SURGING electric vehicle (EV) sales failed to lift total automotive sales in the Philippines in the first quarter of 2026, as the industry felt the spillover effects of the global oil supply crunch that has sent pump prices soaring since the Middle East war broke out in February.
A total of 105,642 car units were sold in the first three months of 2026, a 9.8-percent decline from 117,074 in the same period last year, based on joint data released by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (Campi) and Truck Manufacturers Association on Monday.
Commercial vehicles remained the top-selling segment with 85,491 units, although this marked a 7.8-percent decline from 92,472 from the first quarter of 2025.
As in the previous month, EVs emerged as the industry’s lone bright spot, with sales surging 36.2 percent to 11,800 units from 8,664 in 2025. Plug-in hybrids were the top-selling EV segment at 1,250 units, a 924.6-percent increase.
Campi president Jose Maria Atienza said he expects EVs to further take up a larger share of industry sales, especially as high pump prices increase demand for electrified modes of transport.
“This continues the rising trend we have been observing the past few years. EV adoption is mainly driven by users’ growing understanding and acceptance of electrified technologies,” Atienza said. “We expect this to grow further because of the country’s need for various energy efficient vehicles.”
Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. continued to lead the industry in the first quarter with 51,922 units sold, representing a 49.15-percent market share. (Logan Kal-El M. Zapanta © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
