Chinese auto firm explores partnerships for local EV brand

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May 31, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Chinese automotive design and engineering firm Shanghai Launch Automotive Technology Co. Ltd. (Launch Design) is looking to partner with local firms to help develop a Philippine electric vehicle (EV) brand.

In a statement, the Department of Trade and Industry said that Trade Secretary Cristina Roque met with Launch Design chairman Wang Xun in Shanghai, China on May 23 to explore strategic partnerships within the local EV ecosystem.

The meeting focused on Launch Design’s interest in advancing domestic EV production, including the development of a Philippine EV brand.

Discussions covered how Launch Design can support supply chain localization and the domestic manufacturing of EV.

Launch Design is strong in the area of EV design, engineering and small-scale manufacturing.

The company is one of the earliest independent automobile research and development institutions in China.

It has a portfolio of over 400 vehicle models that have been successfully launched, covering new energy models, traditional passenger cars and commercial vehicles.

It also has partnerships with global automotive giants like BYD, Geely and Toyota.

As such, the company is seen as ready to support the Philippines’ push to strengthen the emerging EV supply chain.

The DTI has been actively encouraging firms to invest in EV manufacturing in the country amid growing demand for such vehicles and rising fuel prices.

As part of efforts to attract EV manufacturing investments, the government is preparing to launch the Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS), which will provide fiscal support to firms that locally produce EVs.

Roque said that the EVIS is expected to be rolled out soon.