SAION New Energy Holds High-Level Meeting with
Philippine Consulate General in Shanghai
September 1, 2026 — Mr. Jose Dinsay, Vice Commercial Consul of the Philippine Consulate General in Shanghai,
together with Ms. Zhang Yuji, Commercial Manager, led a delegation to the Wuxi headquarters of Jiangsu SAION
New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. The delegation held high-level discussions with Ms. Kelly Jiang, CEO of SAION
New Energy, focusing on key areas including the operational achievements of the company’s e-Jeepney projects
in the Philippines, the advancement of public-private partnership (PPP) initiatives, and investment planning for a
Philippine vehicle assembly plant.
During the meeting, CEO Kelly Jiang warmly welcomed Vice Consul Dinsay and his delegation and provided an
overview of SAION New Energy’s development trajectory, manufacturing capabilities, and business activities in the Philippines.
She explained that SAION’s headquarters in China has established a comprehensive production system covering
complete-vehicle manufacturing and the integration of the three core electric systems—battery, motor, and electric control
systems. The company has developed mature manufacturing processes, standardized production capabilities, and a
robust supply-chain management system.
Building on this manufacturing foundation, SAION’s Philippine subsidiary, E-Future Motors, has introduced an innovative
Joint Operation Model (JOM) for the deployment and operation of electric public-transport vehicles. Several e-Jeepney projects
have already been implemented in partnership with local Philippine transport cooperatives, demonstrating positive results in
areas such as operating-cost efficiency, vehicle utilization, and user satisfaction. The company is now accelerating the
commercial expansion of its e-Jeepney business across the Philippines.
CEO Kelly Jiang also acknowledged the practical challenges faced by companies supporting the electrification of public transportation
in the Philippine market, particularly the limited availability of local financing for large-scale fleet deployment.
She noted that, in alignment with the Philippine Government’s Public Transport Modernization Program, SAION is actively pursuing
strategic international capital from markets including Hong Kong and Japan. To facilitate the successful implementation of these projects,
SAION emphasized the importance of continued support from the Philippine Government through appropriate policy incentives,
investment facilitation, financing guidance, and credit support.
Government-backed financing mechanisms and credit endorsement, she explained, would help strengthen investor and market
confidence, improve access to capital, and accelerate the implementation of public-transport modernization projects.
Philippine Assembly Plant and Localization Strategy
Regarding localized manufacturing, SAION has adopted a phased and pragmatic approach to establishing vehicle assembly
capabilities in the Philippines.
Rather than building an entirely new manufacturing facility from the ground up, SAION plans to transfer its proven production-line
standards, manufacturing processes, quality-control systems, and management expertise from China to establish assembly
capabilities specifically tailored to the requirements of the Philippine market.
Depending on the deployment schedule of e-Jeepneys across the Philippines and the timing of capital investment, the assembly
project will be implemented in phases. The initial stage is expected to focus on SKD/CKD assembly, followed progressively by
greater localization, including the domestic manufacturing of key components such as vehicle bodies and chassis.
Through this phased approach, SAION aims to establish a cross-border manufacturing ecosystem based on “R&D and manufacturing
in China + localized assembly and manufacturing in the Philippines.”
The strategy is designed to support the localization objectives of the Philippines’ Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy, while also creating
local economic value and employment opportunities throughout the value chain—from vehicle assembly and component manufacturing
to after-sales service, maintenance, and technical support.
Philippine Government Support
Vice Commercial Consul Jose Dinsay commended SAION New Energy for its achievements and progress in the Philippine market.
He noted that the Philippine Government has identified electric vehicles and key EV components as priority strategic investment sectors
and has introduced various measures to encourage investment, including fiscal incentives and tariff-related support.
Vice Consul Dinsay further stated that the Philippine Consulate General in Shanghai will serve as an important liaison platform to support
SAION New Energy in strengthening communication and cooperation with Philippine government agencies, local government units, and
relevant industry authorities.
The Consulate expressed its willingness to facilitate closer engagement between SAION and Philippine stakeholders, with the aim
of accelerating the implementation of E-Future Motors’ projects and supporting the broader transition toward modern, sustainable,
and low-carbon public transportation in the Philippines.
Establishment of a Regular Communication Mechanism
The two sides also agreed to establish a regular communication and coordination mechanism.
Through scheduled dialogues and continued information exchange, both parties will work together to identify and resolve practical
implementation challenges, facilitate cooperation among relevant stakeholders, and accelerate the execution of electric
public-transport projects.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen cooperation between SAION New Energy and Philippine
government and industry stakeholders, supporting the modernization of public transportation and the transition toward a greener,
more efficient, and sustainable transportation system across the Philippines.
