Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) is expanding its automotive loan portfolio to target the rapidly growing hybrid vehicle segment, positioning itself to capture a larger share of the consumer market increasingly squeezed by volatile fuel prices.

In a statement, the country’s second-largest private universal bank said the move aligns with the broader structural shift in the domestic automotive landscape. While overall industry vehicle sales have faced intermittent headwinds in early 2026, demand for electrified vehicles has surged.

According to the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI), sales of electrified vehicles, which include both hybrid and battery electric models, have effectively doubled compared to previous years.

Hybrid electric vehicles continue to dominate this segment, accounting for roughly 70 percent of all electrified vehicles sold locally.

Metrobank said its strategic focus on hybrids addresses a critical transition period for local consumers. Filipino car buyers have long favored spacious, family-oriented vehicles, particularly sports utility vehicles and crossovers.

As big car brands expand their hybrid and plug-in hybrid lineups in these popular segments, Metrobank aims to lower the barrier to entry for buyers seeking long-term operational savings. High global oil prices are prompting middle-class buyers to prioritize a vehicle's total cost of ownership over its initial sticker price.

To capture this momentum, Metrobank said it is offering competitive financing terms tailored to hybrid and traditional car buyers alike.

Under its expanded auto loan program, qualified borrowers can secure financing for up to 80 percent of a vehicle’s net selling price. The bank is offering repayment terms stretching up to 60 months, alongside a streamlined digital and branch-based application process aimed at shortening approval times.

For the financial sector, auto loans represent a key growth engine as the domestic economy stabilizes. Real gross domestic product in the Philippines is forecast to expand by roughly 5.1 percent in 2026, supported by an easing cycle that has seen the central bank lower its policy rate.

By lowering financing hurdles for premium, fuel-efficient vehicles, Metrobank is betting that the long-term utility of hybrids will outweigh the higher upfront costs usually associated with advanced drivetrains.