Car sales up 16.2 pct in Jan.-Nov.

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - Car sales for the months of January to November went up by 16.2 percent on year to 164,098 units, the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI) reported today.

CAMPI said car sales for the 11-month period have already exceeded the 156,649 units sold by the industry in 2012.

On a monthly basis, however, November sales declined by 5.3 percent after typhoon Haiyan, locally known as "Yolanda," struck central Philippines on Nov. 8.

"All existing dealerships in central Philippines especially (in Eastern Visayas) suffered heavy losses due to typhoon Haiyan," said CAMPI President Rommel Gutierrez.

Despite this, CAMPI said it remains confident that the industry will be able to meet its target of selling 210,000 units by the end of 2013.

"December is still the best time for the (auto) industry. The influx of returning overseas Filipino workers, bonuses and year- end savings are real market enhancers," Gutierrez said.

Japanese car maker Toyota Motors Philippines Corp. continues to lead the industry with close to 42 percent market share followed by Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. with 24 percent and Honda with 7.39 percent.