MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine automotive industry began 2026 on a subdued note as local car sales dropped 10 percent year-on-year in January.
According to joint data from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association, a total of 35,053 units were sold in the first month of the year. This represents a significant 26-percent decline from the 47,371 units sold in December 2025.
Key Market Data:
- Passenger Car Sales: Fell 20.1% to 6,178 units.
- Commercial Vehicle Sales: Dropped 7.9% to 27,518 units.
- Monthly Comparison: January sales (35,053) vs. December sales (47,371).
“Bright Spot” in Electric Vehicles (EVs):
Despite the overall market slowdown, the EV segment saw remarkable growth. Sales of electric vehicles reached 2,610 units in January 2026, marking a 63.1 percent increase compared to the 1,600 units sold in the same month last year.
Industry Outlook:
CAMPI President Jose Maria Atienza noted that the decline was “expected” due to the typical post-holiday dip following the year-end surge. However, the industry remains optimistic about the rest of the year.
- 2026 Target: CAMPI maintains that its 500,000-unit sales target for the year is still achievable.
- Trend Analysis: When adjusting for seasonality, the chamber stated that January’s performance still aligns with the steady growth pace observed during the second half of 2025.