WHAT did I say? That sales will stage a strong rebound as we approach the peak of the Christmas season, right?
Already, September revenues have significantly jumped in bucking a lethargic industry performance in August.
The freshest data culled by Elvin ‘The Big E’ Luciano from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association, Inc. (TMA) showed combined sales of 35,722 units in September, up 20.6 percent from August figures.
That stunning result strongly indicates the industry’s obvious return to normalcy, overcoming weather-related disruptions that radically disturbed buying trends a month before the start of the ‘Ber’ months.
With estimated sales from non-CAMPI-TMA brands included, total industry sales in September surpassed 40,240 units, 17 percent higher than in August.
According to CAMPI President Jose Maria ‘Jing’ Atienza, breaching the 40,000-unit monthly sales mark reflects positive market movement. He said the industry’s robust September performance signals a return to the recovery path projected before the onslaught of destructive typhoons had momentarily affected market activity in August.
‘Sales of ICE vehicles posted a strong 19-percent rebound in September, while xEV sales also recorded a solid 14-percent increase,’ said Atienza. ‘This continued growth across both segments reflects healthy consumer demand and reinforces our confidence in the market.’
The industry’s positive stance is indicative of a sales surge heading into the final three months of the year-a phenomenon that has almost become a recurring tradition through the years.
‘We believe the industry is well-positioned to sustain its momentum and it is expected to deliver a strong overall performance in 2026,’ said Atienza.
Among CAMPI-TMA member brands, Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. led September sales with 18,157 units.
It was followed by Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. with 3,962 units, Suzuki Philippines Inc. 1,466, Ford Group Philippines, Inc. 1,187 and Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. 1,136 units.
GEELY ‘GET-TOGETHER’
GEELY Motor Philippines (GMP) welcomed 20 owners of the all-electric Geely EX2 to an exclusive owners’ gathering recently at Karrera Bistro in Alabang. Paul Angelo Woo said the event gave owners a closer ‘look at life’ with a battery electric vehicle (BEV), updates on the brand’s upcoming plans and a first look at the Geely Monjaro EM-i.
The gathering is part of the recurring activities GMP holds for its customers to ensure that support is felt long after the initial sale. ‘Through these sessions, owners gain direct access to the company’s technical team and a stronger connection to the growing Geely community in the Philippines,’ said Woo.
EX2
THE program was anchored by a session led by Arsenio Chavez Jr., Technical, Training, and Warranty Manager of Geely Motor Philippines, who discussed BEV ownership and walked owners through the warranty process for their vehicles.
‘Our EX2 owners are among the first in the country to make the switch to electric driving with Geely, and we want them to feel fully supported at every stage of ownership,’ Chavez said. ‘Sessions like this allow us to share practical knowledge about their vehicles and to make sure they know exactly how our warranty and after-sales support work for them.’
MONJARO EM-i
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IN addition, attendees were treated to an exclusive preview of the Geely Monjaro EM-i, giving owners an early opportunity to see the model up close ahead of its wider introduction in the Philippines. GMP also announced the availability of the EX2 in pink, with only 200 units available nationwide this year.
Furthermore, GMP confirmed its participation in the Autofocus Test Drive Festival, which will run from November 12 to 15, 2026, where the public can view and test-drive Geely vehicles. ‘GMP remains committed to building a strong and engaged community of Geely owners in the Philippines, anchored by dependable after-sales support and regular opportunities to connect with the brand,’ Woo said.
About Geely Auto Group
Geely Auto Group is a leading automobile manufacturer based in Hangzhou, China and was founded in 1997 as a subsidiary unit of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (ZGH). The Group manages several leading brands, including Geely Auto, Lynk and Co, and Radar. Geely Auto Group is also the global strategic partner of Malaysian national automaker Proton.
Geely Automobile Holdings, a subsidiary company holding controlling stakes in Geely Auto, Lynk and Co, and Radar, has been listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange since 2005. In 2025, the brands under the group sold over 4.11 million units with 2.3 million units of new energy vehicles, marking a 58-percent year-on-year increase in the category.
PEE STOP
The PAL Mabuhay Miles Elite Invitational Golf will be held on November 3 at The Orchard in Cavite. Players from Japan, Australia and the US are expected to trade shots with Filipino stalwarts in the event’s 30th edition. ‘This tournament celebrates the lasting relationships we have built with our valued customers over the years,’ said Atty. Carlos Luis Fernandez, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Philippine Airlines. ‘It is our way of thanking them for choosing PAL and sharing the genuine Filipino care that connects us beyond their travels.’ Mabuhay!