Vehicle importers reported an 8-percent increase in sales in March to 7,952 units from 7,380 units year-on-year.
The increased reversed the trend in the first two months of the year when sales fell 8 percent.
Sales of members of the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors dropped 3 percent in the first three months of 2019 to 22,497 units from 23,083 units on year.
“AVID’s first quarter 2019 performance indicates that the automotive industry has turned the corner and is now experiencing modest recovery. We expect a further upturn in the next three quarters on the back of improved consumer sentiment, the introduction of exciting and innovative vehicles, and the government’s aggressive infrastructure program. AVID aims to be at the forefront of this growth in vehicle sales,” said AVID president Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo.
Sales of the light commercial vehicles segment in March rose 21 percent to 4,998 units from 4,130 units on year, making it the primary growth and volume driver.