Terrafirma Motors Corporation, a subsidiary of the Columbian Group, has officially signed an agreement with Chinese automaker Chengdu Dayun Automobile Co. Ltd to assemble and distribute Dayun light trucks and commercial vehicles here in the Philippines.
Under the partnership agreement, Chengdu Dayun will supply TMC with “drive-away chassis” units. These units are composed of a China-made Isuzu engine, chassis, transmission, axles, and tires. According to an interview conducted by Philippine Star with TMC Philippines president Felix Mabilog Jr., after receiving the vital parts from Chengdu, TMC will then assemble the body and other components to be used as modern jeepneys that comply with government regulations under the public utility vehicle modernization program.
In its home country of China, Chengdu Dayun is the 4th leading private automotive company with a focus on economical, clean technology. To provide a glimpse of what TMC will be offering in the future, the signing event also previewed the Dayun Dragon EX5 which will also be TMC’s initial product offering in the local market.
“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. 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 with this partnership with Chengdu Dayun.”
Categorized as an all-electric light-duty truck, the Dayun Dragon EX5 has a maximum payload capacity of 3,000 kg, a 90 km/h top speed, and a 250 km range on a single charge. The Dragon EX5 can achieve these thanks to an 81.14 kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery powering an electric motor that can put out 187 PS and 360 Nm of torque.
Once TMC starts assembling and distributing the Dayun Dragon EX5, the truck will be joining the Foton Tornado EV among the first wave of all-electric light-duty trucks to be sold here in the Philippines.
