Dragon EX5 electric commercial vehicle.
Chengdu Dayun engineers placed an emphasis on driving comfort with the EX5’s ergonomic layout…
… and spacious cabin, which features a car-like instrument panel and dashboard.
Shifter quadrant indicates R (reverse), N (neutral), D (drive) and C, which had the guests guessing what it means.
The 65KW electric motor delivers 360Nm of torque through a reducer-type fixed gear transmission.
With a maximum payload of 3,000 kilograms, this electric LCV has a claimed range of 250 kilometers when its 540V 81kWh battery pack is fully charged.
After the media preview of the Dragon EX5, TMC president Felix J. Mabilog, Jr. presided over a friendly open forum with the members of the motoring media. “Like many companies around the world, the Columbian Group experienced some difficulties during the pandemic but we continued operations and kept our workforce intact”, he narrated. “Our partnership with Chengdu Dayun shows our commitment to our employees to provide jobs, our commitment to the nation to help improve the transportation sector, and our commitment to the future generation to help take care of the environment. We are here for you. Expect more from us soon!”
TMC President Felix J. Mabilog, Jr. emphasizes his point during the open forum with the media while Chengdu Dayun and TMC executives look on.
Can electric commercial vehicles light the way to effectively and cleanly improve the mobility of our countrymen? The future is almost certainly electric!
