Vehicle sales in the Philippines slid to a 10-month low in January, reflecting a sharp cooldown after December’s record-setting yearend rush and underscoring the seasonal swings of the local automotive market.
Data from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. and the Truck Manufacturers Association showed total industry sales reached 35,053 units in January 2026.
Of that figure, CAMPI and TMA members accounted for 33,696 units, the weakest combined performance since April 2025, when fewer selling days during Holy Week weighed on volumes.
January sales fell 26 percent from 47,371 units in December 2025 and slipped 10 percent from 37,504 units in January last year.
CAMPI president Jose Maria Atienza said the decline was expected after December posted the strongest yearend tally since 2017. He said January’s result was in line with the steady pace seen in the second half of last year and signaled that the industry remains on track to exceed 500,000 units in 2026.
Commercial vehicles continued to dominate, accounting for 27,518 units or 81.67 percent of total sales, although volumes declined month on month.
Passenger car sales fell nearly 23 percent from December and dropped 20 percent from a year earlier, highlighting softer discretionary demand at the start of the year.
Electrified vehicles provided a bright spot.
CAMPI and TMA members sold 2,610 xEVs in January, up from 1,600 units a year earlier, lifting the segment’s share to 7.75 percent. Hybrids led the charge, while battery electric and plug-in hybrid models posted strong gains from a small base.
Market leader Toyota Motor Philippines retained a 48.51 percent share, ahead of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines and Suzuki Philippines.
Despite the January dip, industry executives are betting that underlying demand remains intact if economic conditions stay supportive.
