Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) closed the first quarter of the year recording an impressive double digit growth of 21.7%.  Sales for the first three months totaled to 10,016 units compared to 8,230 units sold during the same period last year. March sales modestly increased by 1.6% with 3,612 units sold. Combined reports from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturer of the Philippines (CAMPI) and Trucks Manufacturer Association (TMA) also showed a surge in MMPC’s market share. For the first quarter MMPC was able to capture a 24% market share making it the second bestselling automotive brand in the country.

MMPC recorded significant improvement in the car segment for the first quarter. Year-to- date sales of cars totaled to 2,172 units as compared to 316 units sold during the same quarter last year.  The introduction of the Lancer EX 1.6 and Mirage last year strengthened MMPC’s presence in the car segment, dramatically increasing it to 587.3%. The Mirage also took the third spot in the list of bestselling passenger cars in the country. Demand for the Mirage is also expected to increase after being awarded recently by the Car Awards Group Inc. as the Car of the Year for 2012-2013.

Meanwhile, the Montero Sport, Strada, Adventure and L300 continue to perform well on their particular segments. For the first quarter of 2013 a total of 3,345 units of Montero Sport were sold which is 17.6% up compared to last year’s Q1 sales of 2,845 units. With the best value for money of the Montero Sport, this model continues to be the bestselling SUV and number one in the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment in the local automotive industry. Aside from the Montero Sport, the L300, Adventure and Strada are also included in the top ten selling light commercial models for the first quarter of 2013.

With MMPC’s extensive vehicle lineup, aggressive advertising and promotions coupled by an upbeat Philippine economy, MMPC is confident that it will be able to sustain this very remarkable feat. “We are truly delighted about our first quarter sales performance and how the total industry is growing.  The increasing industry trend provides us confidence of meeting or even surpassing the target volume for this year,” MMPC, Executive Vice President for Marketing Mr. Taizo Furuhashi said. “It is also encouraging to register double digit growth with the industry especially in our 50th anniversary year.  We are confident that given an improved supply, new model introduction and upgrades and exciting campaigns slated for the coming months, MMPC will be able to keep its positive streak and maintain to be one of the top vehicle brand in the country,” Mr. Furuhashi, added.