MANILA – Sales of imported vehicles in the country improved by 55 percent to 30,153 units in the first half of the year from 19,509 units in the same period in 2020, the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) reported Monday.
In a statement, AVID president Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo said the industry has been recovering from the impact of strict lockdowns due to the pandemic and forecast better prospects ahead.
“It has been an uphill struggle for the automotive industry, more so among importers, but the recent numbers are encouraging. As our nation progresses towards achieving herd immunity, the automotive industry has proven resilient and poised to emerge stronger than ever,” Perez-Agudo added.
AVID reported that all vehicle segments grew double digits in the January to June 2021 period.
Sales of passenger cars went up by 26 percent to 7,707 units this year from 6,128 units a year ago.
Light commercial vehicle sales increased by 64 percent to 21,684 units from 13,244 units.
Commercial vehicle sales surged by 456 percent to 762 units from 137 unit sales in 2020.
Sales for June 2020 alone rose 33 percent to 4,936 units in the first semester of the year from 3,698 units sold last year.
Passenger car sales increased by 13 percent to 1,350 units, light commercial vehicle sales grew by 44 percent to 3,556 units, while commercial vehicle sales declined by 17 percent last month, it said.
“With better prospects ahead, we will continue to give our best to ensure the complete recovery of the industry. This much, we owe the Filipino people,” according to Perez-Agudo.(PNA)
