Automotive sales in September posted a significant 35.6 percent increase to 21,493 units from 15,847 in August, bringing year to date industry sales to 191,605 units.
**media**
A joint report by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) showed all categories in the positive territory except for Category IV trucks and buses, which declined its sales by 19.1 percent, in their September performance.
The passenger car segment improved by 34.45 percent to 6,580 units sold while the commercial vehicle segment sales jumped 36.2 percent to 14,913 units versus August.
On a year to date, overall sales posted a 28.5 percent growth to 191,605 units as against 148,012 units.
Of this figure, the passenger car segment registered the bigger growth of 38.3 percent to 60,982 units from 44,079 units in the same nine-month period last year.
The commercial vehicle segment also grew by 25.7 percent to 130,623 units versus 103,933 units in the same January-September period last year.
In terms of categories under the commercial vehicle segment, all posted positive growth in the range 18 percent to 32 percent.
Ranking wise, the two industry leaders Toyota Motors Philippines Corp. and Mitsubishi Motors Philippines are firmly settled in their first and second position, respectively. Toyota sold a total of 92,318 units while Mitsubishi contributed 26,830 units.
The third slot has been more contentious with a few players shifting places. This time, Ford Motor Philippines Inc finished third with 14,704 units while Suzuki Philippines Inc. slid to fourth with 14,445 units sold. Completing the top five is Nissan Philippines Inc. with 13,235 units sold.
CAMPI President Atty. Rommel Gutierrez said that this double-digit growth of 35.6 percent from the previous month’s performance is a favorable development as this is crucial in attaining the industry’s sales targetas the year ends.
“Amid the challenges, the industry’s optimism still lingers for a better sales performance in the fourth quarter this year. This isdriven by the overall improved consumer confidenceresulting from a more buoyant economic condition and household spending, according to the recent government data,” Gutierrez added.