BEVS FOR LESS FOR MORE

JMC PH is democratizing the electric vehicle

- By KAP MACEDA AGUILA

Last year's Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), Madrid-headquartered global automotive distributor Astara unveiled the JMC brand—or at least its more passenger-oriented portfolio—to the public. Of course, JMC (also known as Jiangling Motors Group Co., Limited or JMCG) has been known here for its trucking/logistics solutions, but Astara Philippines now has the rights to distribute its more, well, everyday-use offerings—specifically the JMC Vigus and Grand Avenue pickup models.

In an exclusive interview with this writer, Astara Philippines Sales Director MJ del Pilar narrated, "When we launched the JMC brand, our intention at that time...was to come in with pickup vehicles. We all know the Philippines is pickup territory; almost half of the commercial vehicle segment (sales are comprised) of pickups. Even in Metro Manila and NCR, almost 40% of the market are pickups. So at that time, we said the best way to enter the Philippines is through a segment that can serve a larger customer base."

More than a year hence, JMC is making not a pivot but a measured expansion of its portfolio with the recent local launch of the EV2 and EV3—two battery electric vehicles (BEVs) that are, notably, very affordably priced.