Auto assemblers expect to breach 2013 sales target

MANILA, Philippines – Vehicle assemblers belonging to the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (Campi) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) expect to breach their target sales this year following a strong performance in the first 7 months.

Campi and TMA said in a report Monday, August 12, vehicle sales in January to July reached 102,913 units, up 16.8% from 87,374 in the same period of 2012.

Campi president Rommel Gutierrez said they expect to sell an average of 15,500 units per month or a total of 93,000 units for the whole second semester to attain total sales of over 180,000 in 2013. This is 5% higher than their original projection of 172,000 units.

Together with importers, total industry sales this year might hit 210,000, said Gutierrez. “The Philippines is zooming towards full motorization. The industry is expected to exceed the original 200,000 sales target and eventually achieve 210,000 units.”

Consumer demand is traditionally stronger in the second half due to increased remittances from overseas Filipinos. This is also the time when players aggressively launch new models and bigger promotion packages.

The commercial vehicle segment – consisting of pick-ups, vans and sports utility vehicles – booked combined sales of 43,437 units in January to July, representing a 21% growth from 35,799 units a year ago.

Sales of Asian utility vehicles, the next most popular sub-segment, registered sales of 23,670 units, up 2% from 23,215 units in 2012.

Toyota Motor Philippines continued to lead the market with sales of 40,801 units or a 40% share, followed by Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp., with 24,929 units or 24% share, and Honda Cars Philippines, with 8,600 units or 8.4% share. – Rappler.com