Imported car sales up 23 pct in May

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - Imported vehicles sold in the Philippines rose by 23 percent on year to 3,217 units in May from 2,615 units sold in the same period a year ago, local distributors said today.

Figures released by the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors, Inc. (AVID) showed that the passenger and light commercial vehicle segments posted double-digit hikes in sales last month.

Passenger cars sold in May went up by 26 percent on year to 1, 743 units while sales of light commercial vehicles expanded by 19 percent on year to 1,474 units.

In the first five months of the year, imported vehicles sold in the Philippines reached 14,929 units, 16 percent higher than the level posted in the same period last year.