Francisco Motors Media Command
The proof layer of the King of the Road.
Francisco Motors has moved from heritage story to public proof: national media, global coverage, government engagement, sustainability platforms, operator relationships, and the clean mobility movement powered by Jeepney.io and DOMENG®.
Media Timeline
Every appearance, in order.
Newest first: national TV and radio, print and online press, government engagement, global coverage, and the operators and communities behind the story -- Francisco Motors' full public record, in one chronological list.
Philippine Daily Inquirer: "DTI defends exclusion of e-motorcycles from EV incentives"
The Philippine Daily Inquirer (Logan Kal-El M. Zapanta) reports that only two vehicle manufacturers have so far signaled interest in applying for the government's Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS): Mitsubishi Motors Philippines and Francisco Motors, which plans to manufacture an electric jeepney and a sport utility vehicle with a $100-million investment.
BusinessWorld: "Gov't to settle CARS obligations before focusing on EV incentives program"
BusinessWorld reports that DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said Mitsubishi Motors Philippines and Francisco Motors Corp. have indicated their interest in joining the Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS), which has four slots and up to P15 billion in support for each enrolled EV model.
DTI FY2027 Budget Hearing, House of Representatives
Discussed on the floor of the Philippine Congress: House Committee on Appropriations, FY2027 budget hearing for the Department of Trade and Industry, 24 Aug 2026. Lawmakers and DTI officials discuss Francisco Motors directly, including DTI's on-record confirmation that the company has applied for the Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS) program. Unedited footage, official House of Representatives broadcast.
One News "The Big Story" with Ces Drilon
Chairman Elmer Francisco sat down with veteran broadcast journalist Ces Drilon for an in-depth, unedited interview on One News' "The Big Story" (TV5, August 2026): independent national media scrutiny of the program, not a sponsored placement.
Tech Pilipinas: "Filipino jeepney maker plans $100 million investment to build EVs"
Tech Pilipinas (Luis Reginaldo Medilo) reports that Francisco Motors plans a $100 million (over P6 billion) investment to build an electric jeepney and the ELEKTRON compact SUV under the government's EV Incentive Strategy. The report says the body shell, chassis, wiring and battery pack will be made at a dedicated Francisco Motors facility, working with technology partners in California and Asia.
Philippine Daily Inquirer: "From jeeps to EVs, Filipino vehicle maker stakes claim"
Independent Sunday Biz feature on Francisco Motors' $100-million EVIS investment proposal -- an on-record interview with Chairman Elmer Francisco covering both the electric jeepney and the ELEKTRON® SUV, and the Board of Investments' oversight of the program.
One News PH: "Gov’t support key to successful rollout of Philippine-made EVs — Francisco"
One News PH segment on Francisco Motors Chairman Elmer Francisco's call for government support to make the rollout of Philippine-made EVs a success.
Gulf News: "Filipino automaker Francisco Motors launches first EV with up to 600-km range"
Gulf News (Jay Hilotin) reports the launch of the ELEKTRON, Francisco Motors' first passenger EV: a five-door compact crossover with an estimated range of up to 600 km in its premium variant, offered in three trims priced from P1,947,000, with battery options from 54.9 to 81.5 kWh and single- or dual-motor all-wheel-drive setups.
Homes.ph: "FMC Kidlat: The Filipino Electric Van Quietly Powering IFEX 2026"
Homes.ph reports that Francisco Motors' FMC Kidlat electric vans served as the official transportation partner of the International Food Exhibition Philippines and the Sustainability Solutions Exchange at the World Trade Center, May 21 to 23, 2026. The 15-passenger Kidlat runs on a lithium iron phosphate battery with a 250 km range and charges from 20 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes; Chairman Elmer Francisco said the company wants people to experience its own electric vehicles and see they are at par with foreign brands.
CleanTechnica: "The FMC Elektron Is Now Beyond The Prototyping Stage"
CleanTechnica (Raymond Tribdino) reports that the Francisco Motors ELEKTRON battery-electric crossover has moved past the concept phase, built on an EV platform already proven in Turkey and the UAE. The article cites a target range of over 600 km per charge, final commercialization and homologation for Philippine conditions, and Francisco Motors' California expansion toward hydrogen fuel cell technology.
