Auto sales post 8.2% growth in first quarter

MANILA, Philippines - Vehicle sales grew by 8.2 percent in the first three months of the year, with local car makers giving assurance that supply has remained unaffected by last month’s disaster in Japan.

The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (CAMPI) reported that the industry sold a total of 36,293 units for the first quarter of the year of which 13,775 units were sold the month of March alone. Sales of passenger cars grew by 11.3 to 12,426 units while sales of commercial vehicles rose 6.7 percent to 23,867 units. Commercial vehicles continue to dominate overall sales with a 66-percent market share.

“So far, brand makers have ample supply from existing inventories to supply market demand,” CAMPI said, addressing concerns that plant shutdowns in Japan would affect local supply.

“The effect of these on the local assembly is in the supply of parts which may either be part of the CKD pack or for regular parts purchases,” it added.

Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. led the pack for the period, growing its sales by 12.2 percent to 13,845 units.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. was second with 8,143 sold, up 13.3 percent.