OVER half-a-million cars. That is the target of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) after it confidently completes its tally for 2024, which is expected to exceed 450,000 vehicles sold. Estimating an 8 to 10 percent growth, 2025 may see an excess of 500,000 cars added to the already congested roads of the various metropolis in the Philippines.
In 2017, the DTI predicted that the total industry volume would reach 1 million cars—but the pandemic truncated the forecast and for two years the industry stagnated and even suffered negative growth. But all that has changed. The current 468,000 industry volume tally now puts the TIV higher than the 2020 prediction. Each year total vehicle sales are estimated to grow by 150,000 cars—except for COVID-19, which caused sales to plummet by 40.26 percent.
Clearly the market demonstrated and continues to demonstrate resilience, with sales recovering to over 290,000 units in 2021 and continuing to grow in subsequent years. It has so far has hit about 200,000 cars sold annually since 2022.
Based on this upward trend, industry analysts and stakeholders anticipated that vehicle sales would continue to rise in 2025 and 2030, potentially hitting or even surpassing the 1,000,000-unit mark during this period.
The impetus for industry growth? New car launches. The mainstay brands products like the Toyota Vios and Mitsubishi Mirage are always supplemented with new car launches or expansion of current model line-up.
Expected launches by brand
BYD leads the Chinese brand ‘long march,” with the BYD Seal and Sealion launched in 3rd quarter of 2024. It now has the most complete line-up among the only EV-exclusive brands in the market. In China, under its luxury brand Denza, BYD introduced the D9, a luxury multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) that includes premium features such as massage chairs and advanced entertainment systems. This model targets consumers looking for higher-end options within the EV market. Insiders at BYD said that an MPV is in the 2025 line-up but did not confirm which model.
After showing off the facelifted Tiggo 2 Pro and Tiggo 5X Pro as well as the 2025 Tiggo 7 Pro PHEV, and the Chery eQ7 at the PIMS 2024 sources at Chery Auto Philippines, Inc. have confirmed that the eQ7 is coming to market in by January 2025. The eQ7is an all-electric compact crossover launched in China on July 2023. It features a 211-horsepower single motor paired with a 67.12 kWh LFP battery, providing a driving range of up to 512 kilometers on a single charge.
Revealed in PIMS 2024, the Changan Hunter REEV, which is the world’s first Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) pickup will start selling in early 2025. Changan plans to expand its overall lineup, which may include up to 30 global models under its “Vast Ocean Plan.” Sources at Inchape, confirmed that the X7 Plus is one of three electric vehicles it will launch in 2025.
Geely is preparing for the launch of the 2025 Coolray, scheduled for February 2025. This model is expected to be priced between P1.199M and P1.299M, continuing Geely’s commitment to offering stylish and affordable vehicles.
GAC Philippines is set to launch the Emkoo Hybrid, and more importantly the all-new GAC S7 PHEV, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. It will be launched locally immediately after it is introduced in China in the first half of 2025. GAC PH recorded a remarkable 172% growth in sales. which is designed to provide a balance of performance and fuel efficiency. The company seems poised to bring in a full hybrid and EV line-up for 2025.
Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. was ahead of themselves and the industry as well when it launched the CR-V Hybrid last September and the Civic RS e:HEV, which was previewed at the One Honda Electrification event, at the Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) last October. Sales for the new Civic is expected to commence in February next year. And while Honda hasn’t revealed a specific launch date for the 2025 HR-V Hybrid, it’s anticipated to arrive with a 1.5-liter e:HEV powertrain. The HR-V Hybrid has already been launched in other markets and has received excellent reviews.
Isuzu Philippines, Corp. released the 2025 D-Max and refreshed Mu-X at the PIMS 2024, and began selling the new models ahead of time. The updated vehicles featured a new 2.2-liter Ddi MaxForce diesel engine, with improved power and reduced emissions. Both models include an eight-speed automatic transmission and is expected to deliver enhanced performance and fuel efficiency. For 2025, it is rumored that a mild-hybrid version of the D-Max, equipped with a 1.9L RZ4E turbo-diesel engine and a 48V mild-hybrid system.