GizGuide: "Pinoy-made EV soon? Francisco Motors teases FMC ELEKTRON"
GizGuide (Bam Natividad) reports that Francisco Motors has unveiled plans for the FMC ELEKTRON compact electric SUV, with company leadership citing a breakthrough by its California and China development teams working with technology partners. Local assembly could begin in 2028 if pre-orders exceed 1,000 units and manufacturing policies are favorable.
Unbox.ph: "Francisco Motors teases Elektron Electric SUV"
Unbox.ph (Duey Guison) reports that Francisco Motors is developing the ELEKTRON electric SUV with teams in California and China, featuring a five-door design with angular lighting and dual LED displays inside. The company said it will bring the vehicle to the Philippine market with at least 1,000 advance orders and government backing, with local manufacturing targeted for 2028.
CleanTechnica: "California Offers Incentives To Philippine Automaker To Set Up Electric Jeepney Factory"
CleanTechnica (Raymond Tribdino) reports that California's Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development has backed Francisco Motors' expansion plans with an incentive package covering tax credits, equipment exemptions and workforce training. Chairman Elmer Francisco described a proposed Santa Clarita Valley facility of roughly $5 billion in capital investment, with 1,800 to 2,200 jobs at full capacity.
Bilyonaryo: "Kung ayaw nyo, 'di wag: Francisco Motors shelves $1B Philippine ecozone project amid policy delays; shifts to China, US"
Bilyonaryo Business News (Eileen Mencias) reports that Francisco Motors has paused its P52.11-billion Camarines Norte special economic zone, the largest PEZA-approved investment of 2024, after Fiscal Incentives Review Board hurdles, and is focusing on its China factory for now. Chairman Elmer Francisco said the company would prefer to invest at home if government support materializes, while it builds manufacturing and research facilities in California and directs China production toward African markets.
Bilyonaryo News Channel: "Francisco Motors shelves $1-B PEZA ecozone project | Business 360"
Business 360 segment on Francisco Motors shelving its $1-billion PEZA ecozone project.
Francisco Motors Endorsed by Speaker Romualdez
House Speaker Martin Romualdez publicly endorsed Francisco Motors' jeepney modernization work -- institutional recognition from the leadership of the House of Representatives.
CleanTechnica: "Passion Drives PH Automotive Pioneer Francisco Motors to Export to Nigeria"
CleanTechnica (Raymond Tribdino) reports on Francisco Motors' partnership with Nigerian entrepreneur Emmanuel Akpakwu to bring the Pinoy Transporter electric vehicle to Nigeria: completely built-up units from its Camarines Norte facility first, then local manufacturing and wider West Africa expansion, with FutureView Financial Services supporting charging, payments and servicing, starting in Benue State and scaling to about 2,000 units in Lagos.
CleanTechnica: "Filipino Automotive Pioneer Releases All-New Electric Jeepney"
CleanTechnica (Raymond Tribdino) covers the unveiling of Francisco Motors' electric PINOY Transporter, built to Philippine modernization standards: 18 seated and 12 standing passengers, a lithium iron phosphate battery that fast-charges from 30 to 90 percent in about half an hour, and an approximate price of P2.8 million. The article notes the company's aim to become a global Filipino automotive brand with local manufacturing and components.
Gulf News Africa Expansion Feature
FMC's Filipino electric passenger vehicle platform was featured in connection with Africa's green mobility drive and expansion interest across West African markets.
.jpg)
ABS-CBN Lifestyle: "PH-made e-jeeps, hydrogen trikes to power Nigeria"
Disclosed by ABS-CBN as a "BrandNews" feature -- a paid/sponsored placement, not an editorial-staff news article. Covers the Nigeria export agreement, the Francisco Motors Special Economic Zone in Camarines Norte, and Chairman Elmer Francisco's and President & CEO Dominic Francisco's roles. Included here with that disclosure, distinct from the independent press coverage above.
