The car sales numbers are out for the first half of 2021 and things are looking up. The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI) and Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) have reported an increase of 56.1% and 55% respectively in total units sold compared to the same period last year. It’s just half of the story though.
Within the figures are the bestselling cars for the first half of the year and listed below are the top 3 cars of the top 5 brands.
Nissan
3. Nissan Terra – 1,636
Nissan tried to make a buzz for the Terra by launching a blacked-out VL trim earlier this year while waiting for its facelifted version. Aside from the new color of its exterior bits, it also received interior enhancements like chrome bits and new two-tone leather seats. Standard across its range is the zero gravity front seats, one-touch remote fold and tumble for the second row, and LED headlights.
2. Nissan Urvan – 1,719
Coming out at less than a hundred units ahead of its brother is the Nissan Urvan. Having 7 variants, especially if some of them are aimed for commercial use, definitely helped it in getting the second spot in Nissan’s podium. It’s available as a 15 or 18 seater, and has up to 14 aircon vents making it a good modern people hauler in a hot country like the Philippines.
1. Nissan Navara – 4,043
Carrying much of Nissan’s weight for the first half of the year is their newest pickup. The new iteration of the Nissan Navara was launched last March and already made huge strides. It has a meaner look and aggressive overall styling, with its new signature quad-LED headlights standard in most variants except the base model. The interior was also improved with zero gravity front seats and noise-reducing acoustic glass, among others. Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility suite is also standard for the upper variants.
Ford
3. Everest – 899
Ford’s midsize SUV offering faced a slump for the first half of 2021 as it barely made the list. It’s not a surprise given that it’s one of the oldest in its segment now, with only minor updates every now and then. The latest upgrade which was done last year placed a 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine paired to a 10-speed automatic for the lower variants while also sporting a new ‘Everest’ badge on the hood above the grille.
2. Territory – 3,323
Introduced to the Philippines in August last year, the Territory quickly climbed the ranks and is now a solid second-placer in Ford’s lineup. It’s priced competitively considering the space and tech amenities it has like Autonomous Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist and Active Park Assist, among others. Sharp styling also helps, especially if you have functional advantages like automatic LED headlights and panoramic moonroof.
1. Ranger – 4,515
Ford refreshed their entry to the pickup wars and proved to be a hit that helped spur the brand to fourth place. With 13 variants to choose from (excluding the Ranger Raptor), the Ford Ranger is as inclusive as it gets. There’s a trim for businesses, off-roaders, city dwellers, and lifestyle owners that’s all well below the P2-million price mark. The Ranger also leads the 4×4 pickup segment with a sizable 40% share.
Suzuki
3. Dzire – 1,833
The Suzuki Dzire takes the title of third bestselling car away from the S-Presso, thanks to work done on it earlier this year. It received a new grille, power folding side mirrors, 7-inch touchscreen, rear parking sensors, and electronic stability program. With a much lower starting price than the Toyota Vios, it’s no surprise that the Dzire climbed the charts.
2. Ertiga – 1,960
The Suzuki Ertiga stands out from its segment thanks to its European styling that’s apt for a lot of families and couples. The last time it made the news, it dropped its cream-colored interior and all models now have all black together with its signature wood veneers, while its top-of-the-line GLX trim gets an automatic climate control and new alloy wheels.
1. Carry – 1,985
Although Suzuki is known for their small cars and off-roaders, they’ve also dipped their toes in commercial vehicles that are also smaller than the competition. The result? It’s cheaper, and people are liking that such an option is available to them, as seen in the number of units they’ve sold which made it the brand’s bestseller for the period.
Mitsubishi
3. Mirage G4 – 3,737
Simplicity works well for Mitsubishi Philippines’ lone sedan. It’s not as stylish as others in its class but has generous space, a fuel-efficient 1.2L engine, standard safety features, and a lower starting price. It didn’t get much updates lately but people continue to flock to it due to its bang for the buck package.
2. Xpander – 5,543
The futuristic front face of the Mitsubishi Xpander and its latest toys were enough to secure the silver throne in Mitsubishi’s charts. The front grille has a new design with a slightly bigger Mitsubishi logo, while the top of the line model gets new wheels and LED headlights. Engine is the same 1.5L with 104hp and 141Nm of torque, paired to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic.
1. L300 – 6,021
Having two pickups and a tiny LCV as fellow bestsellers in this list, the L300 topping Mitsubishi’s Top 3 bestseller list is probably no surprise anymore. Together with the Suzuki Carry and Nissan Urvan, it speaks more about the commercial vehicle trend in car-buying nowadays. Employers try to provide transportation for their employees, and businesses want to have versatility in the mobility of their goods at such a challenging time. With the reputation of the L300’s toughness and reliability, it’s long existence in the Philippines, and attractive price point, it’s almost automatic that you’ll remember it when thinking of a light commercial vehicle.
Toyota
3. Wigo – 8,707
The Wigo continues to rake in more customers for Toyota, especially now that it’s more techie for its price point. It now has power folding side mirrors, Push Start button, digital display for the air control, rear sensor, rear camera, and the top-of-the-line variant even has a built-in dashcam! It might be entry-level in size and pricing but the features it has definitely punches above its class.
2. Hilux – 8,856
Toyota took the lead in the pickup wars and updated the Hilux way before its rivals did. The grille is more intimidating, and it has a new touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s available with 7 airbags, downhill assist control, and tailgate assist. The Hilux might not be as high-tech as others in its segment but 8,856 people say that doesn’t matter.
1. Vios – 16,807
Rounding up our list is the Toyota Vios. It’s a runaway bestseller, almost having double the figures of the Wigo. The latest iteration has exchanged its smiling fascia for a frown, but makes up for it with updated amenities like the touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 3-tier LED headlights, and high-gloss black accents. There’s also the addition of the performance trim, the Vios GR-S that comes with a 10-speed CVT.
