FILIPINO car buyers have apparently taken to China’s BYD with the 26,122 units said to have been sold last year, a 446-percent surge from just 4,780 in 2024.
“2025 marked a significant milestone in the advancement and broader adoption of New Energy Vehicles in the country,” said Bob Palanca, managing director of BYD Cars Philippines, in a statement on Thursday.
Sales were said to have been led by the Seagull hatchback, with 4,608 units of the battery electric vehicle leaving showrooms, while Sealion 6 SUV led the brand’s DM-i plug-in hybrid range.
The company also said that it achieved its target of 79 operational dealerships nationwide, up from 25 locations at the end of 2024.
The Chinese automaker is looking to further expand its footprint, on Thursday also announcing plans to bring in its premium Denza brand with three vehicles scheduled to be launched later this year.
BYD Cars is a unit of Ayala-owned ACMobility, which distributes the BYD brand in the Philippines.
BYD and ACMobility have renewed the passenger car distribution partnership, which began in August 2023, and both companies said they remained focused on expanding the network and “enhancing the ownership experience” for BYD buyers.
Adam Hu, BYD Philippines country head, said last year’s milestones were “a clear signal of our unwavering, long-term commitment to the Philippine market.”
“Together with ACMobility, we are committed to fueling this momentum and making new energy vehicles the standard, not the exception, for Filipino drivers,” he added.