The automotive industry suffered a slowdown to the effects of TRAIN. Just as the CAMPI-TMA’s joint report indicates an 8.5 year-to-date (January to March) decrease in sales compared to the same period in 2017, the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors or AVID reports the same.

The eleven-member AVID reports sales of 22,758 units for the first quarter of 2018 or 2 percent lower compared to the same period in 2017.

The Passenger Car (PC) segment, which appears to be less volatile among the two segments, experienced a slight slowdown—from 9,247 units sold in 2017 to 9,189 units sold in Q1 of 2018. Hyundai continues to rally for the segment and actually posted a 4 percent growth while accounting for 68 percent of total PC sales.

On the other hand, Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) totaled 13,569 units sold— 4 percent less against the 14,070 units sold in the first quarter of 2018. Ford, also part of the CAMPI-TMA report, leads the segment, recording the highest sales of 6,273 units in Q1 2018.

TRAIN brought about a spike in the prices of goods and services resulted in 4.3 percent inflation as of March 2018, possibly dampening consumers’ auto-buying intentions. It has also resulted in the Senate wanting to review TRAIN and its effects. Despite this, AVID maintains a rosy outlook behind the steady and strong demand that each member company offers.

Total Passenger Car Sales 2018 versus (2017):

• Auto Nation Group (Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Mercedes-Benz): 303 (344)
• British Bespoke Automobiles (Rolls-Royce): 0 (1)
• British United Automobiles (MINI, Lotus): 40 (38)
• DBPHILS Motorsports (Aston Martin): 10 (5)
• Ford Group Philippines (Ford): 175 (187)
• Hyundai Asia Resources (Hyundai): 6,205 (5,986)
• Motor Image Pilipinas (Subaru): 99 (83)
• PGA Cars (Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche): 65 (59)
• Scandinavian Motors (Volvo): 6 (17)
• Suzuki Philippines (Suzuki): 1,803 (1,985)
• The Covenant Car Company (Chevrolet): 483 (542)
• Total PC Sales: 9,189 (9,247)

Total Light Commercial Vehicle Sales 2018 versus (2017):

• Auto Nation Group (Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Mercedes-Benz): 53 (107)
• British Bespoke Automobiles (Rolls-Royce): 0 (0)
• British United Automobiles (MINI, Lotus): 27 (7)
• DBPHILS Motorsports (Aston Martin): 0 (0)
• Ford Group Philippines (Ford): 6,273 (7,586)
• Hyundai Asia Resources (Hyundai): 2,526 (2,855)
• Motor Image Pilipinas (Subaru): 745 (593)
• PGA Cars (Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche): 79 (76)
• Scandinavian Motors (Volvo): 22 (14)
• Suzuki Philippines (Suzuki): 3,114 (2,066)
• The Covenant Car Company (Chevrolet): 730 (766)
• Total PC Sales: 13,569 (14,070)