Los Angeles, California / Manila, Philippines — In a bold move to strengthen its global footprint and overcome challenges at home, Francisco Motors LLC (USA) has officially acquired eFrancisco Motor Corporation (Philippines), including all of its intellectual property rights, trademarks, and product lines.
The acquisition marks a historic shift for the 78-year-old Filipino automotive brand, long celebrated for pioneering the jeepney, into a U.S.-anchored enterprise positioned for global leadership in electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles.
The Reason for the Transition
Elmer Francisco, Chairman of Francisco Motors LLC, confirmed that the decision to transfer ownership of the Philippine entity to the U.S. holding was driven by a lack of Philippine government support and excessive bureaucratic red tape.
“Francisco Motors has always represented Filipino ingenuity and resilience,” Francisco stated. “But if we are to compete globally, we must operate in an environment that values innovation, efficiency, and vision. The message from the Department of Trade and Industry in today’s congressional budget hearing is loud and clear, they have ZERO budget for local automotive manufacturers. That’s why we are moving forward with the United States as our new hub.”
Global Manufacturing & Innovation Strategy
Under the new structure, Francisco Motors LLC will:
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Establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Texas within the next three years — taking full advantage of the generous incentives Texas offers for EV and hydrogen production, as well as its strong industrial ecosystem and proximity to major markets in North and Latin America.
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Expand its Research & Development headquarters in Los Angeles, California — where the company will leverage California’s robust EV and hydrogen incentives, along with access to a deep bench of world-class scientists, engineers, and innovators from top universities and tech companies.
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Augment its current production in China — where components and tricycles are already being manufactured for Asian and African markets.
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Launch ELEKTRON motorcycle production in Thailand in collaboration with local partners — targeting ASEAN and global markets for sustainable two-wheeled transport.
This multi-continent approach ensures Francisco Motors can design in Los Angeles, manufacture in Texas and Thailand, with additional production support in China, creating a seamless global supply chain for vehicles destined for Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
Preserving the Legacy, Building the Future
By consolidating all intellectual property under the U.S. entity, Francisco Motors LLC ensures the continuity and protection of its iconic brands and designs, including the:
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Francisco Passenger Jeepney (FPJ)
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PINOY Transporter
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DOMENG Pick-up and SUV
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KIDLAT Vans (low and high roof)
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ELEKTRON e-Tricycle
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ELEKTRON Motorcycle (Thailand collaboration)
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HYDRON hydrogen bus
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PEGASUS eVTOL
Country Distributors for Global Reach
While manufacturing will shift to the U.S., China, and Thailand, Francisco Motors LLC emphasized that the Philippines will remain a key market.
Instead of directly managing local operations, the company will:
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Appoint a Philippine country distributor to oversee nationwide dealer networks, after-sales service, and spare parts.
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Establish country distributors in 25 other countries worldwide — ensuring localized distribution, sales, after-sales service, and spare parts management across Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe.
Strategic Advantage: Francisco Motors enjoys an unprecedented zero-tariff advantage across its global supply chain:
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Vehicles manufactured in the U.S. exported to the Philippines are ZERO tariff under current trade agreements.
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Vehicles manufactured in Thailand shipped to the Philippines also enter at ZERO tariff thanks to ASEAN agreements.
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Electric Vehicles (EVs) from China — including Francisco Motors’ e-tricycles and components — likewise enjoy ZERO tariff entry into the Philippines, making them highly cost-competitive.
Brand Equity That Attracts Giants
With almost eight decades of history, Francisco Motors is not just a carmaker — it is a cultural institution and a living brand legacy. This heritage, combined with its bold pivot to electric and hydrogen mobility, makes the company extremely attractive to American mega corporations, institutional investors, and global financial powerhouses seeking meaningful stakes in future-ready industries.
The brand carries immense emotional and cultural capital: the jeepney is more than a vehicle — it is a global symbol of Filipino ingenuity, creativity, and community spirit. This unique identity, paired with technological advancement, creates a rare blend of heritage and innovation that few companies in the world can offer.
Jeepneys Capturing America
It is also noteworthy that many Americans have already been importing classic, iconic jeepneys from Francisco Motors for personal and business use. These vehicles — often restored, customized, and showcased — are now turning heads in U.S. cities, from private collectors to entrepreneurs using them as novelty shuttles, cultural attractions, and business icons.
This organic demand proves that the jeepney has global cultural appeal, strengthening Francisco Motors’ positioning not just as a manufacturer of vehicles, but as a lifestyle and heritage brand with worldwide resonance.
Unleashing Innovation
Another critical dimension of the U.S. expansion is the opportunity to unlock the full innovation potential of Chairman Elmer Francisco himself. Beyond being a business leader, Francisco is also a physicist, with decades of experience working on nuclear fusion, hydrogen energy systems, and advanced mobility technologies.
By situating Francisco Motors LLC in the United States, the company gains access not only to financial incentives but also to research ecosystems and talent clusters that can amplify Francisco’s scientific background. Coupled with the resources of California’s universities and the entrepreneurial culture of Los Angeles, this move will allow him to push boundaries in EVs, hydrogen propulsion, and sustainable transport in ways that were not possible under the bureaucratic constraints of the Philippines.
What’s Next?
With the U.S. as its base of operations, Francisco Motors LLC is preparing to:
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Launch large-scale production in Texas within the next three years, leveraging EV and hydrogen incentives from the state.
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Expand R&D in Los Angeles, tapping California’s green incentives and its deep talent pool of scientists and engineers from elite universities and tech companies.
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Begin ELEKTRON motorcycle production in Thailand with local partners for ASEAN and global distribution.
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Deploy hydrogen-powered buses and electric jeepneys in U.S. and African pilot cities.
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Appoint a Philippine country distributor, along with country distributors in 25 other nations, to handle localized dealer networks, after-sales service, and spare parts.
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Export vehicles from the U.S., Thailand, and EVs from China to the Philippines at ZERO tariff rates, ensuring affordability and strong support for transport modernization.
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Engage with major American investors and corporations attracted by Francisco Motors’ brand equity, legacy, and disruptive innovation.
The acquisition marks a turning point: what began as a family enterprise in post-war Manila is now set to become a global automotive disruptor headquartered in the United States.
✨ Final Word
From battling bureaucratic hurdles in the Philippines to seizing opportunities in the United States, Francisco Motors’ evolution is a story of resilience, ambition, and reinvention.
With Texas incentives, California innovation, Elmer Francisco’s scientific leadership, Thai collaboration, Chinese EV competitiveness, ZERO-tariff exports, and global country distributors, the company is on track to shape the future of sustainable mobility — while proudly carrying the legacy of the 78-year-old Filipino jeepney across the world.
