Philippine automotive sales declined 9.4 percent in the first two months of 2026 as high year-end demand in the previous month led to leaner inventory, but the market for electrified vehicles continued to expand.
A joint report by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) showed total sales hit 69,538 units through February, down from 76,768 units in the same period last year. Passenger car sales fell 16.7 percent to 13,226 units, while commercial vehicle sales dipped 7.5 percent to 56,312 units.
Despite the annual decline, February figures indicated a month-on-month recovery. Total sales rose 6.4 percent to 35,842 units in February from 33,696 units in January. Passenger car sales grew 14.07 percent to 7,047 units, and commercial vehicles increased 4.6 percent to 28,795 units.
“We experienced an expected drop in January, partly caused by the leaner supply as a result of the strong buyer demand we saw in December,” CAMPI president Jose Maria Atienza said, noting that improved supply supported the February rebound.
Electrified vehicle (xEV) sales emerged as a bright spot, rising 66.9 percent year-to-date to 5,701 units. This segment now represents 8.2 percent of total industry sales, nearly double the 4.45 percent share recorded a year earlier.
Hybrid electric vehicles led the category with 4,551 units, while plug-in hybrids surged over 1,000 percent to 556 units and battery electric vehicles rose 77.3 percent to 594 units.
Atienza said the ongoing Middle East conflict is affecting motorists’ choices, but manufacturers are offering more energy-efficient and electrified options.
In the commercial segment, light commercial vehicles fell 11.1 percent year-on-year. Asian utility vehicles and multipurpose vehicles rose 3.9 percent and light-duty trucks and buses increased 6 percent.
Toyota Motor Philippines maintained its market leadership with 34,300 units sold, capturing 49.33 percent of the market.
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines followed with 14,361 units. Suzuki Philippines recorded 3,256 units, Nissan Philippines sold 3,143 units and Ford Motor Company Philippines moved 2,607 units.
