One of the country’s emerging conglomerates, BJ Mercantile Inc. (BJM has significantly expanded its automotive portfolio through its partnership with Vietnamese powerhouse THACO. Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), BJM will become the official distributor of THACO trucks and buses for sales, service, and parts in the Philippines.
From its modest beginnings in 1974 as an importer of used engines and trucks, BJM has grown into a dynamic group with interests spanning automotive, logistics, real estate, petroleum, cold storage, and marine transport, according to a company statement. This new development enables BJM to continue to expand its presence in the commercial vehicle space by offering more choices to its loyal customers. Over the years, it has built a reputation for excellent after-sales service, technical expertise, and strong relationships
“We are honored to partner with THACO and are excited to offer their high-quality trucks and buses to the Philippine market,” said Leilani Lim Tan, Vice President of BJM. “This collaboration aligns with our commitment to provide innovative, cost-effective, and reliable transport solutions to support the growth of Filipino businesses.”
Founded in 1997, THACO is a dominant player in Vietnam’s automotive industry and one of Southeast Asia’s largest auto manufacturers. Its state-of-the-art Chu Lai Truong Hai Industrial Complex is among the most advanced automotive manufacturing hubs in the region, capable of producing a wide range of vehicles from light-duty trucks to full-sized buses and passenger cars.
THACO’s lineup of trucks and buses, built using durable and efficient Chinese chassis platforms, is renowned for its practicality, fuel efficiency, and competitive pricing, making it a perfect match for the Philippines’ growing logistics, construction, and transportation sectors. With over two decades of experience in automotive engineering and manufacturing, THACO’s vehicles are designed for tropical climates and heavy-duty use, making them ideal for local roads.
The THACO deal adds another strong brand to BJM’s growing automotive portfolio that includes Scania, Ashok-Leyland, Fuso and Hongqi.
