Auto sales down 11% in May

MANILA, Philippines -  Car sales declined by 11 percent in May from a year ago level because of dwindling stocks as the industry continues to reel from the impact of the twin disasters in Japan early this year.

At the same time, the preliminary report of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc (CAMPI) showed that Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp has overtaken Toyota Motor Philippines as the leading auto brand in terms of market share.

CAMPI data showed that total industry sales for May stood at 10,913 units, down 7.6 percent from the 11,815 units sold a month ago and an 11 percent fall when compared to May 2010.

An industry insider who spoke on the condition of anonymity confirmed earlier reports that the four percent growth target of CAMPI will be slashed to factor in the devastation in Japan.

Mitsubishi is now the leading auto brand in terms of market share with sales hitting 3,117 units for May. Toyota followed with sales of 3,017 units. Honda Cars Philippines Inc ranked third with 1,115 units.

 Mitsubishi managed boost its May sales by 11 percent when compared to April while Toyota declined by 34 percent May to April.

Mitsubishi sold most of the commercial vehicles followed by Toyota. For passenger cars, Honda topped the market followed by Toyota.

In a separate statement, Ford Group Philippines reported that its overall May sales jumped 85 percent to 817 units from a year ago.

Ford Fiesta recorded its best monthly performance in May with sales of 324 units, helping to further establish its position as a leader in the small car segment. For the five-month period, sales of Fiesta reached 1,406 units.

“Sales of the all-new Fiesta are contributing to our strong performance and underscore its strategic role in transforming our business,” said Randy Krieger, president, Ford Group Philippines. “Fiesta is attracting a wide range of Filipino customers who appreciate its class-leading style, smart technology, superior fuel efficiency and unmatched safety in a small car.”

Ford’s May performance was also supported by continued strong sales of Ford Everest and Ford Ranger. Sales of Everest rose 47 percent year-over-year to 226 units, while Ranger sales increased 38 percent to 102 units. The Ford Focus turned in its best monthly performance of the year with sales of 62 units.

“We’re continuing to experience strong demand across our full product lineup that is contributing to our sales performance,” added Krieger. “It’s a strong indication that our One Ford strategy is working, and we’re offering the right vehicles in this market that suit a diverse range of Filipino lifestyles and requirements.”

Overall sales of Ford brand vehicles in the Philippines through the first five months of the year continue to outpace the overall industry, having risen 63 percent from the same period a year ago to 3,968 vehicles.