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Manila Bulletin devider Drive devider BJ Mercantile brings THACO's commercial vehicle line to Philippine roads

BJ Mercantile brings THACO's commercial vehicle line to Philippine roads

Published Jul 14, 2025 06:47 am

At A Glance

  • BJ Mercantile has officially entered into a strategic partnership with Vietnamese automotive manufacturer THACO Auto, further expanding its presence in the commercial vehicle segment. The agreement, finalized via a memorandum of understanding (MOU), designates BJ Mercantile as the exclusive distributor of THACO's buses and trucks in the Philippines, encompassing sales, service, and spare parts support.
BJ Mercantile has officially entered into a strategic partnership with Vietnamese automotive manufacturer THACO Auto, further expanding its presence in the commercial vehicle segment. The agreement, finalized via a memorandum of understanding (MOU), designates BJ Mercantile as the exclusive distributor of THACO's buses and trucks in the Philippines, encompassing sales, service, and spare parts support.
This collaboration unites two companies with extensive experience in commercial transport. Founded in 1974, BJ Mercantile started as an importer of used engines and trucks and has since evolved into a diversified conglomerate with interests in logistics, petroleum, real estate, cold storage, and marine transport. Its proven track record in after-sales service and its extensive dealer network make it an ideal local partner for THACO Auto.
From left: Leilani Lim-Tan, Vice President of BJ Mercantile, Inc. and Doan Dat Ninh, Vice President of THACO Auto, during the contract signing.
From left: Leilani Lim-Tan, Vice President of BJ Mercantile, Inc. and Doan Dat Ninh, Vice President of THACO Auto, during the contract signing.
Leilani Lim Tan, Vice President of BJ Mercantile, welcomed the partnership, stating: "We are honored to partner with THACO and are excited to offer their high-quality trucks and buses to the Philippine market. This collaboration aligns with our commitment to provide innovative, cost-effective, and reliable transport solutions that support the growth of Filipino businesses."
THACO Auto, or Truong Hai Auto Corporation, is one of Vietnam's most distinguished automotive companies. Established in 1997, the firm operates the Chu Lai Truong Hai Industrial Complex in Quang Nam, a sprawling and highly integrated manufacturing hub recognized as one of the most advanced in Southeast Asia. The complex encompasses seven factories and an R&D center and operates on a digitally managed platform. THACO Auto's production capabilities span passenger cars, buses, trucks, and specialized vehicles, and it serves as an assembly partner for international brands such as Kia, Mazda, Peugeot, BMW, Daimler, and Mitsubishi Fuso.
At the press conference announcing the partnership, Doan Dat Ninh, Vice President of THACO Auto, stated: "With over 50 years of experience and a vision to become a leading supplier in the commercial vehicle industry, BJ Mercantile is the ideal partner to work alongside THACO Auto in bringing our products closer to Philippine customers."
THACO Auto first exported buses to the Philippines in 2019. The units received positive feedback for their quality and design. In response to the Philippine government’s transportation modernization initiatives, THACO Auto has developed two core product lines for the local market: seated buses and sleeper buses. The seated variants range from 29 to 47 seats, including VIP configurations, while the sleeper buses feature 22 to 36 sleeping cabins suited for long-distance travel. All models are designed with Philippine operating conditions in mind.
From left: Don Ramos, Sales Manager, BJ Mercantile Inc.; Peachy Tamayo, Marketing Manager, BJ Mercantile Inc.; Leilani Lim Tan, Vice President, BJ Mercantile Inc.; Doan Dat Ninh, Vice President, THACO Auto, Production & Business; Nguyen Ngoc Trung, Director of Truck & Bus Export Sales, THACO Auto; Tran Dinh Quang, Truck & Bus Export Sales Manager, THACO Auto.
From left: Don Ramos, Sales Manager, BJ Mercantile Inc.; Peachy Tamayo, Marketing Manager, BJ Mercantile Inc.; Leilani Lim Tan, Vice President, BJ Mercantile Inc.; Doan Dat Ninh, Vice President, THACO Auto, Production & Business; Nguyen Ngoc Trung, Director of Truck & Bus Export Sales, THACO Auto; Tran Dinh Quang, Truck & Bus Export Sales Manager, THACO Auto.
THACO is also introducing a full range of trucks to the local market, with payload capacities from 1.49 to 14.7 tons. These include light-duty, medium-duty, dump, and specialized trucks designed for logistics, construction, and other transport-intensive industries. Notably, THACO's vehicles feature efficient engines and customizable body configurations, appealing to a wide variety of business needs.
The Vietnamese manufacturer emphasizes its complete production value chain, covering vehicle design, welding, painting, assembly, and inspection. This vertical integration enables THACO Auto to control quality, reduce production costs, and meet tight delivery schedules. The company reports a localization rate of over 70% for its bus models, reflecting its commitment to domestic manufacturing and export readiness.
From left: Marvy Sales, Sales Associate, BJ Mercantile Inc.; Don Ramos, Sales Manager, BJ Mercantile Inc.; Peachy Tamayo, Marketing Manager, BJ Mercantile Inc.; Leilani Lim Tan, Vice President, BJ Mercantile Inc.; Doan Dat Ninh, Vice President, THACO Auto, Production & Business; Nguyen Ngoc Trung, Director of Truck & Bus Export Sales, THACO Auto; Tran Dinh Quang, Truck & Bus Export Sales Manager, THACO Auto.
From left: Marvy Sales, Sales Associate, BJ Mercantile Inc.; Don Ramos, Sales Manager, BJ Mercantile Inc.; Peachy Tamayo, Marketing Manager, BJ Mercantile Inc.; Leilani Lim Tan, Vice President, BJ Mercantile Inc.; Doan Dat Ninh, Vice President, THACO Auto, Production & Business; Nguyen Ngoc Trung, Director of Truck & Bus Export Sales, THACO Auto; Tran Dinh Quang, Truck & Bus Export Sales Manager, THACO Auto.
In terms of support infrastructure, THACO Auto and BJ Mercantile will develop a national after-sales service network, beginning with technical centers in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao. Spare parts availability will be supported by a logistics link to THACO’s manufacturing base in Vietnam, ensuring quick replenishment and efficient maintenance turnaround. THACO buses are powered by Weichai engines, which are already supported by 36 technical centers and offices across the Philippines, further enhancing service coverage.
Technical staff in the Philippines will receive direct training from THACO engineers, particularly in chassis systems, electrical diagnostics, and routine servicing. Customers are also assured of consistent pricing and warranty coverage for both vehicles and engines, in accordance with THACO and Weichai standards.
The partnership between THACO Auto and BJ Mercantile represents a significant advancement for the country’s commercial vehicle sector. As public and private entities in the Philippines continue to invest in modern, efficient transport solutions, the entry of THACO through BJ Mercantile is expected to expand options for fleet operators and help support the country's broader mobility goals.

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