MANILA, Philippines - Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) closed November 2012 recording its highest monthly sales since 1995. In the November 2012 combined Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) and Truck Manufacturers’ Association (TMA) report, MMPC registered total sales of 3,840 units capturing a 23.1 percent market share and keeping a strong post as the second industry leader in country. November 2012 sales also went up to 37.1 percent as compared to October when MMPC sold a total of 2,800 units. MMPC’s year-to-date sales of 31,551 units reflected a 4.6 percent growth compared to the same 11 months last year.
In November, while most of the brands suffered decline in passenger car sales, MMPC registered a remarkable 608.7 percent growth in the segment, selling 1,219 combined sales of Lancer EX and the newly introduced all-new Mirage. This enabled Mitsubishi to capture 20 percent market share, making it the second bestselling passenger car brand in the market in November.
Last month, MMPC delivered a total of 1,098 Mirage units, mostly part of the pre-ordered units received by its dealers even before the introduction. First showcased at the 4th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) last August, the all-new Mirage instantly created interest and excitement in the market. It was also during the 4th PIMS when MMPC started accepting reservations and announced its pre-order exclusive promo, which generated more than 2,500 reservations.
The introduction of the Mirage also enabled MMPC to register exceptional growth of 58.5 percent in the passenger car segment compared to the same period last year.
Meanwhile, sales of several models also improved in November. Fuso trucks sales also increased by 66 percent with 78 units sold compared to 47 units sold in October, thanks to the improved availability of Canter trucks.
The Montero Sport continues to be one of MMPC’s bestselling models. Total Montero Sports sold from January to November reached 11,508 units or 3.4 percent better than the same period last year. Strada pickup sales also improved by 25 percent in November and grew by 4 percent or a total of 3,967 year-to-date. The Adventure also remains to be among the important models that predominantly attract families as well as small and medium entrepreneurs with the need for a practical, reliable, and very low maintenance vehicle.
“MMPC and our dealers are indeed very ecstatic with the sales turnout and the exceptional market response to the all-new Mirage, MMPC VP for Marketing Services Froilan Dytianquin said. “We are also optimistic that this sustained market excitement over the Mirage will pave the way for MMPC’s strong return in the exciting passenger car segment.”