The Philippine automotive industry is showing signs of recovery, with vehicle sales posting a significant month-on-month increase in May 2026 despite ongoing fuel supply concerns, according to an industry executive.
May sales up 23.8% from April
Data from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (Campi) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) revealed that total vehicle sales reached approximately 33,532 units in May, a 23.8 percent jump from 27,089 units sold in April. However, this figure is lower than the 39,775 units recorded in the same month a year earlier.
Year-to-date sales from January to May 2026 totaled 167,324 units, down from 190,429 units during the same period in 2025. Of the May sales, passenger cars accounted for 6,692 units, while commercial vehicles made up 26,840 units.
Electric vehicle sales surge
Electric vehicle (EV) sales reached 24,356 units in the first five months of 2026, more than doubling the 10,431 units sold in the same period last year. In May alone, EV sales hit 6,297 units, slightly higher than April’s 6,027 units.
Campi president Jose Maria Atienza attributed the growth in EV sales to consumers’ push for energy efficiency. “Our overall market outlook has improved with actual vehicle sales performing better than previously expected despite the fuel crisis,” he said.
Revised forecast reflects improving conditions
Atienza had earlier projected an eight to ten percent decline in car sales for 2026 due to the impact of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East on fuel prices. He later revised the forecast to a five to eight percent decline, following improvements in the regional situation.
