Car sales slow down 3% in July

MANILA, Philippines — Vehicle sales declined in July from the same month a year ago as a series of storms disrupted the automotive industry’s retail operations.

A joint report from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) yesterday showed that total vehicle sales dipped by three percent to 38,295 units in July from 39,331 units in the same month last year.

Passenger car sales dropped by 26 percent to 8,120 units in July from 10,923 units in the same month in 2024.

Commercial vehicle sales, on the other hand, picked up by six percent to 30,175 units in July from the previous year’s 28,408 units.

“Despite temporary weather-related disruptions that affected retail operations in July, the industry remains on a positive trajectory, supported by strong commercial vehicle demand and signs of recovery in the passenger car segment,” the CAMPI said.

Sales of electric vehicles reached 2,707 units in July. These cover 178 battery electric vehicles (BEVs), 128 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and 2,401 hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).

From January to July, CAMPI and TMA’s total sales went up by one percent to 269,207 units from 265,610 units in the same period last year.

The passenger car segment registered a 24-percent drop in sales to 53,767 units in the seven-month period from 70,798 units in the same period a year ago.

Commercial vehicle sales, meanwhile, climbed by 11 percent to 215,440 units from January to July compared to 194,812 units in the same period in 2024.

Sales of CAMPI and TMA’s electric vehicles reached 16,195 units in seven months.

Of these vehicles, 13,290 units were HEVs, 2,617 units were BEVs and 288 were PHEVs.

Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. remained the leading market player from January to July with a 48-percent share.

Completing the top five are Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. with a 19-percent share, Nissan Philippines Inc. (5.06 percent) , Ford Motor Co. Philippines Inc. (4.95 percent) and Suzuki Philippines Inc. (4.69 percent).

“The industry’s continued growth, particularly in commercial segments, reflects strong market fundamentals and the agility of our members in navigating short-term challenges. We are optimistic that the momentum will carry forward into the second half of the year,” CAMPI president Rommel Gutierrez said.

“With new model launches, promotional campaigns and improving consumer sentiment on the horizon, CAMPI and TMA remain confident in the automotive sector’s sustained recovery and expansion,” he said.