February auto sales growth eased to 2.9%
Automobile sales in the Philippines grew at a slower pace of 2.9 percent in February, as demand for passenger vehicles fell while purchases of commercial vehicles decelerated.
A joint report by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (Campi) and the Truck Manufacturers Association released on Wednesday showed that local sales reached 39,164 units during the month compared with 38,072 units sold in the same month last year.
It also increased by 4.15 percent from 37,604 units sold in January.
The annual growth rate in February, however, slowed down from the 10.4-percent expansion recorded in January.
“The automotive sales trends in 2025 are influenced by several factors, including supply chain stability, growing demand for electric and autonomous vehicles and global economic condition,” CAMPI said in a statement.
Commercial vehicle sales growth slowed to 9.1 percent from 16.6 percent in January, while passenger vehicle sales saw a steeper decline of 15.8 percent from the 8.5-percent drop in the preceding month.
The latest numbers brought the overall sales during the first two months of the year to 76,768 units, marking a 6.04-percent growth compared with the 72,132 units sold in the comparable period in 2024.
EV sales
The same report said that there were 1,816 units of electric vehicles (EVs) sold in February, indicating a 4.64-percent market share.
Combined EV sales in the first two months reached 3,416 units, or 4.45 percent of total.
“There has been a notable consumers’ preferences for connected and personalized driving experiences, alongside a shift toward sustainability and environmental concerns,” Campi also said in its statement.
“Technological advancements in [artificial intelligence], sensors and infotainment systems, among others, are showing potential to transform the industry over time,” added the industry group.
Purchases of commercial vehicles, including utility vehicles such as trucks and buses, dominated sales in February, reaching 31,010 or 79.18 percent of total.
Two-month commercial vehicle sales totaled 60,855 units, or 79.31 percent of overall sales.
Meanwhile, passenger car sales reached 8,154 units in February, bringing the two-month total to 15,883 units.
In terms of brands, Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. continues to have a wide lead with its market share of 47.31 percent in February, equivalent to 18,528 units sold during the month.
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. came in second with a 20.87-percent market share, followed by Nissan Philippines with 5.3 percent, Suzuki Philippines with 4.54 percent and Ford Group Philippines with 4.49 percent.
