Green logistics frontrunner targets to expand in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — Green logistics operator Mober aims to expand its footprint in Cebu, following the opening of its sustainable delivery services, initially to support the regional operations of Swedish home furnishing retail giant IKEA Philippines.

“Cebu is one of the cities that we want to expand,” said Mober founder and chief executive officer (CEO) Dennis Ng, in a press conference.

With the company’s intent to expand the number of electric vehicles (EVs) to service not only IKEA’s delivery requirement but also other companies, Ng hopes that the Cebu City government, as well as other local government units (LGUs) within Metro Cebu, will support the sustainable logistic initiative through friendly laws and regulations.

As IKEA Philippines' green logistics partner, Mober will use its 100 percent EV fleet to support home deliveries in Cebu and other Visayas provinces, ensuring zero-emission deliveries.

The decision to bring in green logistics culture in Cebu, Ng said, not only supports IKEA's growing demand for high-quality and affordable home products in the regional areas but also showcases Mober's commitment to eco-friendly logistics solutions.

Mober is also looking at partnering with ‘mom and pop’ logistics companies in Cebu to join the green logistics bandwagon, especially those who do not have access to finance. He mentioned that Mober will offer EV rental to these micro and small logistic companies, like trucking operators who are facing difficulties in transitioning to cheaper and sustainable operations.

The Cebu City facility includes Mober's latest 15kw OCPP chargers, compatible with type 2 and GB/T standards, ensuring efficient support for Mober's EV fleet serving IKEA.

"We are thrilled to embark on this groundbreaking journey, expanding our green delivery solutions to the Visayas. This represents a leap forward for the Philippines in embracing sustainable practices across the logistics industry. As EV ownership gains momentum, Mober is well-positioned to further its commitment to providing sustainable business solutions towards a net-zero carbon emission future by leveraging our all-electric fleet. Together, let's roll up our sleeves and reduce our carbon footprint one delivery at a time," noted Ng.

As the leader in green logistics in the Philippines, Mober supports the end-to-end supply chain sustainability of major FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) and retail brands. Besides IKEA Philippines, Mober partners with SM Appliance Center, Unilever Philippines, Nestle Philippines, and Nespresso, as well as renowned logistics companies Maersk and Kuehne+Nagel.

Mober offers a unique partnership model that provides an unprecedented advantage to businesses, allowing them to transition to green delivery operations with zero capital expenditures (CapEx) or upfront costs, effectively democratizing access to green logistics. This hassle-free collaboration is pivotal in encouraging more companies to embrace sustainable logistics, reinforcing Mober's role as a game-changer in the sector.

"Our vision extends beyond just providing a service, but it's about pioneering a movement towards sustainability that we hope will inspire other businesses and communities across the country. As we look to the future, Mober is committed to being at the forefront of this green revolution. This is just the beginning of a more sustainable Philippines, and we are proud to lead the charge," Ng added.

In addition to the sustainable delivery services, Mober will assist the furniture brand's warehousing solutions via a collection hub located in Cebu City, speeding up delivery times and increasing product accessibility for Filipino households in Visayas.

The collection hub serves as the last-mile delivery point for IKEA Philippines’ sustainable products and houses Mober’s EV charging stations.

In September 2023, Mober officially unveiled its 800-square-meter flagship electric vehicle (EV) charging hub in Pasay City, aimed at bolstering the efficiency of its exclusive EV fleet strategically designed to provide relentless service for IKEA Philippines.

Aligning with the mandates of the Electric Vehicles and Charging Systems (EVIDA) Act, Mober's strategic partnerships with key FMCG and retail players underscore the Philippines' commitment to eco-driven policies. With Mober's pioneering approach, businesses have a definitive roadmap to swiftly decarbonize their last and mid-mile delivery systems, heralding a new era in business sustainability.

With a current fleet of 60 vehicles, encompassing 39 e-trucks, 17 e-vans, and 4 three-wheelers, Mober is targeting expanding its green delivery services across Southeast Asia, aiming for a fleet of 500 EVs within the next two years.

Looking ahead, Mober plans to establish a network of charging stations from Pasay City to Tacloban, positioned every 150-200 kilometers, to support its growing fleet and underscore its leadership in green logistics.

As the EV market in the Philippines continues to grow, supported by favorable government policies and increasing consumer awareness, Mober's initiatives are well-positioned to contribute to the country's green transition.

With an expanding fleet and innovative solutions, Mober is poised to lead green logistics in Southeast Asia, starting in the Philippines, paving the way for a sustainable future in the logistics industry. — (FREEMAN)