Toyota Motor Philippines may have been Number 1 in 9 vehicle segments, but there’s one segment that eluded them: the small MPV category. The best-selling vehicle in that category is none other than the Mitsubishi Xpander.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) reports that 13,502 Xpanders were sold in 2018—a figure made more impressive by the fact that it’s been on the market for less than 10 months.

The Xpander helped prop up MMPC’s numbers to 67,512 units—accounting for 18.89 percent of the Philippine automotive market. Their overall performance was down compared to 2017 and this can be attributed to the implementation of the TRAIN law as well was the phase out of the L300 and Adventure.

Drilling down the numbers, the locally-manufactured Mirage G4 increased its total sales in 2018 by 14 percent to 14,810 units while the Strada sold better in 2018, registering 4,561 units sold compared to 2017’s 3,663 units.

This year, MMPC is optimistic that they will recover and bring back its robust sales performance.

“With the strong supply and demand of the Xpander and with the introduction of the new Strada, we look forward to a more progressive year”, MMPC Executive Vice President, Mr. Taichi Nakajima said.

He added that the company is positive that the 2019 Strada will bring back the market enthusiasm and help further improve Mitsubishi’s market presence and share in the pickup truck segment.

Aside from the new Strada, MMPC will further strengthen its line-up through the introduction of model upgrades during the year. Aside from its extensive model line-up and aggressive promotions, MMPC is also working hard to enhance its aftersales to provide customers with top class service.