Over 38,000 vehicles added to PH roads in July

Over 38,000 vehicles were added to Philippine roads in July, lower than the sales recorded in June amid weather-related disruptions that affected retail operations, data released by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) on Thursday showed.

There were 38,295 units sold in July, 5.4% lower than the 40,483 units sold in the previous month, and 2.6% lower than the 39,331 units sold in the same month last year.

This comes as retail operations were affected by the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat, and tropical cyclones that hit the country late July — Crising (international name: Wipha), Dante (international name: Francisco), and Emong (international name: Co-may) —  that have logged infrastructure damage of at least P7.355 billion, and a death toll of 34.

“The industry’s continued growth, particularly in commercial segments, reflects strong market fundamentals and the agility of our members in navigating short-term challenges,” CAMPI president Atty. Rommel Gutierrez said in an emailed statement.

Commercial vehicles accounted for 78.80% of total sales for the month with 30,175 units, while passenger cars accounted for the remaining 21.20% or 8,120.

There were 22,523 light commercial vehicles sold during the month; 6,664 Asian utility vehicles (AUVs); 607 light-duty trucks and buses; 302 medium-duty trucks and buses; and 79 heavy-duty trucks and buses.

A total of 2,401 units sold for the month were hybrid electric vehicles, 178 were battery electric vehicles, and 128 were plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. retained the top market player with 48.04% of sales, followed by Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. with 19.0%, Nissan Philippines Inc. with 5.06%, Ford Group Philippines with 4.95%, and Suzuki Philippines Inc. with 4.69%.

Year-to-date sales stood at 269,207 units, up by 1.4% from the 265,610 units sold in the same period of 2024.

“We are optimistic that the momentum will carry forward into the second half of the year,” Gutierrez said, noting new model launches, promotional campaigns, and improving consumer sentiment over the horizon. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News