Industry-wide automotive sales are on track to reach 210,000 units in 2013 as sales of the Chamber of Auto Manufacturers in the Philippines Inc. (Campi) and the allied Truck Manufacturers Association (TMP) grew by more than a fourth as of end-April.
The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (Avid) reported an 8 percent growth in March alone—3,027 vehicles compared to 2,792 sold in the same period last year.
Car and truck importers reported an 8-percent increase in sales for March over year-ago levels, with the rising demand for light-commercial vehicles offsetting the drop in passenger cars.
Vehicle sales rose by nearly 30 percent in the first quarter of 2013 as market optimism and low interest rates fuel demand for new cars and trucks, data released by the industry association showed.
Vehicle assemblers and importers expect industry-wide sales to post double-digit growth this year given the improving economic conditions and the expected release soon of a development road map for the automotive industry.
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) recorded its sixth year of consecutive sales growth as it closed 2012. MMPC was able to sell a total of 34,915 vehicles, which is 7 percent better than its 2011 sales of 32,603 vehicles. Meanwhile, members of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturer of the Philippines (CAMPI) and Truck Manufacturer Association (TMA) reported combined annual sales of 156,649 vehicles, an improvement of 10.6 percent compared to 141,616 units sold in 2011. With this figure, MMPC registered a notable 22-percent market share, keeping its position as the second automotive industry leader in the country.
Suzuki Philippines Inc. sees a 10-percent increase in motorcycle sales along with a 20-percent hike in vehicle sales as it opens more dealerships and brings new models into the fast-growing Philippine market.
Columbian Autocar Corp. (CAC), exclusive distributor of Kia vehicles in the Philippines, ended the year with an impressive 57.4-percent year-on-year increase according to the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI).
Hyundai Asia Resources Inc.’s (Hari) passenger cars segment drove the company’s sales growth in 2012, amid consumption-fueled economic expansion.
Ford Philippines said Wednesday it ended 2012 on a high note with its “best-ever monthly performance.”
The number of vehicles sold in Japan last year jumped 26.1 percent from 2011, when the auto industry was pummelled by the quake-tsunami disaster, according to industry data on Monday.
There are still about a dozen days left before 2012 officially becomes history but the country’s leading automotive firm, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP), is already in a celebratory mood. With December sales yet to be added, the country’s top automotive firm has already surpassed its 2011 overall sales mark and even its all-time tally.
