Manila: Vehicle sales in the Philippines saw a 4.96 percent increase in October 2025 compared to the previous month, largely driven by the sales of Asian utility vehicles (AUVs) and multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs). Total vehicle sales for October reached 40,014 units, up from 38,029 units in September and slightly higher than the 40,003 units sold in October of the previous year.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) reported that AUVs and MPVs captured the highest share of sales, achieving 17.2 percent of the market. The total units sold for these vehicle types amounted to 8,309 in October, an increase from 7,943 units in the prior month and 7,090 units in the same period last year.

Heavy-duty trucks and buses also showed growth, increasing by 10 percent. Commerce vehicles rose by 6.7 percent, light-duty trucks by 6.4 percent, and light commercial vehicles by 3 percent. Conversely, passenger car sales declined by 18.8 percent on an annual basis, and medium-duty trucks fell by 6.4 percent.

While passenger car sales saw a decline, the electric vehicle (EV) segment, which includes some passenger cars, experienced significant growth. EV sales jumped by 62.1 percent on a monthly basis, reaching 3,603 units from 2,223 units in the prior month. There was no comparable figure available for the previous year.

EV market players remain optimistic about continued growth in sales, bolstered by government support through consumer education and incentives to encourage the use of EVs for environmental benefits. The Department of Energy (DOE) has set a goal for EVs to make up around 50 percent of all vehicles on the road by 2040, translating to approximately 2.5 million units.

Authorities and market participants reported that EV registrations by the end of July 2025 totaled 29,715 units, up from 24,000 registered in the previous year. The government has promoted EV adoption through the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA Law), which offers incentives such as exemption from the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program for eight years and tax breaks, as well as temporary zero-tariffs for manufacturers to attract investment.