The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP), led by President Edmund Araga and Chairman Emeritus Ferdi Raquelsantos, made a significant visit to the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Automotive Sub Council (CCPIT Auto) in Beijing. The delegation met with James Chai, the Assistant Chairman of CCPIT Auto, to discuss collaborative efforts in the electric vehicle (EV) industry and promote the upcoming 12th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit (PEVS).
During the meeting, James Chai provided an insightful overview of the history of the Chinese automotive industry sharing that the first vehicle produced in China was a 2.5-ton light truck in 1953,under the brand FAW (First Auto Works). It was done through the cooperation of the former USSR using a GAZ vehicle . The first joint venture in the Chinese automotive industry occurred in 1984 between BAIC and Jeep, marking a significant milestone in international automotive cooperation.
He also highlighted the pivotal moments in history that shaped the global automotive landscape:
- 1886 – The invention of the automobile by Carl Benz.
- 1908 – The introduction of the Model T and the assembly line by Ford.
- 1980s – Japan further developed the lean manufacturing System with the TPS (Toyota Production System).
- 2022 – China’s development of electrification and intelligence in the auto industry, positioning the nation as a global leader in EV development.
President Edmund Araga expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership opportunities between EVAP and CCPIT Auto. “China’s leadership in the electrification of the automotive industry is an inspiration. We look forward to leveraging this expertise to advance the electric vehicle industry in the Philippines,” Araga stated.
The highlight of the visit was the promotion of the 12th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit, scheduled to take place on October 24-26, 2024, at the SMX Convention Center in Mall of Asia (MOA). The summit aims to bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the future of electric mobility in the Philippines and the ASEAN region.
CCPIT Auto has committed its support for the PEVS, marking a significant step towards international cooperation in the development of the EV industry. This collaboration underscores the shared vision of both organizations in promoting sustainable and innovative transportation solutions.
