Automotive sales rose 2.6 percent in September to 32,116 units from 30,313 units year-on-year, reversing the trend in the past few months.
A joint statement of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. and the Truck Manufacturers Association said newer and better choices in automobiles drove the growth.
Cumulative sales from January to September, however, were still down 13.8 percent to 261,057 units from 302,869 units year-on-year.
“We remain optimistic that this trend will be sustained before the year ends, as we expect boost in sales from the upcoming 7th Philippine International Motor Show this month and the Christmas season,” said Campi president Rommel Gutierrez.
Sales of the passenger car segment rose 8.8 percent to 9,441 units in September from 8,678 units in the previous month.
Sales of commercial vehicles were virtually flat at 21,675 units from 21,635 in August. Sales of category 1 or the Asian Utility Vehicle declined 1.8 percent to 2,926 units from 2,981 units.
Sales of the light commercial vehicle or Category 2 inched up 1.6 percent to 17,626 units from 17,354 units a month ago.
Sales of light trucks dropped 16.6 percent to 571 units from 685 units while those of trucks and buses (Category 4 and 5) declined 7.7 perdent and 17.6 percent, respectively.
The Category 4 sold 421 units while Category 5 sold 131 units in the same period this year.
Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. remains the sales leader with nearly 42 percent of market share, followed by Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. at 19.3 percent.
Nissan Philippines Inc. was at third with a market share of 9.4 percent, followed by Ford Motor Company Philippines Inc. and Honda Cars Philippines Inc. with 6.9 percent and 6.6 percent market, respectively.
