PH Vehicle Importers See Sales Sink 34.4 Percent in Q1 2020

The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors, Inc. (AVID) – with 20 member companies representing 26 global brands – recorded sales of only 14,404 units equivalent to a 34.4 percent drop in the first quarter of the year amid the Enhanced Community Quarantine caused by COVID-19.

Most, if not all, dealerships and their accompanying repair and maintenance facilities have been closed since March 16, 2020.

“The local industry is reeling from this invisible enemy as vehicle manufacturing, importation, distribution, and maintenance have stopped completely. Demand has likewise declined as consumers spend on more urgent needs. With this disruption, we estimate that car sales may drop by around 40 percent for the year,” AVID President Fe Perez-Agudo said.

“The industry is no stranger to adversity but this pandemic will be our toughest challenge yet.  We estimate that it would take at least 12 months for the local industry to recover once the ECQ is completely lifted. There will be a ‘new normal’ and we must be quick to adapt since Filipino consumers will be even more prudent and looking for more value in their purchases," Ms. Agudo added.

The Passenger Cars (PC) segment declined by 43 percent in the first quarter of 2020 with 4,506 units sold versus the 7,848 units in the same period last year. Hyundai leads this segment with 2,724 units sold, followed by Suzuki with 1,127 units, and Ford with 415 units.

In the Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) segment, year-to-date sales dipped by over 29 percent with 9,806 units sold. Ford leads this segment with a total of 3,479 units while Hyundai comes in second with 2,797 units closely followed by Suzuki with 2,740 units.

Commercial Vehicles (CV) sales declined by 62 percent to just 92 units over the period.

AVID says second quarter sales may dip even further due to the ECQ for the whole month of April and at least half of May in major urban areas.

The association, however, says that despite the bleak short-term outlook, many members have joined the nation’s battle to fight COVID-19. Several AVID companies are providing free mobility which includes the transport of our front liners, medical supplies, and essential goods across the country. Some have donated personal protective equipment (PPE), masks, gloves, etc. to COVID facilities. Others are supporting their home communities and LGUs.

AVID member companies have used the lockdown to develop COVID-ready processes, structures, and organizations. Health protection and safety strategies are being put in place for employees, business partners, and to meet the emerging needs of the customer in the next normal environment. It added that the industry is very much aware of the protocols on social distancing —wearing of appropriate protective equipment, and additional sanitation measures—which it committed to observe. As an added layer of protection, some AVID members will be conducting antibody testing prior to the re-entry of its workforce. This will be done as part of Project ARK, a private sector-led initiative to conduct mass testing for the new coronavirus at the community level.

Based on government data, the Philippine automotive sector, directly and indirectly, employs 408,000 people.

Editor’s Note:

• ANG – Auto Nation Group (Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Mercedes-Benz)
• BBAI – British Bespoke Automobiles, Inc. (Rolls-Royce)
• BUAI – British United Automobiles, Inc. (Lotus, MINI)
• DMI – DBPHILS Motorsports, Inc. (Aston Martin)
• FGPI – Ford Group Philippines, Inc. (Ford)
• HARI – Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (Hyundai)
• JAIPI – JAC Automobile International Philippines (JAC)
• LMI – Legado Motors, Inc. (GAC)
• MIPI – Motor Image Pilipinas, Inc. (Subaru) 
• PGA – PGA Cars, Inc. (Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche) 
• SGAP – Sojitz G Auto Philippines (Geely)
• SMC – Scandinavian Motors Corporation (Volvo)
• SPI – Suzuki Philippines, Inc. (Suzuki) 
• TAC – Triesenburg Auto Corporation (Kinglong) 
• TCCCI – The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (Chevrolet) 

AVID Members See Sales Drop 16 Percent in January 2020

The members of the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors, Inc. (AVID) says their January 2020 sales dropped 16 percent compared to the same period in 2019 due to challenges posed by the Tall Ash Fall followed by the outbreak of COVID-19.

