Philippine auto sales fall in September as EV demand accelerates

Traders Union
All News
Business & Wealth
Companies
Philippine auto sales and EV demand

Highlights

Philippine total vehicle sales fell 5.8% year on year to 35,722 units in September but rose 20.6% month on month from August's 29,612 units.
xEV sales surged 300.5% year on year to 8,959 units in September, while battery EV and plug-in hybrid EV sales grew 711.3% and 1,975.5% respectively.
Toyota Motor Philippines' sales declined 8.1% to 151,457 units year-to-date September, with all top five auto brands posting year-on-year declines.

September sales mix and market rebound

As reported by BusinessWorld, citing the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. and the Truck Manufacturers Association, total vehicle sales decline 5.8% year on year to 35,722 units in September from 37,915 a year earlier. On a monthly basis, industry sales rise 20.6% from 29,612 units in August, as demand recovers after weather-related disruptions hurt sales in the previous month.

CAMPI President Jose Maria M. Atienza says in a statement that the industry is well-positioned to sustain its momentum through the final months of 2026 and deliver a strong overall performance by yearend. In the first nine months, total vehicle sales fall 10.2% to 307,060 units from 341,753 a year earlier, while broader industry data show total sales reaching 40,240 units at end-September, the third-highest monthly performance of the year.

Passenger car sales edge down 1.9% year on year to 7,799 units in September, though they rise 15% from August. Commercial vehicle sales drop 7.2% to 27,923 units from a year earlier, but increase 22.3% month on month, with light commercial vehicles, Asian utility vehicles, and most truck categories posting annual declines, while heavy-duty trucks inch up 1.4% to 70 units.

EV growth offsets pressure on demand

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort says elevated pump prices continue to weaken vehicle demand, alongside softer employment data that are consistent with slower economic growth. He adds that higher fuel prices in the coming months would still support stronger sales of electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as motorcycles.

CAMPI-TMA data show xEV sales soar 300.5% year on year to 8,959 units in September from 2,237, and climb 26.7% from 7,073 units in August. In the January-to-September period, xEV sales more than double to 54,372 units from 20,676 a year earlier, with hybrid EVs accounting for 43.9% of September EV sales after jumping 123% to 3,933 units.

Battery EV sales surge 711.3% to 2,449 units in September, while plug-in hybrid EV sales jump 1,975.5% to 1,951 units. As of end-September, year-to-date BEV and PHEV sales rise 337.7% to 16,006 units and 1,492.8% to 10,672 units, respectively.

Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. remains the market leader despite an 8.1% decline in sales to 151,457 units as of end-September. Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. ranks second with sales down 23.4% to 50,125 units, followed by Suzuki Phils., Inc., Ford Motor Company Phils., Inc., and Honda Cars Philippines, Inc., all of which post declines in the nine-month period.

Our earlier article on BYD Malaysia’s local assembly plans explained how the automaker moved forward with CKD production by appointing Inokom Corporation as its assembly partner in Kulim, Kedah. We also noted that the shift followed BYD’s decision not to proceed with an earlier plant plan in Tanjung Malim, amid export-related requirements, while details on models and timelines were still pending.

This material may contain third-party opinions, none of the data and information on this webpage constitutes investment advice according to our Disclaimer. While we adhere to strict Editorial Integrity, this post may contain references to products from our partners.