Auto sales up 6% in 4 months

Automobile sales started to pick up in the first four months of the year, indicating the market’s growing demand as the economy starts to pick up in the second quarter.

The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI) reported yesterday that total industry sales went up by nearly six percent to 24,496 units from January to April compared to 23,124 units in the same period last year.

Industry observers said local car manufacturers have started to introduce new vehicles in view of the expected improvement in demand as the economy shows signs of recovery.

Isuzu led the salvo with its XUV, followed recently by Nissan with Serena QRV and Honda with its reconfigured CR-V.

Passenger car sales also posted a slight growth of 2.2 percent with sales of 7,224 units during the four-month period.

For April alone, sales of all motor vehicles jumped 27.2 percent to 6,511 units, with commercial vehicles contributing the bulk of the demand.

CAMPI, however, gave no explanation for the surge in sales of commercial vehicles, which include vans, buses and trucks.

In terms of total sales, Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. remained on top, followed by Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. and Isuzu Philippines at third.

Honda Cars Philippines Inc. was number four, followed by Nissan Motor Philippines Inc.

Ford Motors Co. Philippines remained last in terms of overall industry sales.

Toyota’s Altis remained the bestseller in terms of passenger car, forcing Honda to accept the number two slot after lording it over the other car manufacturers last year.

Mitsubishi remained constant at number three followed by Nissan.