The group, which is composed of 25 brands, saw its sales dip collectively to 5,433 units compared to 6,482 units in January 2019.

“2020 will be a very challenging year for the industry given the slowdown in automotive demand, supply chain disruptions, and dampened consumer confidence caused by these twin events. Fortunately, the Philippine economy remains strong backed by robust public spending, private consumption, and lower interest rates,” AVID President Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo said.

“I am confident that AVID members will adapt to and hurdle these challenges and bounce back even stronger in the coming months,” she added.

The Passenger Cars (PC) segment declined by 31 percent in the first month of 2020 with 1,553 units sold in January 2020 versus the 2,258 units sold in the same period last year. Hyundai took the top spot with 967 units, followed by Suzuki with 353 units, Ford with 117 units, and Auto Nation Group (Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge/Mercedes-Benz) with 56 units.

Buyers though swung to the Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) segment which saw a small 7.3 percent dip for the month with 3,855 units sold versus 4,157 units sold in the same period last year. Here, Ford leads with 1,375 units sold followed by Suzuki at 1,122 units, Hyundai at 1,053, and Motor Image (Subaru) at 178 units.

In the Commercial Vehicles (CV) segment, AVID recorded a 63 percent dip or a total of 25 units sold in January 2020 versus the same period last year.

“We are no strangers to adversity and disruptions. As we have done in the past 10 years of AVID’s existence, our members remain resolute to provide better vehicles, better services, and better customer experiences to Filipinos everywhere,” Ms. Agudo concluded.

January 2020 AVID Sales

Passenger Cars

• ANG – Auto Nation Group (Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Mercedes-Benz) – 56 units
• BBAI – British Bespoke Automobiles, Inc. (Rolls-Royce) - 0
• BUAI – British United Automobiles, Inc. (Lotus, MINI) – 15 units
• DMI – DBPHILS Motorsports, Inc. (Aston Martin) - 0
• FGPI – Ford Group Philippines, Inc. (Ford) – 117 units
• HARI – Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (Hyundai) – 967 units
• MIPI – Motor Image Pilipinas, Inc. (Subaru) – 15 units
• LMI – Legado Motors, Inc. (GAC) – 0 units
• PGA – PGA Cars, Inc. (Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche) - units
• SMC – Scandinavian Motors Corporation (Volvo) – 1 unit
• SPI – Suzuki Philippines, Inc. (Suzuki) – 353 units
• TAC – Triesenburg Auto Corporation (Kinglong) – 8 units
• TCCCI – The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (Chevrolet) – 21 units

Light Commercial Vehicles

• ANG – Auto Nation Group (Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Mercedes-Benz) – 22 units
• BBAI – British Bespoke Automobiles, Inc. (Rolls-Royce) - 0
• BUAI – British United Automobiles, Inc. (Lotus, MINI) – 1 units
• DMI – DBPHILS Motorsports, Inc. (Aston Martin) - 0
• FGPI – Ford Group Philippines, Inc. (Ford) – 1,357 units
• HARI – Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (Hyundai) – 1,053 units
• JAIPI – JAC Automobile International Philippines (JAC) – 0 units
• MIPI – Motor Image Pilipinas, Inc. (Subaru) – 178 units
• LMI – Legado Motors, Inc. (GAC) – 0 units
• PGA – PGA Cars, Inc. (Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche) - units
• SMC – Scandinavian Motors Corporation (Volvo) – 4 unit
• SPI – Suzuki Philippines, Inc. (Suzuki) – 1,122 units
• TAC – Triesenburg Auto Corporation (Kinglong) – 16 units
• TCCCI – The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (Chevrolet) – 84 units

Commercial Vehicle

• HARI – Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (Hyundai) – 25 units
• JAIPI – JAC Automobile International Philippines (JAC) – 0 units

DBPHILS Motorsports, Inc., JAC Automobile International Philippines, Legado Motors, Inc., and PGA Cars all refused to divulge sales numbers and were not counted in the AVID sales total.

