THACO bus sales in the Philippines surged 59% in 2025 compared to 2024. With new delivery batches, THACO AUTO is forecast to maintain positive growth momentum, potentials to expand its operational scale and increasing THACO vehicles sales in the market in near future.

The Philippines has been one of THACO AUTO's key export markets in recent years. Beginning in 2019, the company introduced buses—both seating and sleeper models using Volvo chassis—to the Filipinos. These vehicles were quickly deployed for interprovincial and tourism transport, demonstrating stable performance, high durability, and reasonable costs, establishing solid grounds for the Vietnamese bus brand's presence in the Philippines.

THACO buses for export

Receiving positive customer feedback and acknowledging local demand for vehicle upgrades, 2025 marked a crucial turning point when THACO AUTO and BJ Mercantile (BJM) signed a strategic partnership agreement to distribute THACO-branded buses in the Philippines. The cooperation has opened a new phase in which THACO AUTO not only supplies products through individual orders but also implements a long-term, stable, and systematic export strategy through a local partner with an extensive distribution network.

Signing of THACO bus distribution cooperation in the Philippines

After both sides inked the agreement, BJM received the first batch of Thaco Cruizer 125 buses, then batches of premium 2:1 seating buses and sleeper buses in compliance with international standards and tailored to Philippine operating conditions. Such continuous deliveries have proven the new partnership’s effectiveness while reflecting market confidence in THACO-manufactured buses.

Handover of THACO buses to customers in the Philippines

According to BJ Mercantile, THACO buses received high ratings in the Philippines thanks to durable body structures and stable performance on complex terrain, fuel efficiency for optimal costs, comfortable interiors, particularly the 2:1 layout version suitable for long-distance travel, timely technical service and maintenance support in coordination with THACO AUTO.

To meet the market's increasingly demanding requirements, THACO AUTO leverages its integrated industrial ecosystem in Chu Lai—which includes bus body and components plants, as well as R&D centers. The production process ensures international quality standards, applying robotic welding, electrostatic painting, emissions and safety testing according to Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) standards.

THACO bus production lines

Mr. Doan Dat Ninh, THACO AUTO Vice President in charge of Production Division, stated: "The Philippines is a strategic market for THACO AUTO in Southeast Asia. Customer trust over the years is the clearest evidence of our product quality and manufacturing capabilities. THACO AUTO will continue developing vehicles even better suited to the operating conditions, weather, and requirements of Philippine transport operators."

Building on practical results in the Philippines, THACO AUTO aims to strengthen exports while continuing to standardize after-sales service and market research to boost customization for each country. Beyond the Philippines, the company also expands into Thailand with Mercedes-Benz RS 1936 buses, while exploring opportunities in African countries and the Gulf region.

With a sustainable strategy, products proven through real-world operational effectiveness, and support from local partners, THACO AUTO gradually solidifies its position as a Vietnamese automaker with regional competitive capabilities, contributing actively to ASEAN's industrial and commercial supply chain.

Export of THACO buses at Chu Lai Port (Da Nang, Vietnam)