League Magazine (June 2025 issue): "Keeping the Jeepney's Spirit Alive"
League Magazine's June 2025 issue features Chairman Elmer Francisco in a story by Nepheline Lim Dacuno on how Francisco Motor Corporation is reinventing the iconic Filipino jeepney while preserving its cultural soul, from postwar ingenuity to hydrogen-powered innovation. It also features Dominic Francisco, the company's President and CEO, whom his father is mentoring. In League's pull-quote, Chairman Francisco says hydrogen-powered vehicles have the potential to redefine how the country thinks about sustainable transportation.
DTI CITEM Sustainable Mobility Partner
FMC's participation in the International Food Exhibition and Sustainability Solutions Exchange shows clean mobility alignment with national trade and sustainability platforms.
ABS-CBN News: Halalan 2025 "Biyaheng City Hall"
The Francisco Motors PINOY Transporter electric shuttle carried ABS-CBN News' Halalan 2025 "Biyaheng City Hall" series to the city halls of six Metro Manila cities, including Manila and Marikina.
Milyonaryo: "Francisco Motors eyes global expansion: P52B facility to produce electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles"
Milyonaryo (Eileen Mencias) reports that the Philippine Economic Zone Authority approved Francisco Motors' plan for an integrated electric and hydrogen vehicle manufacturing complex in its Camarines Norte special economic zone, a P52.5-billion investment. The facility would build the electric passenger jeepney and the new PINOY Transporter and KIDLAT Van models, and the article notes export agreements already secured with 24 countries.
Manila Standard Community Spotlight: "Meet the young CEO revolutionizing e-jeepneys"
Manila Standard's Community Spotlight profiles Dominic Francisco, then 20, CEO of Francisco Motor Corporation and a sustainability student at Enderun Colleges, who left regular schooling at 15 to support the family business. He says jeepney modernization is essential but must be done correctly so operators are not left in debt, and advocates affordable, high-quality public transportation.
Unbox.ph: "We Saw The New EV Jeep in the Flesh"
Unbox.ph (Duey Guison) got a first-hand look at Francisco Motors' improved electric jeepney, the Pinoy Transporter, with LED headlights, electronic side doors and air conditioning. The report also covers the Kidlat and Kidlat+ electric vans, seating up to 15 with a rated range of 250 km per charge.
ATM with Terry Ridon and Alex Baltazar
Public affairs radio discussion on Francisco Motors' modernization plan with transport policy advocate Terry Ridon and host Alex Baltazar.
CNN "The Source" with Pinky Webb
CNN Philippines national coverage of Francisco Motors and the electric jeepney modernization story.
Malaya Business Insight: "Feature: Maker of iconic jeep to mass produce smart EVs"
Malaya Business Insight (Irma Isip) reports that Francisco Motors plans to mass produce smart electric vehicles for the domestic and export markets. Chairman Elmer Francisco said the company is processing its PEZA registration as an Electric Vehicle Manufacturer at the 30-hectare Francisco Special Economic Zone in Camarines Norte, which would house its whole supply chain, and that it is negotiating for a 100-megawatt solar and wind farm to power the facility.
FEJODAP, ACTO, ALTODAP, LUZVIMINDA, TUBOJODA
FMC has built relationships with major transport groups and nationwide cooperative networks representing real operators and drivers.
Daily Tribune: "LTFRB clarifies Francisco Motors' request on TsuperHero pilot"
Daily Tribune (Jing Villamente) reports the LTFRB's clarification on Francisco Motors' proposal to launch a TsuperHero modern-jeepney pilot. The board cited technical points: the proposed Merry Homes (Caloocan) to Sta. Monica (Quezon City) route did not match the partner cooperative's two authorized corridors (51 vehicles), the program requires DOTr certification, and fares and ride subsidies fall outside what a manufacturer can set under current rules.
Manila Bulletin: "Why LTFRB rejects local firm's request for unli-ride, free modern jeepney offer to transport groups"
Manila Bulletin covers the LTFRB's response to Francisco Motors' proposal to offer unli-ride service along jeepney routes and free modern jeepneys to transport groups under the TsuperHero Program. LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III said the request was reviewed and found to have technical issues.
