Industry News
Driven to Half a Million
PH Car Industry Gears Up for Historic Sales Milestone
MANILA — The Philippine automotive industry is on track to hit an all-time high of 500,000 car sales by the end of 2025, industry officials said at the Auto Parts & Vehicles Expo held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
GT Capital Auto & Mobility Holdings Chairman Vince Socco said they’re forecasting approximately 512,000 vehicle sales for the year, surpassing last year’s record of 475,000 units. “In the region, the Philippines is actually the second fastest growing market after Vietnam,” Socco noted. “It’s a very encouraging outlook.”
As of the first half of the year, the sector is already showing a 6% increase in sales, and if the pace continues, the target of half a million units is within reach. Data from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) show 190,429 units sold from January to May, up 1.7% from the same period last year.
Socco said that breaking past the 500,000 mark would put the Philippines in the same league as Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia in terms of car sales—a strong sign of the country’s growing motorization.
He added that the country is beginning to benefit from economies of scale. “The growing vehicle population means we need to also ramp up local manufacturing of auto components. That’s where government support will be crucial.”
The event comes amid trade talks with the United States. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently agreed to open up the local auto sector to more American imports as part of a new bilateral deal. In contrast, the U.S. will begin imposing a 19% tariff on Philippine exports starting August 1.
While the trade agreement grants zero tariffs for U.S. vehicles entering the Philippines, Socco believes the immediate impact may be limited. “American brands like Chevrolet, Ford, and Jeep are already here. Most of them source their units from ASEAN countries like Thailand and Indonesia where tariffs are already zero,” he explained.
However, he added that with zero tariffs in place, U.S. carmakers may introduce more models, particularly completely built units that aren’t produced in the region—offering more choices for Filipino consumers.
Meanwhile, the government is eyeing $1.28 billion in auto parts exports by 2025, up from $1.21 billion last year, signaling confidence not just in domestic demand but also in the sector’s export potential.
Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said final negotiations with the U.S. are ongoing but stressed that the Philippines has already given what it can in the talks, particularly in excluding sensitive agricultural products such as sugar and rice from the deal.
As the second half of 2025 rolls in, industry leaders remain hopeful that no economic disruptions will stall momentum. “It’s a good time to be in the auto sector,” said Socco.
The Manila auto scene steps into a new phase as Manila International Auto Show 2026 opened today at the World Trade Center Metro Manila and Philippine Trade Training Center, drawing industry leaders, officials, and car brands under one roof.
Organized by Worldbex Services International, the show carries the theme “Powering Mobility.” It highlights new energy vehicles, EV infrastructure, and transport solutions as the industry shifts toward electrification and smarter mobility systems.
The opening ceremony gathered key figures from government and business. Among those present were Joseph L. Ang, Dexter Lloyd Cuajotor, Augustus “Joe” D. Ferreria, Imelda “Emi” Calixto-Rubiano, Markus V. Lacanilao, and Ceferino “Perry” S. Rodolfo representing Department of Trade and Industry.
Ang said the event continues to support the industry’s growth despite ongoing challenges, with a strong focus on innovation and collaboration. The program also highlights commercial mobility and sustainable transport solutions as demand shifts.
More than 500 vehicles are on display across 25 car brands, covering a wide range from internal combustion models to hybrids and full electric vehicles. Visitors can expect product launches, test drives, and interactive exhibits throughout the venue.
Now on its 21st year, MIAS remains one of the country’s largest automotive gatherings. The show runs until April 12, with tickets available online and on-site.
Ford Philippines secured two major segment wins in 2025, with the Ford Everest leading the 4×4 midsize SUV class and the Ford Mustang topping the sports car category, based on data from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines.
Ford Everest
The Everest Titanium+ 4×4 claimed the top spot in the 4×4 midsize SUV segment, taking a 40 percent market share in 2025.
Ford positions the Everest as a blend of durability and comfort. The Titanium+ 4×4 variant comes with a terrain management system that offers six drive modes: Normal, Eco, Tow Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, and Sand. Drivers can switch modes through a Drive Mode Selector, while an electronic shifter supports optimized performance across varying road conditions.
Safety and driver-assist technologies are standard across the lineup. These include seven airbags, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go and Lane Centering, Lane Keeping System with Road Edge Detection, Forward Collision Warning, Evasive Steer Assist, and Reverse Brake Assist.
Ford Philippines said customer feedback played a key role in shaping the latest Everest, which targets buyers who need a vehicle that can handle rough terrain without sacrificing daily comfort.
Ford Mustang
In the sports car segment, the Mustang held the number one position with a 32 percent market share in 2025.
Ford Philippines introduced the seventh-generation Mustang in 2024. The model is available locally in two variants: the 5.0L GT Premium Fastback and the 2.3L EcoBoost Premium Fastback.
Both variants now come with the MagneRide damping system. The setup adjusts suspension performance to balance ride comfort and handling. The Mustang also features Brembo brakes, a quad chrome tip exhaust with active valve functionality, and 19-inch aluminum wheels with distinct designs per variant.
Inside, the sports coupe gets RECARO leather-trimmed sport seats and soft-touch materials. The GT Premium Fastback runs on a 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8 engine paired with a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. It produces 493 PS and 567 Nm of torque. The EcoBoost Premium Fastback uses a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, also mated to a 10-speed SelectShift automatic, delivering 319 PS and 475 Nm of torque.
Pedro Simoes, managing director of Ford Philippines, said the performance of both nameplates reflects strong customer demand in their respective segments.
With the Everest leading among 4×4 midsize SUVs and the Mustang maintaining its hold on the sports car market, Ford Philippines closes 2025 with two category leaders in its lineup.
Toyota Motor Philippines has started work on a new dealership in Antipolo City, adding another service hub for customers east of Metro Manila. The project is being developed with Toyota Taytay, Rizal Inc. and is set to strengthen Toyota’s footprint in one of the country’s fastest growing cities.
The upcoming Toyota Antipolo, Rizal facility will rise along L. Sumulong Memorial Circle in Barangay San Jose. Designed as a full-service dealership, it aims to give local motorists easier access to sales and aftersales support without the long drive into Metro Manila.
Once completed, the dealership will cover a total floor area of 12,160 square meters across three floors and a mezzanine. It will feature a modern showroom that can display up to seven vehicles and a service area with 37 bays. Customers can expect express maintenance, periodic servicing, body and paint work, and general repairs under one roof.
Toyota Motor Philippines president Masando Hashimoto said the Antipolo site has long been part of the company’s hopes for network expansion. He shared that the new dealership will help Toyota serve customers in Rizal with greater convenience as the area continues to grow.
Toyota Antipolo, Rizal president Zellyn Lim Diaz highlighted the local impact of the project. She said the dealership will create jobs during construction and provide long-term employment once operations begin, while also supporting skills development and stable livelihoods for families in the area.
Antipolo City has seen steady growth driven by retail, real estate, tourism, and small businesses. Its close link to Metro Manila through major roads like Marcos Highway and Ortigas Avenue Extension has made mobility support an essential part of daily life. Toyota’s latest expansion places its services closer to motorists who rely on these routes every day.
