While August didn’t exactly bust the sales charts, the Philippine auto industry still managed a modest 0.2% year-on-year uptick, clocking in at 305,381 units sold. But beneath the surface of this slow cruise lies a quiet revolution—electric vehicles are gaining traction, and they’re not just coasting anymore.
Commercial vehicles continued to dominate the road with 244,023 units, followed by light commercial vehicles (182,240) and passenger cars (61,358). Toyota Motor Philippines still wears the crown with a commanding 47.93% market share, trailed by Mitsubishi (18.96%), Nissan (4.96%), Ford (4.89%), and Suzuki (4.75%).
But the real spark? Electric vehicles. Hybrid and battery-powered models now make up 6.04% of the market—a small but growing slice of the pie.
The Philippine EV market notched 2,244 units sold in August 2025—a modest showing, but still a meaningful pulse in the country’s electrification journey.
Whether it’s the allure of lower emissions, fuel savings, or just the thrill of driving something that hums instead of roars, Filipino motorists are beginning to plug in.
Yes, there was a 7.6% month-on-month dip in total sales—from 38,295 units in July to 36,174 in August—but industry leaders aren’t hitting the brakes. CAMPI and TMA remain bullish, citing “evolving consumer preferences and a growing shift toward sustainable mobility” as reasons to stay optimistic. CAMPI or Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, and TMA, Truck Manufacturers of the Philippines, track the auto industry’s monthly sales performance.
“We’re not just selling cars—we’re steering toward a cleaner, smarter future,” CAMPI and TMA said in a joint statement, reaffirming their commitment to innovation and national development.
Hybrid electric vehicles
Toyota Motor Philippines dominated the hybrid space with 11,461 units sold year-to-date, commanding a whopping 78.58% of the HEV market.
Honda Cars Philippines came in second with 1,324 units, while KP Motors Corp. rounded out the top three with 592 units.
Though HEV sales dipped in August to 1,295 units (down 46.1% year-on-year), Toyota’s hybrid juggernaut still kept the segment humming.
Plug-in hybrid electric
The China foray rolls on with Chery leading the charge with 284 units.
August PHEV sales hit 288 units, more than doubling last year’s 128—a 125% year-on-year jump.
So, while the overall market took a breather, EVs—especially BEVs and PHEVs—revved up with record momentum.
Hybrid electric
They may still be the quiet kings of the Philippine EV scene, but August gave them a bit of a reality check.
August HEV sales tallied 1,295 units.
That’s a 46.1% drop compared to August last year, when 2,401 hybrids rolled off lots.
Despite the dip, hybrids still made up the bulk of EV sales, accounting for nearly 58% of all electrified vehicles sold in August.
Toyota’s hybrid dominance is practically a one-brand parade, thanks to its wide lineup and early market entry. Honda’s hybrid push is gaining traction, while smaller players like KP Motors are nibbling at the edges.
So yes, hybrids took a hit in August, but they’re still the backbone of the EV transition. However, the rise of full electrics is taking the spotlight.
Still the workhorses
Despite the slowdown, CVs still made up a commanding 79.02% of total vehicle sales in August. These include:
· Asian Utility Vehicles (AUVs): 20,852 units
· Light-duty trucks & buses: 555 units
· Medium-duty trucks & buses: 279 units
· Heavy-duty trucks & buses: 87 units
CVs sold 244,023 units, up 8.7% from 224,438 units in the same period last year.
So while August spooked the industry and brought on a rain-soaked slowdown—typhoons and floods that disrupted business days—CVs are still the backbone of the industry. They’re hauling, delivering, and keeping the economy rolling, even if the month’s numbers were less of a pavement and more of a puddle washing away substandard bridges and dikes built with public works’ flood control funds.
