OVERALL vehicle sales declined in August this year due to adverse weather conditions, but the share of electric vehicles (EV) increased, a joint report by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) and Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) showed.
There were 29,611 vehicle units sold in August, down 20.7% from the 37,319 in July, and 18.1% lower than the same month last year.
“We’re still optimistic that vehicle sales will bounce back over the next few months through year-end. The August dip appears to be a short-term disruption rather than a reversal of market momentum,” CAMPI president Jose Maria Atienza said.
Majority or 77.09% of sales, equivalent to 22,827 units, for the month were commercial vehicles — 4,809 Asian utility vehicles; 17,413 light commercial vehicles; 378 light-duty trucks and buses; 197 medium-duty trucks and buses; and 30 heavy-duty trucks and buses.
The remaining 22.91%, or 6,784 units, were passenger car sales, down 15.8% from 8,056 units in July and 10.6% from the previous year.
There were 7,066 electric vehicles sold in August, equivalent to 23.86% of the total sales for the month. This is higher than the 18.99% market share in July, when 7,089 units were sold.
“The continued growth in xEV adoption highlights the strong potential of the market,” Atienza said.
In terms of types, there were 2,449 units of battery electric vehicles; 1,617 plug-in hybrid electric; and 3,000 hybrid electric vehicles sold during the month.
Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. led August sales with 14,594 units, followed by Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. with 3,570 units, Suzuki Philippines Inc. with 1,350 units, Honda Cars Philippines Inc. with 1,097 units, and Ford Group Philippines Inc. with 930 units. (GMA News)
