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By Katrina
April Mennen A. Valdez, Researcher
AUTOMOBILE
sales jumped in February due to brisk demand for passenger cars and
commercial vehicles, according to the Chamber of Automotive
Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (Campi).
Elizabeth Lee,
Campi president, said passenger car and commercial vehicle (CV)
sales for the first two months of the year rose 16.4 percent from
the same period last year, on the back of strong CV sales, which
registered a 29.4 percent spike year on year.
Campi said the
local automotive industry sold a total of 8,474 units in February,
reflecting a 12.7-percent increase from the previous month.
“With more
new models this year, sales for the CV category is expected to
remain strong,” Lee said.
She said the
month to date sales of Asian utility vehicles (AUVs) posted an
increase of 15.2 percent mainly due to extensive promotions, unit
availability and delivery to fleet customers. Year-on-year, AUV
sales in the first two months also grew by 37.4 percent due to the
sustained sales of new models.
The Campi
executive said buyer confidence will remain strong throughout the
year because of a strong peso, stable market and relatively peaceful
elections.
“Sales are
seen to continue a stronger growth trend in the coming months.
Stronger sales can also be attributed to tighter controls from
banning the importation of used vehicles by the government,” Lee
said.
Sales in the
light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment composed of pickups, vans,
compact and full-size sports utility vehicles (SUV) showed an
overall growth of 22.7 percent from a year ago.
Stronger sales
of vans and pickups contributed to the significant growth. Light
truck sales increased by 21.3 percent.
Category IV
and V in the bus and trucks segment sales have grown by 135.7
percent. Campi said the growth was mainly driven by sales of the
front engine bus models.
Ford Motor
Philippines, Inc., which is the sole exporter of completely built-up
cars, however suffered a 50-percent decline in sales abroad. From
last year’s 2,225 units, the company has sold 1,579 units so far
this year.
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