Sales of motor vehicles in the
Philippines began 2005 with a 1.34% decline, slumping from 6'724 units sold in January 2004 to 6'634 units in January 2005.
Joint data from the Chamber of
Automotive Manufacturers of the
Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) show that a drop-off in commercial vehicle sales affected the entire
automotive sales' decline. Sales of commercial vehicles fell 7% to 3'847 units in January 2005 from 4'135 units in January 2004
Passenger car sales rose 7.6% to 2'787 units in January 2005 from 2'589 units sold in January 2004. However, the increase in passenger car sales was not insufficient to surge the entire sales figure.
CAMPI officials downplayed the decline saying January is generally a slower month as a result of less promotional activity and financing campaigns compared to December.
The decline is also attributed to the sales of commercial vehicles continuing decrease, delay in the delivery of completely built-up units, pending accounts and unavailability of stock for selected models.
However, vehicle sales are expected to brisk in the next few months.
Among the eighteen auto assemblers, Toyota Motor
Philippines Corp. ranked first with sales of 2'046 units. The figure accounted for 30.8% of the total sales.
Mitsubishi Motor
Philippines followed with 1'010 units and 15.2% share of the domestic market.