Total auto sales in 2009 exceeds expectations with overall growth of 6.4 percent, surpassing its forecast of a high of only 4 percent at the beginning of the year. Total sales for 2009 reached 132,444 vehicles versus 124,449 units in 2008 pulled by the strong December sales, which registered the highest singular monthly sales volume in a decade.

“December auto sales surpassed expectations as it registered the highest singular monthly sales volume of over 13,596 units or a whopping 37.5 percent growth versus 9,885 units sold in December 2008,” reported Elizabeth H. Lee, president of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI).

Lee said that December sales are seasonally higher than any month, but December 2009 was exceptionally good posting a 7 percent increase over an already strong November sales performance of 12,702 units.

“This augurs well for 2010,” Lee said. Of the total 132,444 units sold in 2009, there were 46,228 passenger cars sold reflecting a 4.1 percent increase versus 44,426 units sold in 2008 for a market share.

On the other hand, there were 86,216 unit commercial vehicles sold or a significant 7.7 percent improvement versus 80,023 units sold in the entire of 2008. The commercial vehicle segment accounts for 64.3 percent share of the market while the passenger car accounts for 35.7 percent.

Except for the Asian Utility Vehicle (AUV) category, the three other categories under the commercial vehicle segment posted significant growth rates.