Vehicle Importers See Full Year Sales Remain Steady in 2019

The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors, Inc. (AVID) ended the year with a marginal dip of just 0.5 percent, selling 87,984 units compared to 2018’s 88,430 units. This was as the 13-member group rallied with a strong December performance, selling 8,089 units—a 12 percent increased versus the same month in 2018.

AVID President Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo said, “AVID’s performance in the last month of the year augurs well for the automotive industry as we begin the Year of the Metal Rat and the new decade. The continued easing of inflation rates, lower fuel prices, and increased government spending will only bolster sales for the group. We will complement these positive indicators with new models, value-packed service offerings, and easier ownership schemes.”

For 2019, the Passenger Cars (PC) segment declined by 0.5 percent from 30,876 units sold in 2018 to 30,726 units sold in in 2019. Hyundai sold more vehicles in this segment than all reporting members combined with a total of 17,761 units in 2019. Suzuki follows with 8,621 units. Several other brands also recorded positive sales last year such as Ford and most luxury brands—Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Volvo.

The PC segment climbed 5 percent in December 2019 alone with 2,608 units versus the same period in 2018.

In the Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) segment, AVID recorded a 1.1 percent dip in 2019 sales from 56,999 units sold in 2018 to 56,351 units in 2019. However, performance of this segment increased by 16 percent in December 2019 alone with 5,362 units sold versus the same period last year. Ford leads this segment with a total of 19,993 units sold, followed by Suzuki comes after with 15,298 units and Hyundai, a close third, closely followed by Hyundai with 15,095 units sold in 2019.

In the Commercial Vehicles (CV) segment, AVID recorded a 63 percent increase in sales or a total of 907 units in 2019 versus 2018. In December alone, CV sales increased soared by 98 percent with 119 units sold versus November 2019.

Editor’s Note:

• ANG – Auto Nation Group (Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Mercedes-Benz)
• BBAI – British Bespoke Automobiles, Inc. (Rolls-Royce)
• BUAI – British United Automobiles, Inc. (Lotus, MINI)
• DMI – DBPHILS Motorsports, Inc. (Aston Martin)
• FGPI – Ford Group Philippines, Inc. (Ford)
• HARI – Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (Hyundai)
• LMI - Legado Motors, Inc. (GAC)
• MIPI – Motor Image Pilipinas, Inc. (Subaru)
• JAIPI – JAC Automobile International Philippines (JAC)
• PGA – PGA Cars, Inc. (Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche)
• SMC – Scandinavian Motors Corporation (Volvo)
• SPI – Suzuki Philippines, Inc. (Suzuki)
• TCCCI – The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (Chevrolet)

Vehicle Importers Say Year-to-Date Sales Still Down 3.3 Percent

The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors, Inc. (AVID) began the fourth quarter of 2019 with 7,320 units sold in October equivalent to a 5 percent gain versus the 7,000 units sold the previous month. Despite a slight dip of 3 percent or 71,396 units sold year-to-date (YTD) in October compared to the same period last year, AVID is optimistic that the auto industry’s performance will make headway in the last two months of the year.

“Lower inflation, interest rates, and fuel prices coupled with increased consumer spending with the start of the holiday season could boost industry performance. Increased government spending on key infrastructure projects and the jeepney modernization program will further bolster demand, especially for light and heavy commercial vehicles,” AVID President Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo said.

Sales in the Passenger Cars (PC) segment grew by 2 percent month-on-month (MOM) with 2,591 units sold in October versus September 2019. Hyundai maintains its industry leadership in this segment with 1,457 units sold in October alone, followed by Suzuki with 690 units. AVID’s YTD sales for PC dipped by 3 percent with 25,133 units sold versus the 25,821 units sold during the same period last year.

As for Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV), AVID recorded a 6 percent increase in MOM sales with 4,689 units sold for the month of October versus the 4,413 units sold in previous month. However, a slight dip of 4.3 percent in YTD sales was recorded with 45,536 units sold versus the same period last year. Ford leads this segment with 16,522 units sold, followed by Hyundai with 12,331 units, and Suzuki with 12,267 units sold since the start of the year.

