FYI: Tesla sets its sights on the Philippines with strategic hires and market ambitions.
Tesla Eyeing the Philippines for Expansion with New Hires
Tesla appears to be planning an entry into the Philippine automotive market, as revealed by several job postings on the company’s Careers website for positions located in Manila.
A Debut in Manila
Various key roles, such as Leads Generations Program Manager, Store Manager, Service Manager, and Delivery Manager, are currently being recruited by Tesla. Additionally, positions related to vehicle parts and service have also been listed.
Strategic Location in Taguig
All of Tesla’s job listings for the Philippines are centralized in Taguig, Manila. This area encompasses the high-end Bonifacio Global City district, a bustling business hub and home to luxury dealerships for supercar brands like Lamborghini, Maserati, Porsche, Audi, and Lexus.
An Emerging Market
The electric vehicle industry in the Philippines is still nascent, with most vehicles sold each year powered by internal combustion engines. Recent years have seen a rise in hybrid vehicle adoption, yet battery-electric vehicles remain scarce.
Current EV Landscape
The current electric vehicle options in the Philippines range from budget-friendly models like the Cherry QQ Ice Cream (marketed locally as the Jetour Ice Cream EV) to mid-tier options like the BYD Atto 3 and luxury brands like Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron GT. Teslas are currently available only through private imports.
Challenges and Prospects
To thrive in the Philippine market, Tesla will need to address and dispel enduring myths about electric vehicles. If successful, Tesla has the potential to cement its position in one of Southeast Asia’s rapidly growing automotive markets, which saw 441,000 units sold in 2023.
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William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
