Roaring like a lion
Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) reinforced its dominance as the country’s top automaker by accounting for more than half of the 33,352 cars sold in May 2026.
Data from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association, which are the country’s largest vehicle-industry groups, showed that TMP sold 17,076 units last month. Overall auto sales were also up 23.8 percent from April 2026 as local fuel prices have dropped from triple-digit peaks in previous months.
“The more stable fuel prices also helped pull up demand for conventional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles, with May ICE sales growing by 32% versus the previous month,” said CAMPI president and TMP executive vice president Jing Atienza said in a press statement.
Despite this, CAMPI said May 2026 sales are still 15.7 percent less than May 2025 because of ongoing fuel-price concerns. However, the push to save money helped drive the 133-percent surge in the sales of electrified vehicles (xEV), which include battery-electric and hybrid-electric vehicles, in the first five months of 2026 compared to the same period last year.
“xEVs now account for 18 percent of the total market, up by 9 points from the previous year,” Atienza said. “The accelerating growth trend is only held back by availability constraints resulting from the sudden surge in demand. Our overall market outlook has improved with actual vehicle sales performing better than previously expected despite the fuel crisis.”
Outdoing newcomers
After TMP, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation was second with 5,415 units sold in May 2026.
This was followed by Suzuki Motor Philippines at 1,441 units, Ford Philippines at 1,260 units and Isuzu Philippines Corporation at 930 units. The remaining members of the top 10 automakers include Honda Cars Philippines Inc. at 915 units, Tesla Philippines at 829 units and Nissan Philippines Inc. at 750 units.
Finally, two Chinese companies took the last spot in the top 10 – these include MG Philippines with 657 units sold and a resurgent Geely Motor Philippines at 605 units. Non-CAMPI members like BYD Cars Philippines are not included in the sales charts.
Put another way, TMP’s sales last month were more than the sales of the nine other automakers combined.
Sales drivers
Data from TMP pointed to six models that sold in their thousands, which made up 61 percent of the Japanese carmaker’s May 2026 sales.
In first place is the Vios with 2,373 units – this subcompact sedan has been a stronghold nameplate in the Philippines over the last 20 years, remaining popular with private and fleet buyers because of its near-indestructible build, easy maintenance and fuel-efficient engines.
Next is the Avanza with 2,199 units. Built on the newer DNGA platform shared with the Raize and ATIV, this seven-seat, multi-purpose vehicle has likewise become a popular buy for Filipino families on a budget, as well as ride-sharing operators who need additional seating and cargo capacity.
In third place is the Tamaraw with 1,658 units – much like its much-beloved predecessor, this highly adaptable pick-up platform is forming the backbone of businesses looking for a rugged vehicle to suit a wide variety of commercial needs. The model is also proudly Pinoy-made as it is manufactured at TMP’s Santa Rosa, Laguna plant.
In fourth place is the Wigo subcompact hatchback with 1,525 units. Its fuel-efficient 1.0-liter engine, small dimensions and starting price of P615,000 help make it an ideal first car or even a convenient second car for trips in congested city streets.
Next is the Raize subcompact crossover that sold 1,465 units last month, offering generous ground clearance and a roomy cabin, all while being easy to park and fuel-efficient. It is available with either a 1.2-liter inline-3 gasoline engine or a turbocharged 1.0-liter inline-3 gasoline engine.
The last member of TMP’s “thousand-seller” club is the venerable Hilux pick-up truck with 1,186 units. It offers a wide range of body styles and trim levels that cater to both business owners and off-road enthusiasts, while the recently launched, next-generation Hilux promises to take the nameplate to new heights.
With auto sales resurgent in May 2026, it seems that TMP remains the dominant force, despite the entry of new industry players from China.
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