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Philippines: Imported car sales up 55% in Jan-June

  • Jul 20, 2021

The sales of imported cars jumped in the first six months of the year, the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors Inc. (AVID) said on Monday.

The importer group reported that car sales improved by 55 percent to 30,153 units in January to June from 19,509 units in the same period last year.

AVID said June sales alone outpaced last year’s sales by 33 percent with 4,963 units sold versus 3,698 units. It is also slightly better month-on-month versus the 4,871 units sold in May.

AVID President Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo in a statement said it has been an “uphill struggle” for the automotive industry but the recent figures have been “encouraging.”

The sales of light commercial vehicles (LCV) accounted for 72 percent of the total first half output as the segment saw a 64 percent increase year-on-year.

LCVs sold reached 21,684 units in the first semester from 13,244 units in the same period last year.

Ford maintained its hold on the segment with 9,096 LCV units sold, followed by Suzuki with 6,038 units and Hyundai with 2,837 units sold.

Sales of the commercial vehicles segment, meanwhile, surged by 456-percent year-to-date.

AVID said Hyundai steadily drives the segment as it sustains its support for the country’s public utility modernization program and recorded 759 units from 137 units last year.

The Korean brand also maintained its top spot in the bus segment and fourth spot in the trucks segment.

The numbers of passenger cars sold also expanded in the first half as it climbed to 7,707 units, up 26 percent from 6,128 units year-on-year.

Suzuki still secured the top spot with 3,949 units, while Hyundai followed with 2,567 units.

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“As our nation progresses towards achieving herd immunity, the automotive industry has proven resilient and poised to emerge stronger than ever. With better prospects ahead, we will continue to give our best to ensure the complete recovery of the industry. This much, we owe the Filipino people,” Perez-Agudo was quoted as saying.

Source: https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/07/20/business/top-business/imported-car-sales-up-55-in-jan-june/1807709