PH auto sales down in May, but electric vehicles up

Automotive sales in the Philippines continued to see a double-digit annual decline in May as energy efficiency remained a major factor in purchasing, a joint report by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) showed.

There were 33,532 units sold in May, higher than the 27,089 in April, but 15.7% lower than the 39,775 units sold in May 2025.

Majority of sales for the month were commercial vehicles with 26,840 units (80.04%), while passenger car sales stood at 6,692 units (19.96%).

There were 6,056 units of Asian utility vehicles sold during the month; 10,115 units of light commercial vehicles; 377 of light-duty trucks and buses; 234 units of medium-duty trucks and buses; and 59 units of heavy-duty trucks and buses.

Electric vehicles accounted for 18% of the total market with 6,027 units sold, up 66.8% from 3,613 a year ago—1,843 battery electric; 1,274 plug-in hybrid; and 2,910 hybrid electric.

"We continue to observe expanding demand for various types of Electrified Vehicles (xEVs), with cumulative Jan - May sales already doubling vs. last year… The accelerating growth trend is only held back by availability constraints resulting from the sudden surge in demand,” CAMPI president Jose Maria Atienza said in an emailed statement.

"Our overall market outlook has improved with actual vehicle sales performing better than previously expected despite the fuel crisis,” he added.

Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMPC) continued to have the biggest share of the market with 17,076 units sold, followed by Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Corp. with 5,415; Suzuki Philippines Inc. with 1,441 units; Ford Motor Company Phils Inc. with 1,260 units; and Isuzu Philippines Corp. with 930 units. — BM, GMA News