In the Commercial Vehicles (CV) segment, AVID recorded a 7 percent drop for October with 40 units sold versus September. Overall, however, CV sales surged by 87 percent to 727 units in the first 10 months of the year compared to 389 units sold during the same period last year.

“Despite the challenges AVID faced in the past couple of years, the industry is poised to make a strong comeback as we are poised to step into a new decade. Our members continue to introduce new innovative models, value-packed service offerings, and easier ownership schemes to support our collective goal, which is to give Filipino consumers smarter mobility options so they can live the way they want,” Ms. Agudo ended.

Note:

• ANG – Auto Nation Group (Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Mercedes-Benz)
• BBAI – British Bespoke Automobiles, Inc. (Rolls-Royce)
• BUAI – British United Automobiles, Inc. (Lotus, MINI)
• DMI – DBPHILS Motorsports, Inc. (Aston Martin)
• FGPI – Ford Group Philippines, Inc. (Ford)
• HARI – Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (Hyundai)
• LMI – Legado Motors, Inc. (GAC) 
• MIPI – Motor Image Pilipinas, Inc. (Subaru)
• JAIPI – JAC Automobile International Philippines (JAC)
• PGA – PGA Cars, Inc. (Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche)
• SMC – Scandinavian Motors Corporation (Volvo)
• SPI – Suzuki Philippines, Inc. (Suzuki)
• TAC – Triesenburg Auto Corporation (Kinglong)
• TCCCI – The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (Chevrolet)

Vehicle Importers Show Dip in 2019 Sales for First 7 Months

The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors, Inc. (AVID) says sales reached a total of 50,164 units for the first 7 months of 2019, a slight dip from the 50,505 units sold in the same period last year. In July alone, the AVID members reached 6,987 units—a 11 percent decrease.

AVID President Ms. Fe Perez-Agudo says higher interest rates and stiff competition contributed greatly to the decline.

“The downtrend in inflation and continuous surge of OFW remittances are two factors that will improve consumer confidence, especially high-ticket acquisitions such as vehicles, in the coming months. The completion of infrastructure projects, specifically road and connector links, will hopefully ease traffic and remove one of the hurdles to vehicle ownership in Metro Manila and nearby provinces,” she said.

Despite this, AVID says they’re confident that sales will pick up in the latter part of the year.

AVID’s Passenger Cars (PC) segment dipped by 5 percent in year-to-date sales with a total of 17,706 units sold versus same period last year. Hyundai continues to be the top contributor in PC sales with 10,565 units followed by Suzuki with 5,085 sold since the start of the year.

Meanwhile, the Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) segment grew by 1 percent or 31,878 units sold in the first seven months of the year. This segment continues to be AVID’s top volume driver led by Ford with 12,217 units followed by Hyundai with 8,645 units.

Finally, the Commercial Vehicles (CV) segment grew by 140 percent as Hyundai led the segment with 580 units in year-to-date sales versus same period last year. CV sales are expected to remain strong in lockstep with increased government spending and economic activity.

In terms of brand performance, Ford and Subaru have seen uptick in PC sales thanks to the stronger performance of its EcoSport and XV, respectively. Meanwhile in the LCV segment, Auto Nation Group, the distributor of Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, and RAM sees its sales rise 37 percent for the first 7 months. Due to supply constraints of its Forester, Subaru still shows weaker performance with sales down 20 percent. The biggest loser though remains Chevrolet with overall sales sliding 35 percent year-on-year.

