Philippines
based Columbian Group of Companies, distributors of commercial and passenger vehicles
will soon be assembling and distributing Hero MotoCorp motorcycles in Philippines.
A partnership has been formed between Terrafirma Motors Corporation (TMC), a
part of the Columbian Group of Companies, in bringing its Hero MotoCorp motorcycles
to the country.
(Despite an extensive search on the internet by Motown India,
not much information could be gathered on Terrafirma Motors or Columbia Group
of Companies. One Philippines based
website of Truck Manufacturers Association, mentioned that, “Columbian Motors
Corporation (CMC) started its operation on February 28, 1981. It is composed of
Filipino stockholders with Mr. Jose Ch. Alvarez and Duraworks Holdings, Inc. as
the primary shareholders. A pioneer member of Truck Manufacturers Association since
1981 and registered at Board of Investment. CMC is also an accredited
manufacturer, assembler, importer and distributor of buses and truck).
According
to Hero MotoCorp press release, Terrafirma Motors Corporation is part of the
Columbian Group of companies, the most experienced automotive group spanning 41
years of serving the Filipino motoring needs through the manufacture, assembly,
distribution and retail of vehicles. The group has partnered with several
brands such as BMW, Kia, Mazda, Range Rover, Peugeot, Mahindra amongst others. They have also different business interests
in the land, sea and air transportation industries.
As
part of the partnership, TMC will be the exclusive assembler and distributor of
Hero MotoCorp motorcycles in Philippines. The company will set up an assembly
facility of 29,000 sq. mtrs in its existing state-of-the-art principal
manufacturing facility situated in Laguna City and start its operations in the
second half fiscal year 2024.
Sanjay
Bhan, Head of Global Business, Hero MotoCorp, said “In keeping with our R4
(Recalibrate, Revitalise, Revolutioniseand Revive) strategy, we are always
keenly exploring new opportunities in global markets. Our partnership with Terrafirma
Motors Corporation (TMC) to enter the Southeast Asian region is an integral
part of this expansion strategy. The trust and technology prowess of Hero
MotoCorp combined with TMC's automotive expertise and network in Philippines will
definitely create an impact and strengthen our footprint in this key market.”
Bienvenido
Sanvictores Santos, Chairman, Terrafirma Motors Corporation, said, “Hero
MotoCorp, the world's largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has been the most
trusted brand partner for more than 100 million customers all over the world.
Terrafirma Motors Corporation (TMC) is a customer-centric automotive company
with the vision to be the ultimate choice for value-based products and services
in the Philippines. This is a coming together of two visionary companies and
the new partnership will lead us to new horizons by enabling us to deliver
modern, technologically superior and eco-friendly mobility solutions to our
customers here.”