Terra Motors eyes PH

Electric vehicle manufacturer Terra Motors Corp. of Japan is targeting the Philippine market given the government’s thrust for “greener” transportation and development.

The company is set to start selling its products locally next year and is initially targeting sales of 10,000 units of “e-tricycles” and “e-motorcycles,” Terra Motors business development director Teppei Seki said in an interview. The company, he said, was having initial talks with potential distributors.

“We are considering whether to partner with a local distributor or to distribute our own products, which is of higher quality than present competitors,” he said. “Our business model includes after-sales service such as easy access to spare parts for customers. We also have an edge

in after-sales service.” Brands known for traditional motorcycles have not introduced equivalent e-motorcycles in the Philippines.

Terra Motors chief executive Toru Tokushige has also disclosed plans to invest in a manufacturing facility in the Philippines, being a “viable market” for more energy efficient and high quality electric scooters and motorcycles.

The Philippines, which has some 3.5 million tricycles and 3.88 million motorcycles on the road, also seeks to curb its dependence on petroleum-based products (which traditional vehicles use). The government, through the Department of Energy, is pushing for clean fuel and “green” transportation to address air pollution, which leads to a prevalence of respiratory diseases and low worker productivity due to poor health. Riza T. Olchondra