Philippine car sales jump by 27 percent

PHOTO BY AIDA SEVILLA-MENDOZA

Philippine car sales grew by 27 percent to 15,642 units in January 2014. This was the figure given by a joint report of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (Campi) and the Truck Manufacturers Association.

Passenger cars grew by 26.4 percent to 5,298 units from 4,190 from the previous year. Commercial vehicles increased by 27.4 percent to 10,335 units, from 8,113 in January 2013.

The report noted that all sub-segments within the commercial vehicle category also increased, including the Asian utility vehicle (AUV) segment, which rose by 34 percent to 3,355 units from the previous 2,508. Light commercial vehicles gres by 24 percent to 6,550 units from 5,271. Light trucks grew by 48 percent to 298 units. Trucks and buses gained a modest 6 percent to 141 units.

Likewise, all 14 regions of the Philippines recorded an increase in sales. Metro Manila accounted for 60 percent of the total, rising 22 percent to 9,286 units.

“Region 5 also improved in terms of sales, growing by 118 percent to 107 units. All this is a sign that motorization continues to take place not only in the urban areas but throughout the country,” Gutierrez said.

Based on the report, Toyota Motor Philippines recorded a 45 percent market share, with Mitsubishi taking second with 22 percent. Ford has overtaken Honda in unit sales with 6.9 percent, with the Japanese company now in fourth place with 6.8 percent.

The report underscores the need for expansion and improvement of the road network particularly in Metro Manila. The projects that were previously announced and scheduled for completion in 2016 can’t be completed soon enough.

With report by Amy R. Remo