The year 2017 was a banner year for Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) as it saw its highest sales volume to date. The Japanese vehicle maker turned over 73,590 units to customers during the said period. This is up 19.9% from the 61,400 vehicles sold in 2016.
The remarkable sales growth, which kept Mitsu at the second highest spot in the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc’s (CAMPI’s) and the Truck Manufacturers Association’s sales charts for 2017, can be attributed to equally strong showing in both the Passenger Car and Light Commercial Vehicle segments.
Passenger cars, for instance, grew by a modest 0.6%, which was still good for 20,690 units. This was due to the strong performance of the Mitsubishi Mirage, which is now assembled at MMPC’s local plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna.
The Light Commercial Vehicle segment, meanwhile, was the main driver of MMPC’s sales last year. Growing by 29.3%, LCV sales totaled 50, 311 units. This was complemented by Truck and Bus sales, accounting for 2,589 units or a 34.8% growth over 2016 figures.
With CAMPI and TMA recording 425,673 units rolling out of showrooms last year (for an 18.4% growth), the automotive association and members such as MMPC remain optimistic about what lies ahead in 2018. Sure, most of the sales may have been due to customers trying to beat the price increase brought about by the implementation of the excise tax on vehicles and other goods and services. Yet most everyone still sees a bright future ahead.
And with the introduction of the all-new Mitsubishi Xpander that is set to take place real soon, as well as the current line-up being beefed up, MMPC may just witness another record year this 2018.
