BJ Mercantile Expands Portfolio Through Strategic Partnership with Vietnam’s THACO

BJ Mercantile Inc. (BJM), one of the Philippines’ leading diversified conglomerates, has officially entered a strategic partnership with Vietnamese automotive giant THACO AUTO. Through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) held on June 26, 2025, in the Philippines, BJM becomes the exclusive sales, service, and parts distributor for THACO’s buses and trucks across the country. This marks a major expansion in BJM’s already impressive commercial vehicle portfolio and reflects a shared commitment to advancing transport solutions nationwide.

From its humble beginnings in 1974 as a used engine and truck importer, BJM has grown into a powerhouse with businesses in automotive, logistics, petroleum, real estate, cold storage, and marine transport. Its reputation for strong technical expertise, excellent after-sales support, and strategic brand partnerships has positioned it as a leader in the Philippine transport industry. “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 goal to provide innovative, cost-effective, and reliable mobility solutions to Filipino enterprises.”

THACO AUTO, established in 1997, is one of Southeast Asia’s top automotive manufacturers. It operates the Chu Lai Truong Hai Industrial Complex—one of the region’s most advanced manufacturing hubs—offering full-scale R&D, production, distribution, and after-sales support. THACO has supplied over 25,000 buses to Vietnam since 2005 and has steadily expanded its export footprint to the Philippines, Thailand, and Singapore. “With over 70% localization in our buses and a focus on ASEAN integration, we are confident that THACO vehicles are well-suited for the Philippine market,” noted the THACO Auto Vice President during the press conference.

The collaboration builds on both companies’ strengths: BJM’s decades of industry leadership and market insight, and THACO’s proven engineering, affordability, and service reliability. THACO trucks and buses—built on durable Chinese chassis platforms—are known for their efficiency, functionality, and suitability for tropical, heavy-duty operations. To support this, THACO is committing to provide comprehensive after-sales services, a 24-month warranty, and technical training for service partners and fleet operators in the Philippines.

With this partnership, BJM adds another solid name to its portfolio, which already includes Scania, Ashok-Leyland, Fuso, and Hongqi. More importantly, it paves the way for both companies to actively contribute to the development of a safe and modern public transportation system in the Philippines. As the THACO Vice President emphasized, “This agreement marks a key step in our international market expansion and reflects our desire to deliver lasting value to Filipino customers and the public transport industry as a whole.”