The automotive industry saw a slow start to 2026, with January sales falling 10 percent compared to the same month last year.

A joint report by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI), the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA), and other industry data showed total sales of 35,053 units in January 2026, down from 37,604 units in January 2025.

On a month-on-month basis, January 2026 sales were also 26 percent lower than the 47,371 units sold in December 2025.

CAMPI president Jose Maria Atienza said lower sales during the first month of the year are typical following the year-end rush in the automotive market.

He noted that the industry delivered exceptional performance in December 2025, marking the highest December sales record since 2017.

Despite the dip, Atienza said the industry remains on track to meet its target of surpassing 500,000 units in sales by year-end.

“When market seasonality adjustment is factored in, January sales level aligns with the steady pace observed during the second half of last year,” he said in a statement Wednesday.

Of the total January 2026 industry sales, CAMPI and TMA members accounted for 33,696 units.

While both passenger and commercial vehicle segments declined, CAMPI highlighted continued growth in the electrified vehicle segment.

CAMPI and TMA members sold 2,610 electrified vehicles (xEVs) in January 2026, higher than the 1,600 units sold in the same month last year. The figure represents 7.75 percent of total CAMPI-TMA vehicle sales.

In terms of market share by brand, Toyota led with 48.51 percent, followed by Mitsubishi at 20.78 percent, Suzuki at 4.88 percent, Nissan at 4.72 percent, and Ford at 3.77 percent.