ANC 24/7: "Francisco Motors on jeepney modernization, TsuperHero Program"
ANC 24/7 report featuring Francisco Motors on jeepney modernization and the TsuperHero Program.
Rappler: "Francisco Motors wants to give free jeepneys. Slow LTFRB permits stand in the way."
Independent newsbreak reporting -- not a sponsored placement -- on the TsuperHero® Program's free-jeepney rollout, the LTFRB permitting delays, and Maharlika Investment Corporation's commitment to fund Francisco Motors' first jeepney terminal. On-record, unvarnished quotes from Chairman Elmer Francisco.
Radyo Pilipinas 1: "Francisco Motors owner Elmer Francisco, ibinida ang kanilang modern pero iconic jeepneys"
Radyo Pilipinas 1 segment in which Francisco Motors owner Elmer Francisco presents the company's modern yet iconic jeepneys.
NewsWatch Plus: "Worth The Ride: Local maker wants to develop hydrogen-powered jeepney"
NewsWatch Plus segment with Francisco Motor Corporation Chairman Elmer Francisco on the company's move to pioneer hydrogen-powered jeepneys through a partnership with an international hydrogen market, alongside more affordable modern PUVs.
One News PH: "Francisco Motors to foreign jeepney manufacturers: 'Good luck kung kaya nilang tapatan presyo namin'"
One News PH segment featuring Francisco Motors' pricing of its modern jeepney against foreign manufacturers.
CarGuide.PH: "eFrancisco Motor Corporation Wants To Develop Hydrogen-Powered Jeepneys"
CarGuide.PH reports that eFrancisco Motor Corporation has partnered with UK-based hydrogen energy marketplace HDEX to develop hydrogen-powered jeepneys, building on its sub-P1-million electric jeepney made with Philippine-produced components, as the PUV modernization deadline approaches.
ANC's Headstart with Karen Davila
Chairman Elmer Francisco discussed Francisco Motors' affordable, hybrid-electric jeepney modernization plan directly with Karen Davila on ANC's Headstart -- including DOTr franchising guidelines and a proposal for Maharlika Investment Corp. co-investment. Independent national news coverage, with 3 companion clips from ANC's own official channel.
House of Representatives Inquiry
Chairman Elmer Francisco addressed Congress directly on January 12, 2024, where LTFRB Chairman Guadiz cited Francisco Motors by name as a domestic jeepney manufacturer during the modernization program inquiry.
ANC 24/7: "Francisco Motors owner Elmer Francisco on making quality and affordable modern jeepneys"
ANC 24/7 interview with Chairman Elmer Francisco on making quality and affordable modern jeepneys.
Unbox.ph: "Will the Electric Jeep Succeed in the Philippines?"
Unbox.ph (Duey Guison) takes a close look at the Francisco Motors electric jeepney: P985,000 for the first 1,000 units, a 150 km range matched to typical 4 to 35 km jeepney routes, about 85 percent locally made components, and 30-minute fast charging. The article notes that success depends on government support and on charging and battery-swap infrastructure the company is coordinating with local government units.
NET25 Mata ng Agila Primetime: "Modern jeep ng Francisco Motors sa halagang ₱985k"
NET25 Mata ng Agila Primetime report on the Francisco Motors modern jeepney priced at P985,000.
Rappler: "Could Maharlika Fund's investment in a jeepney manufacturer save PUV modernization?"
Rappler (Lance Spencer Yu) reports on Maharlika Investment Corporation's interest in Francisco Motors and quotes Elmer Francisco on the PUV modernization program, including his view that modern jeepney prices of up to P2.48 million against a P280,000 subsidy reflect a lack of government planning and funding. The report says that whether or not the MIC's interest pushes through, Francisco Motors will pursue its plans.
DZRH with Sen. Francis Tolentino & DOTr USec Cesar Chavez
A sitting Senator and a DOTr Undersecretary joined Chairman Elmer Francisco on DZRH (January 2024) to discuss Francisco Motors' role in public transport modernization.
