Except for heavy trucks and buses, all motor vehicle categories dismally performed in April this year with total sales dropping 16 percent to 33,580 units from 40,306 units the previous month led by a sharp 23.09 percent decrease in the passenger cars, official industry data showed.
The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) reported the sharp decline in the April sales performance although the industry still managed a flat growth in the first four months with sales of 150,654 units from 146,920 units in the same period last year or a 2.5 percent improvement.
“While the overall market trajectory remains positive, the recent slowdown may be attributed to seasonal factors, economic conditions, or evolving consumer demands. Industry leaders continue to monitor market trends and expect further developments in the months ahead,” said the joint report by CAMPI and TMA.
In April, the passenger car sales reached only 6,498 units from 8,449 units in March, reflecting a sharp 23.09 percent drop. The commercial vehicle segment also declined by 15 percent with sales of 27,082 units from 31,857 units the previous month.
Sales of Asian utility vehicles registered total monthly sales of 5,992 units for 15.1 percent down from 7,057 units. Likewise, the light commercial vehicle category or sports utility vehicle category sold only 20,185 units from 23,754 units or 15 percent down.
From the trucks categories, light duty trucks’ sales decreased by 20.3 percent to 499 units sold from 626 units while the medium-duty trucks and buses posted a negative 9.1 percent decrease to 291 units from 320 in March.
Only the heavy-duty trucks and buses category remained in the positive category with sales jumping 15 percent to 115 units sold from 100 units in March.
Meantime, CAMPI and TMA reported that total electric vehicle sales by its member firms in April reached 1,509 units from 1,895 units in March, bringing total sales to 6,820 units in the first four months of the year.
Of total sales in April, the battery electric vehicle or pure EVs contributed 286 units while the plug-in hybrid electric vehicles sold 23 units. The biggest EV sales’ contribution came from the hybrid EVs with sales of 1,200 units.
Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation remains the dominant market player with 47.74 percent share, followed by Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation with 19.76 percent, Nissan Philippines, Inc. with 5.43 percent, Suzuki Philippines, Inc. with 4.65 percent and Ford Group Philippines at 4.47 percent, share.