Editor’s Note:

• ANG – Auto Nation Group (Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Mercedes-Benz)
• BBAI – British Bespoke Automobiles, Inc. (Rolls-Royce)
• BUAI – British United Automobiles, Inc. (Lotus, MINI)
• DMI – DBPHILS Motorsports, Inc. (Aston Martin)
• FGPI – Ford Group Philippines, Inc. (Ford)
• HARI – Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (Hyundai)
• MIPI – Motor Image Pilipinas, Inc. (Subaru)
• JAIPI – JAC Automobile International Philippines (JAC)
• PGA – PGA Cars, Inc. (Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche)
• SMC – Scandinavian Motors Corporation (Volvo)
• SPI – Suzuki Philippines, Inc. (Suzuki)
• TAC – Triesenburg Auto Corporation (Kinglong)
• TCCCI – The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (Chevrolet)

Vehicle Importers See Vehicle Sales on Upward Trend in First Half of 2019

The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) reports that its members showed a slight recovery in vehicle sales in the first six months of 2019. Sales during the first half of the year reached 43,333 units—a one percent increase over the same period last year.

Interestingly, majority of the growth—a 5 percent increase (21,134 units)—happened during the second quarter of 2019, showing that the Philippine automotive industry is on its way to a steady recovery.

“Despite headwinds that include an economic slowdown in the first quarter of 2019, AVID posted a third straight month of positive growth to finish the second quarter strong. We believe that this slowdown is temporary since the Philippines is now on a higher growth path and is a leading economy in the ASEAN. Given these, we will continue to introduce exciting models and innovative services to give consumers more value for their money,” said AVID President Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo.

Segmented by vehicle type, Passenger Cars (PC) sales remained weak with a 4 percent year-to-date drop with 15,336 units sold compared to the same period last year. That said, sales did rise 7 percent or 7,422 units) in Q2 2019 when compared to Q2 2018.

Hyundai remains AVID’s top volume driver in the PC segment with 9,458 units sold, followed by Suzuki at 4,206, and Ford at 675.

Meanwhile, the Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) segment grew 4 percent in year-to-date sales with 27,331 units sold versus the same period of 2018. In the second quarter of 2019 alone, LCV sales recorded an increase of 4 percent with 13,383 units sold versus Q2 2018.

The LCV segment remains to be AVID’s top volume driver which is led by Ford with 10,552 units sold followed by HARI with 7,690 units, and Suzuki with 6,611 units sold in the first half of 2019.

Finally, Commercial Vehicles (CV) segment sales in the second quarter saw an increase of 2 percent with 329 units sold versus same period last year. The overall YTD sales of CV units gained 1 percent with 666 units sold versus the same period last year. Hyundai trucks and buses continues to dominate the CV market with over 500 trucks and buses sold from January to May 2019.

In terms of brands, premium automakers continued to experience softer sales in 2019 with distributors such as Auto Nation Group (Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, RAM) and DBPHILS Motorsports, Inc. (Aston Martin) both reporting lower sales during the first half of 2019. PGA Cars, Inc. (Audi, Porsche, Bentley, Lamborghini) meanwhile did not report any sales data to AVID.

Looking at mainstream brands, Ford’s PC sales (EcoSport is classified as a PC) are starting to recover, though its LCV line-up composed mostly of the Everest and Ranger has gone down. The same can be said about Motor Image Pilipinas (Subaru) which sees their PC sales (Subaru XV, Impreza, WRX, etc.) go up slightly, but its LCV (Forester, etc.) drop. Heaviest hit is TCCCI. PC sales dropped 56 percent, while their LCV sales dropped 27 percent. TCCCI did not include figures for MG in this report.

Editor’s Note:

• ANG – Auto Nation Group (Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Mercedes-Benz)
• BBAI – British Bespoke Automobiles, Inc. (Rolls-Royce)
• BUAI – British United Automobiles, Inc. (Lotus, MINI)
• DMI – DBPHILS Motorsports, Inc. (Aston Martin)
• FGPI – Ford Group Philippines, Inc. (Ford)
• HARI – Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (Hyundai)
• MIPI – Motor Image Pilipinas, Inc. (Subaru)
• JAIPI – JAC Automobile International Philippines (JAC)
• PGA – PGA Cars, Inc. (Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche)
• SMC – Scandinavian Motors Corporation (Volvo)
• SPI – Suzuki Philippines, Inc. (Suzuki)
• TAC – Triesenburg Auto Corporation (Kinglong)
• TCCCI – The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (Chevrolet, MG)

Hyundai Philippines Ramps Up Support for EVs Out of Fear We Might Get Left Behind

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc., (HARI), the exclusive distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the country is committed to ramping up the adoption of electrified vehicles out of fear that the Philippines will get left behind by its ASEAN neighbors.

