At 30, new brands, new energies for the chamber

The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc (CAMPI), widely recognized as the lead organization in the Philippine automotive industry, has always played a key role in nation building, as it has become an engine of growth through investments, government revenue generation, employment creation, skills development, technology transfer, environmental protection and promotion of safety under an economic environment responsive to the needs of the industry and society.

There is also no better time than now to be part of the historic milestone of CAMPI, as every member of the chamber is a testament of strength and resilience, having survived crisis after crisis, the most recent of which was a pandemic that brought an entire planet to a standstill.

Now, the stage is set for what the car industry considers the “grand rebound” from the pandemic doldrums, as the organization is poised to surpass the half-million unit sales in automobiles due to emerging trends that are re-shaping the auto industry.

Emerging trends

CAMPI president Atty. Rommel Gutierrez enumerates the following trends that will play a significant part in the future of the Philippine auto industry. “There has been continued growth in sales over the recent years. Notably, the shift from traditional manufacturing to mobility companies leads consumers’ preference for connected and personalized experience. The introduction of electrified vehicles (hybrid EV, plug-in hybrid EV, and battery EV) is also making an impact on overall sales. The rising number of new brand entrants and model offerings making it more affordable for consumers will be a big factor in contributing to the growth of the industry.”

Gutierrez also said that the industry has been evolving in terms of technological advances, such as new-energy vehicles (NEVs), asserting that even conventional-powered internal combustion engines (ICEs) have improved in their emissions and fuel efficiency, and these “advancements are geared towards improving the environment.” Gutierrez said that generally, CAMPI’s approach to carbon neutrality has involved multiple pathways (diverse technologies involving numerous sectors), stressing that a planet-wide problem like greenhouse gas emissions cannot be solved by a one-size-fits-all approach.

Order and harmony in a competitive industry

CAMPI was established on May 16, 1995, gaining strength and influence as it increased membership through the years, bringing order and harmony to an otherwise highly competitive auto industry.

“CAMPI has established itself as the credible voice of the automotive industry. It represents the industry domestically as well as internationally. The number of members of CAMPI continues to grow, with Tesla Philippines, VinFast Auto Philippines Corp, Lynk & Co., and BAIC as the latest companies joining. We are currently processing BYD’s application,” quipped Gutierrez.

These newest members join CAMPI’s current roster of brands.

The regular members are: Columbian Autocar Corp, Columbian Manufacturing Corp, Foton Motor Philippines Inc, Honda Cars Philippines Inc, Isuzu Philippines Corp, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp, Nissan Philippines Inc, Toyota Motor Philippines Corp.

The associate members are: Automobile Central Enterprise Inc, BA Motors Philippines Inc, Berjaya Auto Asia Inc, Bermaz Auto Philippines Inc, Ford Group Philippines Inc, Hyundai Motor Philippines Inc, IC Automotive Inc, IC Land Automotive Inc, IC Star Automotive Inc, Jetour Auto Phil Inc, KP Motors Corporation, SAIC Motor Philippines Inc, SMC Asia Car Distributor Corp, Suzuki Philippines Inc, Tesla Motors Philippines Inc, UAAGI Auto Inc, UAAGI Distributors Inc, United Asia Automotive Group Inc, Velocita Motors Inc and VinFast Auto Philippines Corp.

“CAMPI stands on strong pillars to carry forward the auto industry in the next decades. With strong support from its members, CAMPI will further solidify its position as a reliable association and strong partner in nation-building,” said Gutierrez.

The next years

Gutierrez said that “the market is evolving in the next 5 to 10 years.” He added, “we are redefining the future. We have never been so confident in the industry. CAMPI has new applications. Local manufacturing has increased.”

CAMPI has proactively been more inclusive to expand its membership and reach. Previously, the qualification for membership dictated that the applicant must be registered in the Board of Investment’s vehicle manufacturing program. But on March 1, 2008, an amendment of its by-laws resulted in the Chamber becoming open to associate memberships for assemblers, importers and distributors.

On target in 2025

“From January to April 2025, sales were 2.5-percent higher than the same period last year. Total sales April 2025 YTD (year-to-date) is 150,654 while April 2024 YTD sales were 146,920. This is a good indication that the industry is on the right track to meet its 2025 target,” said Gutierrez.

See Also

Will 2025 top CAMPI’s annual sales charts?

But more than just meeting sales targets, CAMPI’s main objective is to promote the interests of the automotive industry with the end in view of developing a viable domestic industry. This objective is carried out through its active participation in the formulation of government policies, programs, regulations and standards for the automotive industry. Its advocacies include enhancement of industry competitiveness, the Philippine Motor Vehicle Development Program, standardization and harmonization of standards, data sharing, the Philippine International Motor Show, skills enhancement, and skills training programs.

Social activism

CAMPI is also proud to be a socially responsible association working in partnership with the Philippine government and other stakeholders in pursuit of economic growth through the development of a viable and self-sustaining Philippine automotive industry.

Part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts are conducting seminars for anti-counterfeiting, supporting transport cooperative training, technology education, and training for out-of-school youth. CAMPI supports environment protection measures such as the Clean Air Act, Fuel Standards, Alternative Fuel for consumer protection, and safety advocacies such as the Seatbelt Law.

CAMPI members have also been initiating their own CSR programs geared for the environment, ranging from carbon footprint reduction, tree-planting initiatives, and water conservation projects to sustainable vehicle production and EV promotion.

Last Feb. 3, CAMPI inked a partnership with Angat Buhay Foundation to support climate action and sustainability efforts. Of the five advocacies (“five pillars”) that Angat Buhay has focused on, CAMPI chose climate action and sustainability to support, handing over a check for P500,000 intended to fund programs helping disaster-prone areas and promote environmental resilience nationwide.

Campi’s partnership with Angat Buhay Foundation serves as a way for the chamber to play a part in national-scale climate adaptation activities, particularly in disaster response, risk reduction, and resiliency programs.

“We hold the Philippine International Motor Show every other year. That’s where we showcase (our) products. And out of the proceeds (from the show), we always set aside amounts for donation to worthy institutions. We are looking at not only climate action but also the sustainability of it. We all want to see it put to good use. This might not be the only time we are supporting Angat Buhay. We look forward to a really good partnership and collaboration geared towards the environment. CAMPI is happy and proud to be part of efforts in climate action and sustainability,” said Gutierrez.