CAMPI eyes sales recovery

Philippine vehicle sales fell sharply in August after severe weather disrupted dealership operations and consumer activity, although industry officials expect demand to recover before year-end.

The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) and Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) reported combined member sales of 29,611 units, down 20.7 percent from July and 18.1 percent from August last year.

When estimated sales from automotive brands outside the two associations are included, total industry sales reached 34,390 units in August.

The same distinction applies to year-to-date figures. CAMPI-TMA member sales reached 271,336 units from January to August, an 11.1-percent decline from 305,381 units a year earlier. The broader industry total, including nonmember estimates, stood at 300,550 units.

Toyota Motor Philippines led member sales in August with 14,594 units, followed by Mitsubishi Motors Philippines with 3,570 and Suzuki Philippines with 1,350.

Electrified vehicles continued to gain ground despite the overall slowdown. Industry-wide sales reached an estimated 74,600 units during the first eight months, more than double the corresponding 2025 volume.

CAMPI president Jose Maria Atienza said the August decline appeared temporary and expressed optimism that sales would recover as operating conditions return to normal.