Speaking at the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID)’s first automotive industry briefing this year, Dr. Jose Bienvenido Manuel Biona, a full-time professor at the Gokongwei College of Engineering of the De La Salle University said that countries such as Thailand and Indonesia have already laid down ambitious electrified vehicle programs.

Indonesia has already set a target of 2.1 million electric motorcycles and 2,200 electric cars by 2025, while Thailand aims to have 1.2 million electric vehicles on its roads by 2036. Meanwhile, Malaysia hopes to have 100,000 electric cars, 100,000 electric motorcycles, and 2,000 electric buses over the next 10 years.

For its quicker adoption in the Philippines, Dr. Biona suggested that aside from fiscal and non-fiscal perks, the country could also develop “lead cities” or communities where the government can easily meet the demand for transport by introducing electric vehicles and the accompanying infrastructure. Dr. Biona suggests its deployment in areas like Boracay where EVs can make a positive impact on tourism.

Separately, this strategy was already suggested once before by another electric vehicle pioneer, Nissan. Then Nissan Philippines President and General Manager Ramesh Narasimhan suggested that EVs be introduced in smaller, enclosed areas before their deployment to large metropolitan areas.

For its part, HARI is closely working with Hyundai Motor Corporation to invest in developing the local electric vehicle industry. Additionally, HARI is making a concerted effort to help the government in welcoming investments in EVs.

In April 2018, Hyundai introduced the Ioniq Hybrid to the Philippine market, making it the brand’s first mass-market hybrid. HARI then debuted the Kona Electric, the country’s first commercially-available fully electric vehicle, in April 2019.

Said HARI President and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo, “We are encouraged by our government’s increasing focus on the environment by inviting South Korean automotive players to invest in the promising local EV industry. Already, the Philippines and South Korea are working to forge a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) that will pave the way for increased market access, including automotive products. On our part, we continue to work closely with industry and government partners to help create an environment that will spur the development of the country’s EV industry.”

Ms. Agudo added that, outside of lowering import taxes and other fiscal incentives, government should also look into non-fiscal incentives such as free registration for hybrid/EV vehicles, parking, and toll fees to encourage the shift to more eco-friendly modes of transport.

“This goes beyond Hyundai’s business,” she said. “This is about leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. We believe in doing business right and through the EV space, we will boost the competitiveness and overall sustainability of our country for years to come.”

Hyundai, Ford Drive AVID Sales for April 2019

The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors or AVID sold 7,259 units in April 2019, recording its best month so far this year as it grew by 12.1 percent compared to the same month last year.

For the first time in 2019, year-to-date sales crossed positive territory, slightly increasing to 9,458 units sold versus 29,411 units from January to April last year.

“We are pleased to finally see growth in the first four months, coming from a lackluster first quarter,” said AVID President Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo. “The strong April performance signifies that demand for automotive vehicles is slowly increasing, eventually leading to what we forecast as a strong industry recovery.”

Overall, most brands recorded positive sales in April with distributors such as Auto Nation Group (Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and RAM), Ford Philippines, Hyundai Asia Resources, Motor Image Pilipinas (Subaru), and Suzuki Philippines all recording positive sales figures for the month.

While sales of Passenger Cars (PC) declined by 8 percent in the first four months of 2019 to 10,528
units, it grew by 12 percent to 2,614 units in April 2019 year-on-year.

Hyundai remains the main volume driver of the segment, accounting for 66 percent of AVID’s total PC sales, followed by Suzuki’s 24 percent.

