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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Trade & Industry devider Chinese automotive firm explores partnership for Philippine EV brand

Chinese automotive firm explores partnership for Philippine EV brand

Published May 28, 2026 01:28 pm
(Unsplash)
(Unsplash)
China-based automotive design and engineering company Shanghai Launch Automotive Technology Co. Ltd. (Launch Design) is exploring potential partnerships to help develop a local electric vehicle (EV) brand, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

In a statement on Thursday, May 28, the DTI said Trade Secretary Cristina Roque met with Launch Design chairman Wang Xun during her recent trip to Shanghai, China, to discuss the company’s plans for the Philippines.

Launch Design is interested in helping the country develop its domestic EV production, including the development of a homegrown brand.

The company plans to support supply chain localization and domestic assembly of EVs in the country through its expertise in EV design, engineering, and small-scale manufacturing.

The DTI said the ambitious plan is a step in the right direction under the government’s efforts to accelerate the growth of the local EV industry, which is experiencing a massive surge in demand due to higher oil prices.

The government is in the process of finalizing an EV program called the Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS), which aims to encourage investments in EV manufacturing or assembly in exchange for corresponding incentives.

Launch Design is capable of providing comprehensive vehicle development services, from initial concept planning and rigorous testing to eventual mass production.

It is currently in partnership with global automotive giants such as BYD and Toyota, with a portfolio of more than 400 delivered vehicle models.

Meanwhile, the DTI said Roque also held a meeting with officials of Liwayway Holdings Co. Ltd., AGL Group, and Joyvio Freshcall regarding their plans to establish a coconut processing facility in General Santos City.

Liwayway China chairman Larry Chan said the facility is expected to produce food and non-food products that will be distributed across China through the networks of the three companies.

Chan added that they are also interested in exploring opportunities for agricultural commodities such as ube, pili nuts, and specialty coffee as ingredients for products to be sold in China. - Dexter Barro II

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Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Electric vehicle
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