PhilSTAR Life: "Gawang Pinoy para sa kapwa Pinoy: This jeep manufacturer sells cheaper e-jeepney with iconic King of the Road look"
PhilSTAR Life (Yoniel Acebuche) profiles the Francisco Motors electric jeepney at P985,000, priced below competing models, with Elmer Francisco stating that every part will be made in the Philippines. It keeps the classic jeepney look while adding air conditioning, CCTV, a wheelchair ramp and QR/NFC automated fare collection.
ABS-CBN News TeleRadyo Serbisyo: "Cost of modernized, electric vehicles less than P1-M: Francisco Motors"
ABS-CBN News reports that electric jeepneys built by Francisco Motors Corp. will cost less than P1 million, making them affordable to drivers and operators, according to owner Elmer Francisco.
RMN DZXL 558 with Kuya Zhander Cayabyab
Radio coverage supporting broader public awareness of Francisco Motors and the transport transition.
GMA7 Dapat Alam Mo
FMC public transport modernization story carried through mainstream national broadcasting.
TV5 One Balita
TV5 One Balita coverage featuring Francisco Motors and the modernization of Filipino mobility.
The Manila Times with Ezrah Raya
Print and online media visibility strengthening institutional credibility around the FMC story.
TV5 Sa Totoo Lang
TV5 coverage with Maricel Halili, Jove Francisco, and Chiqui Vergel discussing Francisco Motors and the public transport transition.
NET 25 Ano Sa Palagay Nyo
NET 25 coverage with Ali Sotto and Patricia Daza featuring the Francisco Motors mobility story.
Radyo Pilipinas with Rey Sampang
Public-service radio visibility for FMC's clean mobility and transport modernization message.
TV5 Frontline Pilipinas
Coverage that helps bring the Francisco Motors mobility story to a national public audience.
CNN Traffic Center with Sam Sadhwani
Mobility, commuting, traffic, and transport modernization context connected to the FMC platform.
DZMM TeleRadyo Kabayan with Noli de Castro
Radio and public affairs coverage reaching commuters, operators, policymakers, and transport stakeholders.
ABS-CBN TV Patrol with Alvin Elchico
National media coverage showing FMC's public transport modernization and mobility platform story.
One PH: "Francisco Motors, may modern jeepney na may disenyong tradisyunal jeep"
One PH news segment on the Francisco Motors modern jeepney that keeps the traditional jeepney design.
NewsWatch Plus: "Manufacturer tries to preserve iconic look of Pinoy Jeepney | Traffic Center"
NewsWatch Plus Traffic Center segment on Francisco Motors, one of the country's pioneer jeepney makers, creating electric jeepneys that keep the iconic King of the Road look.
ABS-CBN News TeleRadyo: "Francisco Motors shows own modernized jeep design"
ABS-CBN News TeleRadyo report on Francisco Motors showing its own modernized jeepney design.
Video interview with Chairman Elmer Francisco
A long-form video interview with Chairman Elmer Francisco on Francisco Motors and the Philippine jeepney.
Gary Valenciano & Armi Millare, "Manila" (Hinahanap-Hanap Kita Manila)
Gary Valenciano drives the Francisco Jeepney in the "Manila" music video for the Department of Tourism and National Parks Development Committee's Manila heritage concert honoring Hotdog. Elmer Francisco Industries is credited as jeepney sponsor.
Chairman Elmer Francisco speaks at Seamless Philippines 2019
Chairman Elmer Francisco spoke at Seamless Philippines 2019, the payments, fintech, e-commerce and retail conference in Manila.
GMA News Balitanghali: "Makabagong Francisco passenger jeepney, nakatakdang ilunsad sa linggo sa Quirino Grandstand"
GMA News Balitanghali report on the new Francisco passenger jeepney set to be launched that Sunday at the Quirino Grandstand.
