The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors, Inc. (AVID) – with 20 member companies representing 26 global brands – recorded sales of only 14,404 units equivalent to a 34.4 percent drop in the first quarter of the year amid the Enhanced Community Quarantine caused by COVID-19.

Most, if not all, dealerships and their accompanying repair and maintenance facilities have been closed since March 16, 2020.

“The local industry is reeling from this invisible enemy as vehicle manufacturing, importation, distribution, and maintenance have stopped completely. Demand has likewise declined as consumers spend on more urgent needs. With this disruption, we estimate that car sales may drop by around 40 percent for the year,” AVID President Fe Perez-Agudo said.

“The industry is no stranger to adversity but this pandemic will be our toughest challenge yet.  We estimate that it would take at least 12 months for the local industry to recover once the ECQ is completely lifted. There will be a ‘new normal’ and we must be quick to adapt since Filipino consumers will be even more prudent and looking for more value in their purchases," Ms. Agudo added.

The Passenger Cars (PC) segment declined by 43 percent in the first quarter of 2020 with 4,506 units sold versus the 7,848 units in the same period last year. Hyundai leads this segment with 2,724 units sold, followed by Suzuki with 1,127 units, and Ford with 415 units.

In the Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) segment, year-to-date sales dipped by over 29 percent with 9,806 units sold. Ford leads this segment with a total of 3,479 units while Hyundai comes in second with 2,797 units closely followed by Suzuki with 2,740 units.

Commercial Vehicles (CV) sales declined by 62 percent to just 92 units over the period.

AVID says second quarter sales may dip even further due to the ECQ for the whole month of April and at least half of May in major urban areas.

The association, however, says that despite the bleak short-term outlook, many members have joined the nation’s battle to fight COVID-19. Several AVID companies are providing free mobility which includes the transport of our front liners, medical supplies, and essential goods across the country. Some have donated personal protective equipment (PPE), masks, gloves, etc. to COVID facilities. Others are supporting their home communities and LGUs.

AVID member companies have used the lockdown to develop COVID-ready processes, structures, and organizations. Health protection and safety strategies are being put in place for employees, business partners, and to meet the emerging needs of the customer in the next normal environment. It added that the industry is very much aware of the protocols on social distancing —wearing of appropriate protective equipment, and additional sanitation measures—which it committed to observe. As an added layer of protection, some AVID members will be conducting antibody testing prior to the re-entry of its workforce. This will be done as part of Project ARK, a private sector-led initiative to conduct mass testing for the new coronavirus at the community level.

Based on government data, the Philippine automotive sector, directly and indirectly, employs 408,000 people.


Editor’s Note:

• ANG – Auto Nation Group (Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Mercedes-Benz)
• BBAI – British Bespoke Automobiles, Inc. (Rolls-Royce)
• BUAI – British United Automobiles, Inc. (Lotus, MINI)
• DMI – DBPHILS Motorsports, Inc. (Aston Martin)
• FGPI – Ford Group Philippines, Inc. (Ford)
• HARI – Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (Hyundai)
• JAIPI – JAC Automobile International Philippines (JAC)
• LMI – Legado Motors, Inc. (GAC)
• MIPI – Motor Image Pilipinas, Inc. (Subaru) 
• PGA – PGA Cars, Inc. (Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche) 
• SGAP – Sojitz G Auto Philippines (Geely)
• SMC – Scandinavian Motors Corporation (Volvo)
• SPI – Suzuki Philippines, Inc. (Suzuki) 
• TAC – Triesenburg Auto Corporation (Kinglong) 
• TCCCI – The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (Chevrolet)