PH car sales drop 26 percent last August

Updated Sep 13, 2021 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

Car sales went down last month as per report of CAMPI and TMA.

The Philippine automotive industry registered a dip in sales last August 2021. Based on the combined report of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI) and Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA), the new vehicle sales in the country went down by 26.3 percent in August as compared to July. 

2021 Toyota Fortuner front shot

Toyota continues to be the top-selling car brand in the Philippines

The joint report stated that the local auto industry had 15,847 unit sales in August, which is lower than the 21,498 units sold in July. CAMPI and TMA added that car sales last month showed an 11.5 percent decline year-on-year. To put things in perspective, car sales in the Philippines last August 2020 yielded 17,906, which is 2,059 units lower than the vehicle sales recorded last month.

Despite the dip in sales, CAMPI and TMA are still eyeing to hit 295,400 unit sales this year, which is 20.9 percent higher than the industry’s 2020 sales performance. But reaching that goal wouldn’t be easy as the country continues to struggle with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has a domino effect on the economy.

Facelifted Mitsubishi Mirage G4 front shot

Facelifted Mitsubishi Mirage G4

The challenge brought upon by the pandemic is not stopping car brands in the Philippines to launch new vehicles. Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) launched the facelifted Mirage G4 last August, a car that could help bolster the brand’s sales in the local market. Subaru Philippines has also officially launched the 2022 Outback that’s loaded with several notable features such as the EyeSight 4.0 driver assist technology. 

2022 Nissan Terra front shot

2022 Nissan Terra

Early this September, Nissan Philippines launched the new Terra that comes with significant design updates inside and out. Isuzu Philippines, on the other hand, is also preparing its counterattack as it plans to officially launch the all-new mu-X later this month. There are also reports that Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) will be introducing the GR Sport versions of the Hilux, and the Fortuner. 

CAMPI and TMA said that TMP continues to be the top-selling car brand in the Philippines with 82,389 units sold, translating to a 48.43 percent market share. Coming at second is MMPC with 23,912 units or 14.06 percent market share while Suzuki Philippines sits at third with 12,954 units (7.61 percent). Ford Philippines is fourth with 12,921 units (7 percent), and Nissan is fifth with 11,498 units (6.76 percent). 

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Know more about Toyota Fortuner 2024

Toyota Fortuner

The Toyota Fortuner 2024 sold in our market spans six five trim levels and 11 variants. Toyota Fortuner prices in the Philippines range from PHP 1,769,000 for the Fortuner G 2.4 M/T to PHP 2,650,000 for the flagship GR Sport 2.8 A/T. This midsize SUV spans two turbodiesel options, with most of the range equipped with a 6-speed automatic gearbox (6-speed manual for the base variant) as well as a 4x2 drivetrain (4x4 is available on the LTD trim and is standard on the GR Sport). The Fortuner brings a length of 4,795mm, a width of 1,855mm, and a height of 1,835mm on a 2,745mm wheelbase. 

The lowest monthly installment starts at Php 19,683 for the G 2.4 4x2, with 60-month payment terms on a 50 percent downpayment. As a contender in the midsize SUV segment, the Toyota Fortuner faces off against a slew of rivals including the Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Nissan Terra, Ford Everest, Isuzu mu-X, and Foton Toplander

 

Toyota Fortuner Launch

Toyota Philippines launched the 2021 Fortuner facelift in late 2020 with the addition of the new and distinct variant called LTD. All of the variants introduced by the Japanese carmaker come with an automatic transmission except
the G variant which has to option to go for a manual transmission. Only the top-ranging LTD variants are benefited by a 4x4 drivetrain and a two-tone paint that comes with a blacked-out roof.

One of the best and new features the facelifted model brought in the country is the more powerful engine. The 7-seater midsize SUV now offers Filipino car buyers a 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV diesel engine that allows it to join the 500 Club
alongside other midsize SUVs in the country such as the Ford Everest and Chevrolet Trailblazer. Since the Fortuner's entry in the local market in 2005, TMP has already sold over 220,000 units of the unit.

Toyota Fortuner Exterior

The Toyota Fortuner gets a more confident and stylish design. The top-spec LTD comes with a 2-tone color black roof color lineup, a bolder and sportier front and rear bumper design, and machine-cut 18-inch alloy wheels. Split-type LED headlamps and LED front foglamps, sequential turn signal lamps, and the redesigned LED rear combination lamps give the LTD variant a more dynamic design while maintaining visibility on Philippine roads. 

Toyota Fortuner Philippines front view

The Toyota Fortuner gets a more confident and stylish design

On the other hand, the Q and V variants of the new Fortuner get LED foglamps and redesigned LED rear combination lamps, as well as Bi-Beam LED Headlamps with LED Line Guide - Daytime Running Lights (DRL). Meanwhile, G variants also now come with Bi-Beam LED Headlamps with LED DRL.

Toyota Fortuner Interior

The Toyota Fortuner LTD variants offer a more premium interior feel as compared to other variants thanks to its variant-exclusive leather with maroon accent seat material. Another feature found in the top-spec variant only is the leather plus galaxy black trim steering wheel which complements the seats. The G and V variants come with fabric upholstery, while the Q variants benefit from leather upholstery.

