Car sales in the Philippines posted a six-percent hike as of the end of February, driven by a growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and personalized driving experiences, according to the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI).
A joint report by CAMPI and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) showed that automotive sales rose to 76,768 units during the January-to-February period, a 6.4 percent increase from 72,132 units sold in the first two months of last year.
Taking into consideration February alone, the month’s sales tallied a total of 39,164 units. This is a 4.1 percent increase from January’s 37,604 units.
Last month’s sales were fueled by commercial vehicles, with 31,010 units sold, up by 3.8 percent from 29,875 units in the previous month. Combined, the two-month period notched 60,885 commercial vehicles, a 12.4 percent hike from 54,048 units last year.
Sales of passenger cars slightly improved in February, registering a 5.5 percent increase to 8,154 units from January’s 7,729.
Notably, the two-month period registered a 12.4 percent decline in passenger car sales, recording 15,833 units from 18,129 in 2024.
Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. remains the dominant market player, with a 47.7 percent share in sales since January.
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. followed this with a 20.2 percent share, Nissan Philippines Inc. with 5.8 percent, Suzuki Philippines Inc. with 4.6 percent, and Ford Group Philippines at 4.3 percent.
Joint CAMPI-TMA data also showed that 1,816 EVs were sold last month, a 13.5 percent uptick from 1,600 units in January.
In total, 3,416 EVs have been sold as of end-February. Of the two-month sales, hybrid EVs dominated with 3,034 units, battery EVs followed with 335 units, and 47 were hybrid plug-in EVs.
CAMPI has pointed to the country’s growing demand for EVs as one of the leading automotive sales trends this year, alongside supply chain stability and global economic conditions.
“There has been a notable consumers’ preferences for connected and personalized driving experiences, alongside a shift towards sustainability and environmental concerns,” said CAMPI President Rommel Gutierrez in a statement.
Gutierrez noted that technological advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), sensors, and infotainment systems are seen as other potential factors in reaching a positive sales outcome in 2025.
CAMPI earlier set its sights on reaching 500,000 units sales this year. This is higher than the record-high 467,252 units sold last year.