Vehicles fill a stretch of EDSA in this Oct. 3, 2022 photo. Car sales in February 2026 rose 6.5 percent month-on-month to 35,842 units, driven by improved supply, according to an industry official. (PNA file photo)
Philippine vehicle sales regained momentum in February 2026, rising 6.5 percent from the previous month as improved supply helped automakers meet stronger market demand, according to data released by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. and the Truck Manufacturers Association.
Industry sales climbed to 35,842 units in February from 33,696 units in January, signaling a recovery from the slower start to the year. Despite the month-on-month improvement, however, February sales were still 8.5 percent lower than the 39,164 units recorded in the same month last year.
The latest figures suggest that the market is beginning to stabilize after the softness seen in the latter part of 2025, with manufacturers benefiting from better inventory availability and a steadier supply environment.
CAMPI president Jose Maria Atienza said the February performance reflected the market’s ability to absorb pent-up demand after supply constraints weighed on sales in January.
“We experienced an expected drop in January, partly caused by the leaner supply as an effect of the strong buyer demand we saw in December,” Atienza said.
He said the February results point to a more encouraging direction for the industry.
“February sales give a more stable outlook, and is a welcome development after the market drop during the second half of last year,” he added.
Commercial vehicles continued to dominate the market, accounting for the biggest share of sales. The category posted 56,313 units, followed by light commercial vehicles with 40,676, Asian Utility Vehicles with 13,906, and passenger cars with 13,225. Light-duty trucks and buses reached 1,114 units, while medium-duty trucks and buses sold 537 units and heavy-duty trucks totaled 80.
Even as the market showed signs of recovery, Atienza said external risks remain on the horizon, particularly the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which could weigh on consumer confidence and spending in the months ahead.
At the same time, the industry is seeing stronger momentum in the electrified vehicle segment as more buyers turn to fuel-saving and energy-efficient alternatives. CAMPI said its members continue to expand their offerings of electrified models to capture shifting consumer preferences and provide more economical transport options.
CAMPI-TMA members sold 3,098 electrified vehicles in February, up 18.7 percent from 2,610 units in January, underscoring a growing month-on-month appetite for greener mobility options in the local market.