The Philippine Star: "Francis makes round on jeepney-inspired popemobile"
The Philippine Star (Michael Punongbayan) reports that Pope Francis rode a jeepney-inspired popemobile built by Francisco Motors Corp. during his Philippine visit, carrying him to the Quirino Grandstand for his final mass. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle said the Pope was fond of the vehicle, and discussions were under way about donating it to the Vatican.
Francisco Motor Corporation: Company History
FMC's 2008 corporate history video: founder Anastacio Francisco, the plant and assembly line, and the FMC Passenger Jeepney.
The Philippine Star: "Francisco Motors to export jeepneys to Africa"
The Philippine Star (Ted P. Torres) reports that Francisco Commercial Corp. closed an initial deal to export 100 jeepneys to Sierra Leone, with arrangements for further shipments of 100 units a month. The Sierra Leone government had commissioned Sateemax Enterprises to procure the vehicles to replace unsuitable mass transport, with a joint-venture manufacturing operation planned and a total project cost that could exceed $35 million.
The Philippine Star: "Jeepney goes electric"
The Philippine Star (Junep Ocampo) reports that Francisco Motors unveiled a battery-powered 18-passenger jeepney, developed since 1998 under the late Senator Raul Manglapus' vision of a domestically produced electric vehicle. It ran on a 20-horsepower DC motor and 16 batteries, with a top speed of 55 km/h and a 50 km range per charge.
The Philippine Star: "FMC to manufacture jeepneys in Africa"
The Philippine Star (Marianne V. Go) reports that Francisco Motors formed Sateemax-FMC (SL) Limited, a joint venture in Sierra Leone, West Africa, for a $25 million initiative to assemble and eventually manufacture jeepneys there. The joint venture's president, Musa Tarawally, visited the Philippines in November 2001 to confirm an initial order of 100 completely built-up units, and about 300 Filipino workers were planned to help set up operations.
The Philippine Star: "FMC lowers claims vs Mazda to $35M"
The Philippine Star (Marianne V. Go) reports that Francisco Motors lowered its damages claim against Mazda Corp. from $66 million to $35 million in a dispute dating to 1999 over assembly rights for pick-up and Econovan models through October 2002. FMC alleged Mazda allowed Ford Motor Co. Philippines to assemble competing models, and had also raised its concerns with the Board of Investments; Ford Philippines disputed the claim, and Mazda's $4 million offer had been rejected. The matter was unresolved at the time of publication.
The Philippine Star: "Ford dismisses FMC objection over imports"
The Philippine Star (Marianne V. Go) reports that Ford Motor Co. Philippines rejected Francisco Motors' formal objection to Ford's import of Ranger and Econovan models. FMC said it held rights under its earlier agreement with Mazda, which Ford partly owns, and had invested millions retooling its assembly plant; Ford countered that the Ranger differs from FMC's B25 pickup. FMC was seeking $66 million in damages from Mazda.
The Philippine Star: "BOI body to resolve conflicts between foreign investors, Filipino partners"
The Philippine Star (Des Ferriols) reports on the Board of Investments' plan for a mediation body to settle disputes between foreign investors and their Filipino partners without long court battles. Francisco Motors' dispute with its Japanese partner Mazda was named among the high-profile cases the BOI was already handling at the time.
1995 World Youth Day Popemobile: AutoIndustriya, "The Popemobile: an 80 year history"
AutoIndustriya's history of the popemobile notes that for Pope John Paul II's 1995 World Youth Day visit to Manila, the pope paraded in an armored truck custom built by CTK Incorporated on a Francisco Motors Anfra AUV chassis with a Mazda engine, and that Francisco Motors has since claimed to have built the popemobile after purchasing it from CTK. Photo: the closing mass of the 1995 World Youth Day at Luneta (Ryan Hernandez, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons).
Our Brothers and Sisters in Service
Francisco Motors was built with the drivers, operators, mechanics, transport workers, and families that kept the Philippines moving for generations. Pictured: TsuperHero Program drivers with their jeepneys.
For Press, Partners, and Institutions
Need official FMC media coordination?
Use DOMENG® to route your inquiry, or contact Francisco Motors directly for interviews, features, partnerships, fleet deployment, government coordination, or investor discussions.