JAC Philippines will introduce the JAC T9, a new pickup truck it showed off at the PIMS 2024. The T9 is expected to be available at local dealerships between the second and third quarters of 2025, providing consumers with an additional option alongside the existing JAC T8 Pro. The T9 will have a fully electric variant equipped with an 88 kWh battery, offering a driving range of approximately 505 kilometers. However, it remains uncertain whether this electric model will launch simultaneously with the gasoline and diesel versions. It is also expected the brand will bring out the Refine RF8 PHEV, a plug-in hybrid minivan designed for families.
Kia plans to launch the 2025 Carens in February 2025, with an anticipated price of around P1.57M. Following this, the Kia EV5 is expected to debut later in 2025; however, pricing details for this electric vehicle are yet to be confirmed. The EV5 aims to expand Kia’s electric lineup and cater to the growing demand for sustainable transportation options.
Lynk & Co will release the Z10, it’s first fully electric sedan by the 2nd half of next year. Estimated to be sold as P1.6M, the Z10 features a fastback design and is built on the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform. It boasts impressive performance, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds.
MG Philippines anticipates launching the MG RX8 in March 2025, with a projected price of around ₱1.05 million. The brand will also introduce the MG Cyberster, which is expected to hit the market in February 2025. These models reflect MG’s strategy to enhance its presence in various segments within the automotive industry.
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) is preparing for the arrival of the Outlander Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), which is expected to debut following its European launch in March 2025. The Outlander was the first hybrid electric SUV in the country but was not sold in big numbers. Mitsubishi however, continues to manufacture the Mirage in their plant in Sta. Rosa. Their bread and butter remain to be the L300 in right hand drive form which always came in black, and exported to Indonesia.
Nissan Philippines Inc. is gearing up for the arrival of the Ariya, an all-electric SUV slated for launch in by May 2025. Nissan Motor Inc., is currently grappling with significant challenges that threaten its operational stability and financial health on a global scale. It reported a 3.8 percent decline in global vehicle sales during the first half of the fiscal year, with an alarming 14.3 percent drop in sales in China, one of its most critical markets. The downturn may cause a 94 percent decrease in the company’s net income. How this is affected Nissan Philippines, Inc. is not clear. The brand launched the e-Power hybrid X-TRAIL at the PIMS 2024 and has not shown any indication of restructuring and in fact opened five dealerships this year. There are also no reports of retrenchments locally, even if Nissan’s headquarters has announced plans to eliminate 9,000 jobs globally and reduce its manufacturing capacity by 20 percent, with the goal of cutting costs by about $2.6 billion in the current fiscal year.
The emerging brand Omoda is set to introduce its E5 electric SUV in February 2025, with a competitive price point of P1.9M. Additionally, details regarding the launch of the Omoda 7 are still pending, but it is expected to arrive early in 2025.
Leading the industry’s growth spurt will be Toyota Motor Philippines, Inc.’s new Tamaraw, which will be assembled in the country. This is not only increase local content manufacturers but will also require a robust labor force. Toyota is also set to introduce the 2025 Vios, expected to launch in March 2025. This model will feature a 1.5-liter gasoline engine and is anticipated to be available in one variant, with a starting price of approximately P832K. Additionally, the brand may also unveil the 2025 Prius HEV. According to Autoindustriya.com, the hybrid sedan last September gained regulatory approval for importation. It is not clear if the vehicle will be sourced Changchun Plant in China.
Volvo is enhancing its portfolio with two significant models: the XC90 (2025), which will receive a facelift revealed in September 2024, featuring updates in design and hybrid technology aimed at improving fuel efficiency. The EX30, launched in November 2024 at a price of P2.99M, is a fully electric SUV boasting a range of up to 475 km and powered by a 69 kWh battery producing 272 hp.
Following the successful launch of the 001 and X in June 2024, Zeeker plans to launch the 009, a luxury electric multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) for 2025. Sources at Zeeker said it is highly possible to launch the 7X premium electric SUVs.
