Car sales rise 10.3% in 2005

The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) reported yesterday that automotive sales for the whole of 2005 grew by 10.3 percent from the 2004 level.

For the first month of 2006, CAMPI and TMA are projecting a continued increase in sales due to fleet accounts deliveries and possible spill-over of advance purchase made last month in anticipation of the increase in the expanded value-added (EVAT) to 12 percent by February.

Total automotive sales for 2005 reached 97,063 units, surpassing the 95,000 forecast target.

CAMPI and TMA said that 2005 saw aggressive sales promotion and advertising expenses to sustain sales through the year.

Although sales grew, CAMPI and TMA admitted that competition remains stiff and margins slim.

Commercial vehicle sales of 61,432 units dominated the market ending the year with a 63 percent market share.

Light commercial vehicles, composed of pickups, vans, and compact sports utility vehicles, took up over half or 53 percent of the total commercial vehicle market.

Sales of light commercial vehicles reached 32,651 units in 2005.

Passenger car sales rose 7.3 percent due to the introduction of new models and fleet deliveries.

A total of 35,631 passenger car units were sold in 2005 as compared to sales of only 33,204 units in 2004.

Sales of commercial vehicles grew 12.1 percent in 2005 from 54,799 units in 2004.

The growth in commercial vehicle sales was due to sustained new model sales from pickup, light trucks and Asian utility vehicle segments, promos and stock availablity.

AUV sales in 2005 of 26,391 units attained a growth of 16.4 percent compared to the 22,664 units sold in 2004.

LCV sales in 2005 of 32,651 units showed a positive growth of nine percent compared to the 2004 level due to sustained sales of new SUV and pick-up models.

Light Trucks sales for the whole of 2005 showed an increase of five percent compared to last year due to the entry of Category 3 vehicles.

Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. fortified its position as the country’s top automotive company selling the most number of vehicles in 2005.

Toyota sold a total 35,153 units, accounting for 37 percent of the automotive market.

Toyota, thus, has captured the No. 1 car sales slot for the fourth consecutive year.

Daniel Isla, first vice president for marketing of Toyota, assured that "Toyota will continue to offer the best products and buying experience to its customers."

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. settled for No. 2 while Honda Cars Philippines managed to secure the No. 3 slot.

Isuzu Philippines Corp. was at No. 4 while Ford Motor Company with its subsidiary Mazda was able to grab the No. 5 position.