The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (Campi) said the inclusion of other forms of electric vehicles (EV) would improve the share of EVs in the country.
The National Economic Development Authority Board announced the inclusion of hybrid EVs and plug-in HEVs in the zero tariff privileges granted by Executive Order EO) No. 12.
“Campi is expecting improvement in EV sales ratio this year considering EO12 support. In 2023, the combined EV sales was only 2.5 percent of total sales,” said Rommel Gutierrez, Campi president.
This developed as a joint report of Campi and the Truck Manufacturers Association showed vehicle sales rose 15 percent in the first four months of the year to 146,920 units from 127,927 units in the same period in 2023.
The report showed the industry displayed strong year-to-date performance despite a slight month-on-month decline at 0.4 percent.
April sales stood at 37,314 units from 37,474 units in March. April sales were up 22 percent from the same month in 2023 at 30,643 units.
“On the demand side, positive consumer and business confidence plus stability in automotive finance boosted sales,” said Gutierrez.
The report showed commercial vehicles continue to drive industry performance at 108,667 units for January to April, accounting for 74 percent of total sales.
That represented 13.4 percent increase from 95,856 units in the four-month period of 2023.
Passenger cars registered sales of 38,280 units equivalent to 26 percent share of total sales.
That is about 19 percent higher than the 32,070 units last year.
Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. remains the market leader with 46 percent share for sales of 67,580 units in the four-month period.
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. had a share of 18.94 percent, Ford Group Philippines, 6.59 percent, Nissan Philippines, Inc. with 6.38 percent, and Suzuki Philippines Inc. with 4.16 percent share.
Meanwhile, Campi assured new vehicles are compatible with 3 percent biodiesel blend following a directive from the Department of Energy to implement higher biofuel blends beginning October .
Downstream oil industry participants are required to implement a 3 percent coco methyl ester blend in all diesel fuel sold nationwide beginning October 1.
Fuel retailers may voluntarily raise the ethanol blend in all gasoline fuel to 20 percent from the current 10 percent.
