The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors, Inc. (AVID) is looking to close out this year strong as it is showing improvements for its year-to-date (YTD) sales as of September. It was able to sell a total of 43,957 units for the first nine months of 2021, which is 26 percent more than the last year at 34,980 units sold.
Hyundai's shows its support for the PUVMP
AVID’s September sales also bounced back by 26 percent over the 19 percent dip in August sales. Now that the quarantine restrictions are easing up due to decreasing COVID-19 cases, AVID President Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo believes that an increase in sales can be expected.
“We have weathered the volatile market conditions of the third quarter. With improving health conditions and a more stable outlook, AVID is optimistic and driven to wind up this last quarter on a strong note,” said AVID President Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo.
Contributing heavily to the 26 percent of YTD is the Commercial Vehicle (CV) segment with a whopping 311 percent improvement. Hyundai Trucks and Buses leads this segment, capturing 98 percent of total AVID CV Sales. One of the reasons for the Korean automaker’s success is its support for the government’s Public Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
The Ford Ranger is consistently the American automaker's best-selling model
Hyundai Trucks and Buses rolled out its modern PUVs to various areas of the country including Pangasinan, Cavite, and Tarlac, with Tacloban City as the latest recipient. The car brand’s modern PUVs offer safe and convenient features such as roof-mounted air-conditioning, onboard Wi-Fi, Auto Fare Collection System (AFCS), among others.
Meanwhile, the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment gets a 37 percent YTD improvement from 23,007 units in 2020 to 31,444 units in 2021. Ford Philippines is the top contributor for this segment with its Ranger midsize pickup truck. The Blue Oval company managed to sell 13,258 units for the first nine months of 2021.
Suzuki now takes the third spot in the overall sales after finishing fifth last year
Lastly, the Passenger Vehicle (PC) segment provides somewhat a steady number. This segment posted 11,596 units sold YTD, which is one percent less than last year’s numbers at 11,750 units. Thanks to Suzuki Philippines’ compact and relatively affordable pricing, the Japanese car brand came at the top with 5,768 units.
Check out the most recent sales reports in the local auto market in Philkotse’s News section.