Ramon Ang’s son gets control of BMW Philippines
Jacob Ang, son of billionaire Ramon Ang, will head BMW Philippines at a time of shifting consumer demands due to the entry of other premium brands and electric vehicles in the country.
In a statement on Monday, SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp. (SMCACDC), the exclusive distributor of BMW in the Philippines, confirmed the appointment of Jacob as president, effective on Sept. 1.
He succeeds Spencer Yu, who stepped down as BMW Philippines head after seven years.
“Jacob’s leadership and fresh perspective will help us further strengthen BMW’s presence in the Philippines,” said Ramon Ang, chair of SMCACDC. “We have built a strong foundation over the years, and with his energy and vision, I am confident he will take the brand further and create even more value for our customers.”
The decorated race car driver in his 20s also serves as the chief planning officer of Velocita Motors Inc., the official distributor of Ferrari in the Philippines, according to an August 2025 Preview.ph report.
He’s also the special assistant to the chair at San Miguel Corp., the conglomerate headed by his father.
In a May 2025 interview with Esquire, Jacob said he had wanted to contribute to his father’s “bigger vision” for San Miguel—“helping build a better country.”
“I’m also fortunate that he’s built not just a strong company, but a good reputation for our family. That motivates me to live up to it by always giving my best,” Jacob told Esquire.
In their joint report, the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. and Truck Manufacturers Association found that car sales in the country had increased by 1.6 percent to 269,207 units as of July.
Electric vehicle unit sales totaled 16,195 during the period. Hybrid electric vehicles accounted for the biggest market share at 82 percent, representing 13,290 units.
BMW sold 3.4 percent less units during the period at 506, the report showed.
Still, Jacob recognized it was an “exciting time” for both BMW and the premium vehicle industry in the Philippines.
“My priority is to build on what we do best—drive innovation in how we serve our customers, and strengthen BMW’s position as the leader in premium mobility in the country,” Jacob said.
SMCACD in April launched its new X3 30e xDrive M Sport model in the Philippines priced at P4.79 million each.
The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is one of the brand’s best-selling models across the globe, according to SMCACD.