Growth of the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment was sustained, increasing by 5 percent and 13 percent in year-to-date and year-on-year comparable periods, respectively. The segment accounts
for roughly two-thirds of AVID’s total vehicle sales, led by Ford (40 percent), Hyundai (29 percent), and Suzuki (22 percent)

April 2019 Commercial Vehicle (CV) sales grew by 6 percent year-on-year to 111 units. January to April 2019 increased at a slower pace at 2 percent or 447 units sold versus the same period last year. Hyundai accounts for 74 percent of AVID’s year-to-date CV sales.

“Overall, we are optimistic that as macroeconomic fundamentals improve, industry sales will only get better. We are bound to encounter headwinds this year, including shifts in buying patterns and higher interest rates, but we are confident that the industry is geared to tackle such challenges.” Ms. Agudo added.

Editor’s Note:

• ANG – Auto Nation Group (Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Mercedes-Benz)
• BBAI – British Bespoke Automobiles, Inc. (Rolls-Royce)
• BUAI – British United Automobiles, Inc. (Lotus, MINI)
• DMI – DBPHILS Motorsports, Inc. (Aston Martin)
• FGPI – Ford Group Philippines, Inc. (Ford)
• HARI – Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (Hyundai)
• MIPI – Motor Image Pilipinas, Inc. (Subaru)
• JAIPI – JAC Automobile International Philippines (JAC)
• PGA – PGA Cars, Inc. (Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche)
• SMC – Scandinavian Motors Corporation (Volvo)
• SPI – Suzuki Philippines, Inc. (Suzuki)
• TAC – Triesenburg Auto Corporation (Kinglong)
• TCCCI – The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (Chevrolet)

Vehicle Importers Saw Q1 2019 Sales Decline 3 Percent

The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) reports that First Quarter 2019 sales still fell 3 percent to 22,497 units compared to 23,038 during the same period last year. That said, the group saw March 2019 sales hit a positive 8 percent. The 7,952 units sold during the month is up compared to 7,380 units in 2018 indicating that the automotive industry is beginning to recover.

“AVID’s first quarter 2019 performance indicates that the automotive industry has turned the corner and is now experiencing modest recovery. We expect a further upturn in the next three quarters on the back of improved consumer sentiment, the introduction of exciting and innovative vehicles, and the government’s aggressive infrastructure program. AVID aims to be at the forefront of this growth in vehicle sales,” said AVID President Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo.

For the month of March, Light Commercial Vehicles or LCV sales drove the growth, registering a 21 percent year-on-year increase totaling 4,998 units. The segment rose by 4 percent in the first three months of the year, bringing the sales tally to 14,168 units. Ford leads the segment with 5,456 units sold.

Meanwhile, the Passenger Car or PC segment continued to decline. In March, sales dropped 9 percent to 2,831 units, and 13 percent to 7,993 units in the first quarter of the year. Hyundai continues to lead this segment with 5,404 units sold during the period.

The same goes for the Commercial Vehicle or CV sector where sales slipped by 2 percent to 123 units in March and slightly dipped by 1 percent to 336 units in the first quarter. As the leader in this segment, Hyundai posted strong gains with 239 units sold during the period.

“If positive economic fundamentals, including low inflation and rising living standards, are sustained, we can expect a renewed boost to motorization in the country. And AVID is more than ready to offer customers up-to-the-minute innovation in our products and services,” added Ms. Agudo.

Editor’s Note:

• ANG – Auto Nation Group (Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Mercedes-Benz)
• BBAI – British Bespoke Automobiles, Inc. (Rolls-Royce)
• BUAI – British United Automobiles, Inc. (Lotus, MINI)
• DMI – DBPHILS Motorsports, Inc. (Aston Martin)
• FGPI – Ford Group Philippines, Inc. (Ford)
• HARI – Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (Hyundai)
• MIPI – Motor Image Pilipinas, Inc. (Subaru)
• JAIPI – JAC Automobile International Philippines (JAC)
• PGA – PGA Cars, Inc. (Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche)
• SMC – Scandinavian Motors Corporation (Volvo)
• SPI – Suzuki Philippines, Inc. (Suzuki)
• TAC – Triesenburg Auto Corporation (Kinglong)
• TCCCI – The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (Chevrolet)