Mitsubishi sales soar

The blockbuster Mirage launch at the SMX featured Mitsubishi Motors Corp. president Osamu Masuko and top officials of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. Mitsubishi Motors Philippines sold 21,282 units in the first half of 2013, 25.5 percent more than the 16,956 units sold during the same period last year.

MANILA, Philippines—Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) sold 21,282 units in the first half of the year, 25.5 percent more than the 16,956 units sold during the same period last year.

Total industry sales for the first semester was at 87,226 units for a 19.7-percent growth compared to 72,871 units sold in the same period last year. Based on the consolidated reports of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) and Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA), MMPC was able to capture 24.4 percent of the market.

MMPC posted increases on several segments.

With the strong demand and wide market acceptance for the Mirage and Lancer EX 1.6, MMPC was able to reestablish its presence in the passenger cars segment.

A total of 4,538 units were sold in the first half, from just 498 units in the same period in 2012. Meanwhile, trucks sales increased by 32.1 percent. From January to June 2013, 317 units of Fuso trucks were sold. Mitsubishi Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) modestly increased by 1.3 percent with 16,416 units sold.

Several models topped the list of bestselling vehicles for the semester.

Among these models were the Montero Sport, Mirage and locally manufactured models such as L300 and Adventure. The Montero Sport leads the LCV segment and is also the second bestselling vehicle among all categories and models.

For the second half of the year, MMPC is confident that it will be able to maintain or even surpass its performance in the first half.