Toyota Fortuner interior view

The maroon trims are excellent touches

Standard features for the 7-seater midsize SUV include a 4.2-inch multi-information display (MID), tilt and telescopic steering column, four cupholders and two bottle holders up front, two cupholders and two bottle holders at the rear, 60:40 split for the 2nd-row passengers with 1-touch tumble with center armrest, and 50:50 split for the third-row seats. A cool box is included for all variants except the base G variants.

Technology & Safety Features

Comfort and entertainment are guaranteed the whole journey for the driver and passengers as LTD and Q variants have 8-Way Power Adjust front seats, and Front Seat Ventilation System for the LTD variant. Never lose power with the wireless charger and rear USB chargers available on LTD, Q, and V grades, and experience premium sound quality over the LTD variants’ 9-speaker JBL sound system. The new Fortuner also comes with either a seven- or eight-inch infotainment touchscreen depending on the variant. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is standard across all variants of the new Toyota Fortuner.

Toyota Fortuner's dashboard

The new Fortuner also come with either a seven- or eight-inch infotainment touchscreen depending on the variant

Toyota Fortuner Philippine seats

Comfort and entertainment is guaranteed the whole journey for the driver and passengers

Standard safety features in the SUV include dual-SRS airbags and driver's knee airbag (LTD variants get side and curtain airbags), an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), vehicle stability control (VSC) with traction control, hill-start assist control (HAC), and ISOFIX tethers. The higher-trim Q and LTD variants are installed with a pre-collision system (PCS), lane departure alert with yaw assist, and adaptive cruise control (ACC). 

Platform & Chassis

The Toyota Fortuner Philippines is a five-door midsize SUV that is built on the same IMV platform as the Hilux and Innova. The three models share the same engines, but the outputs and displacements differ. The front suspension is handled by the fully independent double-wishbone, while a rigid axle with coil springs handles the rear suspension. This seven-seater SUV has a length of 4,795 mm, a width of 1,855 mm, a wheelbase of 2,745 mm, and a ground clearance of 193 mm.

Two of the Toyota Fortuner variants

All variants share the same brake and suspension parts

>>> Toyota Fortuner for sale in the Philippines at best prices

Engine & Drivetrain

The new Toyota Fortuner LTD and Q variants are powered by a 2.8-liter diesel engine that delivers 201 hp and 500 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the V and G variants of the model come with a 2.4-liter diesel engine that generates 148 hp and 400 Nm of torque. All variants come with a six-speed automatic transmission except for the entry-level G variant, which has a 6-speed manual transmission.

Toyota Fortuner Philippines on the road

The new Toyota Fortuner LTD and Q variants are powered by a 2.8-liter diesel engine

All variants of the 7-seater midsize SUV utilize a 4x2 drivetrain. However, Toyota Motor Philippines also offers a 4x4 drivetrain which is made available only on the top-ranging LTD variant that comes with auto disconnect differential and differential lock for a more seamless off-roading ride.

>>> For your further reference:

Available colors for the Toyota Fortuner 2024 are Silver Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, White Pearl Crystal Shine, Sparkling Black Pearl Crystal Shine, Attitude Black Mica, Gray Metallic, Silver Metallic, and Super White II. 

For off-road capability, the Toyota Fortuner 2024 is equipped with a rear-locking differential that works with its four-wheel drivetrain. Toyota Safety Sense is standard on the Q, LTD, and GR Sport trims, bringing driver-assist features such as a pre-collision system and adaptive cruise control. Upper-spec variants also come with a panoramic view monitor that provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle’s exterior. Also, the Fortuner Philippines is the only one in its class that offers ventilated front seats. 

Toyota Fortuner Pros & Cons

 Pros  Cons
 
  • Muscular design 

  • Improved interior and safety features 

  • Robust powertrain and suspension

  • Extensive variant lineup

  • Not so comfortable ride quality 

  • Pricey compared to rivals 

Toyota Fortuner Q&A

1. Does the Toyota Fortuner have 7 seats?

Yes, it is a midsize SUV that has 7 seats.

2. Will the Toyota Fortuner 2024 have a sunroof?

Unfortunately, no. Sunroofs are not available on the Toyota Fortuner 2024.

3. What is special about the safety system of the Toyota Fortuner 2024?

The safety system of the Toyota Fortuner 2024 has been improved because it includes Blind spot indicators with rear cross-traffic alert, stability control, traction control, and hill start assist.

4. How is the Toyota Fortuner price in the Philippines?

The price of Toyota Fortuner is quite good. It ranges from 1,769,000 Php for the entry-level G 2.4 4x2 MT to 2,650,000 Php for the top-of-the-line Toyota Fortuner GR Sport 2.8 Diesel 4x4 AT.

5. Which Toyota Fortuner Philippines color is best?

It’s difficult to tell which color is best since this depends on each one’s preference. However, Fortuner 2024 black and Fortuner 2024 white seem to be popular choices.

 

₱ 1,736,000 - ₱ 2,595,000

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