Columbian Group’s Terrafirma Motors Corp. Signs Agreement with Chengdu Dayun Auto

Terrafirma Motors Corporation (TMC), a company under the umbrella of the Columbian Group, recently signed an agreement with Chengdu Dayun Automobile Co. Ltd. (Chengdu Dayun) to become the official distributor of Dayun light-duty trucks in the country. The ceremonial signing, headed by TMC Chairman Bienvenido Santos and Chengdu Dayun Executive Vice General Manager Xie Ping, signifies the start of an assembly and distribution partnership between the two groups.

Founded by CAMPI Chairman Emeritus Gov. Jose Ch. Alvarez, TMC is part of the Columbian Group, which has traditionally been involved in the manufacture, assembly, distribution, and retail of vehicles. Over the years, the company has partnered with automotive brands including BMW, Kia, Mazda, Range Rover, Peugeot, and Mahindra. With this partnership with Chengdu Dayun, TMC is shifting from private vehicle distribution to the assembly of commercial vehicles meant to spur economic development. The Columbian Group has business interests in the land, sea, and air transportation industries.

(L to R) Bienvenido S. Santos, Chairman, Columbian Group of Companies; Cong. Jose CH. Alvarez, Chairman Emeritus  Columbian Group of Companies; Xie Ping, Vice General Manager, Chengdu Dayun Automobile Co. Ltd.; Sunny Huang, Sales Manager, Chengdu Dayun Automobile Co. Ltd

Chengdu Dayun is the 4th leading private automotive company in China. The company is into manufacturing (automobiles, new energy vehicles), real estate development, logistics, construction, and film investment. With a specific focus on cost-effective, green technology, the company aims to create more value for its clients and to help create a better world for the next generation. 

As an initial product offering, TMC is set to assemble and distribute to the Philippine market the Dayun Dragon EX5, an electric-powered light-duty truck with numerous configurations. “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,” said TMC Chairman Bienvenido Santos.

A prototype of the Dayun Dragon EX5 with a closed van configuration was unveiled at the ceremonial signing held on March 8, 2023, in Makati City. “We are in talks with Meralco, the country’s leading electric company, to find ways to bring these cleaner emitting vehicles to more industries throughout the country. Terrafirma’s goal is to remain relevant in the area of mobility even as we adapt to the needs of the times. We aim to electrify the future,” ended Santos.

The Dayun Dragon EX5 EV with a closed van configuration prototype | Photos by Mika Fernandez-David