Driving the future of SUVs for modern roads

THE PHILIPPINE automotive industry leaned heavily on sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and other light units to boost overall sales in the first half of 2025.

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According to the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association, industry sales rose 2% to 230,912 units in the first six months of 2025, up from 226,279 units sold in 2024. The growth was largely driven by commercial vehicles like SUVs, pickups, multipurpose vehicles, and vans. Sales in this segment increased 11.3% compared to last year.

In June 2025 alone, industry sales reached 40,483 units, up 3.6% from a year earlier. SUVs and similar vehicles made up nearly 83% of sales, or 33,561 units. Passenger cars accounted for 17.1% with 6,922 units sold.

Although smaller passenger cars remain available and affordable, the figures indicate consumers are favoring larger vehicles.

“Manufacturers and dealers remain focused on enhancing customer experience, introducing updated vehicle lineups, and supporting market recovery across all segments — including passenger cars,” said CAMPI President Rommel R. Gutierrez.

DIRECTION OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES (EVS)

More car buyers are turning to electric options, with global sales of fully electric and plugin hybrid vehicles topping 17 million units in 2024.

Statista forecasts that revenue from electric vehicles could reach $784.2 billion this year. If the trend continues, the global market may rise to $990.4 billion by 2029.

In the Philippines, electrified vehicle sales reached 13,490 units, or nearly 6% of the automotive market, from January to June 2025. Hybrid cars made up most of that total with 10,891 units, while battery electrics recorded 2,439 units and plugin hybrids accounted for 160 units.

By August 2025, the total number of new energy vehicles sold in the country had grown to 18,439 units. Hybrids again led with 14,585 units, followed by 3,278 battery electrics.