Some of the vehicles on display during the Philippine International Motor Show held in Pasay City last June. An official of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. on Thursday (July 23, 2026) expressed hope for sustained rise of car sales in the country after the June level posted its highest so far for the year to 37,231 units. (PNA file photo)
The Philippine automotive industry is gaining momentum, with vehicle sales climbing to their highest monthly level so far in 2026 and raising hopes for a stronger performance in the second half of the year.
Data released by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) showed that member companies sold a combined 37,231 vehicles in June, an 11 percent increase from the 33,532 units sold in May.
While year-to-date sales remain below last year’s levels, industry leaders are encouraged by the sharp month-on-month improvement and growing consumer interest in both traditional and electrified vehicles.
Total vehicle sales for the first six months of 2026 reached 204,557 units, down 11.4 percent from the 230,912 units recorded in the same period last year. Despite the decline, CAMPI President Jose Maria Atienza expressed optimism that the industry’s latest performance signals better days ahead.
“The positive sales momentum in June brings a more optimistic outlook for the second semester,” Atienza said.
He attributed the uptick in sales to the strong market reception of new vehicle launches showcased during the Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) in June. The event introduced a wave of new internal combustion engine (ICE) models alongside electrified vehicles (xEVs), including hybrids and battery electric vehicles, helping drive consumer demand.
Both conventional and electrified vehicles posted healthy gains during the month.
Sales of gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles rose by 10 percent from May, supported by relatively stable fuel prices. Meanwhile, electrified vehicles recorded an even more impressive 49.2 percent growth, driven by improving supply levels and increasing consumer adoption.
Passenger car sales surged 20.5 percent to 8,061 units in June from 6,692 units in May, reflecting stronger demand in the segment. Commercial vehicles also maintained solid growth, rising 8.7 percent to 29,170 units from 26,840 units in the previous month.
The country’s transition toward cleaner mobility continues to gain traction. Sales of electrified vehicles reached 6,995 units in June, up 16 percent from 6,032 units in May.
CAMPI and TMA reported that Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) collectively accounted for 28 percent of total vehicle sales during the month—a significant indication that Filipino consumers are becoming increasingly receptive to alternative powertrains.
Industry observers expect the momentum to continue in the coming months as automakers roll out more models and consumers benefit from a wider selection of electrified options.
Among automakers, Toyota Motor Philippines maintained its dominant market position, selling 17,627 units in June. Mitsubishi Motors Philippines followed with 6,535 units, while Suzuki Philippines sold 1,532 units. Ford Group Philippines recorded 1,298 units in sales, with Honda Cars Philippines rounding out the top five at 1,245 units.
With June delivering the strongest sales performance of the year so far, the Philippine automotive industry is looking toward the second half of 2026 with renewed confidence, buoyed by rising consumer demand, expanding vehicle choices, and the growing appeal of electrified mobility.
