Toyota Tops Charts in February

Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) once again emerged as the number one automotive company in February by grabbing an enormous chunk of the market with almost 34 percent. Based on the figures reported by Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) for February, Toyota took hold of the top spot by selling a total of 2,307 units. With year-to-date sales of 4,755 units, Toyota marked a growth of 8 percent compared to the same period last year. Toyota also registered the highest sales output in the passenger car and commercial vehicle category last month.

February proved to be a difficult month for the whole automotive industry as market uncertainty increases under the prevailing economic conditions. However, Toyota’s aggressive marketing strategies contributed to its overall remarkable performance, leaving its competitors behind with Honda landing in second place by taking 18 percent with total sales of 1,214 units. Mitsubishi took third spot with 1,058 units or almost 16 percent of the February market.

Toyota’s continuous market leadership can largely be attributed to the strong sales of its passenger car line-up with 1,283 units sold, an 80 percent growth in market share compared to the same period last year. This translates to an outstanding 47 percent, seizing almost half of the whole passenger car market. Toyota’s enormous February PC sales increases its year-to-date figures to 2,486 units making it 60 percent higher compared to February last year. Honda and Mitsubishi followed with total passenger car sales of 771 units and 234 units respectively.

The Vios remained the best in its class with 585 units or 25 percent, beating Honda City’s 471 sales. The introduction of the 2004 Corolla Altis also spurred sales of the mainstream sedan with a little less than 17 percent or 388 units compared to 133 units of the Civic.

Toyota also sustained its leadership in the commercial vehicle category with sales of 1,024 units or 25 percent share, maintaining a strong start with year-to-date sales of 2,269 units. Mitsubishi takes the second spot with 824 units while Isuzu followed with total sales of 670 units.

Toyota’s commercial vehicle dominance can largely be attributed to the sales of the Revo, unbeatable in its top spot with 614 units or 39 percent. The introduction of new improved features of the Revo VX200 and Sport Runner last month, combined with extensive financing promos left the Mitsubishi Adventure and Isuzu Crosswind behind.