The car industry is a rapidly-shifting field with a combination of established giants and promising new players. More often than not, a lot of deserving motoring news flies under the radar simply because the marketing leaves room to be desired. This has become less of an issue with the rapid adoption of the internet though. Today, we’ll look into the news that captured our attention with regards to popular cars in the Philippines, according to the 2021 AutoDeal Industry Insights Report.

Photo: AutoDeal

As Systems Returned To Normal, So Did Demand For Cars

With the pandemic striking in 2020, citizens quickly realized that there was a huge disparity between the privileges of those with private transport and those without. Add this to the fact that most, if not all, were unvaccinated during that year so most refused to share a vehicle with individuals from other households. This led to the spike in demand for cars which many saw as an urgent purchase.

Since the government slowly opened up public transport in 2021 and the vaccines were rolled out already, people started returning to their old commuting habits. Those who were on the fence of purchasing a car regardless had already acquired one in the previous year. As such, the monthly count of people inquiring to make an automobile purchase within the next 30 days was much more stable until December 2021 when news of the Omicron variant threatened to shut down our country’s systems once again.

Toyota Leads Most Inquired Brands, While The Isuzu D-MAX Is The Most Inquired Model

To the surprise of absolutely no one, Toyota vehicles gain the most inquiries on the AutoDeal website. It is followed by Suzuki and Ford in 2nd and 3rd places respectively.

Interestingly though, the giant Japanese carmaker has no specific models in the top 5 – with their highest inquired model being the Hilux in 6th place. This could be due to a wide array of vehicles drawing attention which isn’t a bad thing at all. Leading that list in order are the Isuzu D-MAX, Suzuki Ertiga, and Kia Stonic. They’re all practical vehicles competing in different fields, although 3 of the top 5 are pick-up trucks (4: Nissan Navara, 5: Ford Ranger).

Top Selling New Vehicles By Category (3)

This is based on conversions transacted through the AutoDeal platform.

Subcompact Cars: Toyota Vios, Toyota Wigo, Mitsubishi Mirage G4

The Toyota Vios expectedly takes top place here. It has sort of become the people’s car in the country, being used for couriers, taxis, corporate vehicles, everyday commuters, first cars for new drivers, and the like. Its overall reliability and no-nonsense attitude make it appealing for those who just need to get from Point A to Point B. You can’t walk through the city without seeing one of these around. The same can be said about the Wigo and Mirage G4.

Compact Car: Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Toyota Altis

Another favorite for young professionals and the older crowd alike, you won’t go wrong with any of these 3 sedans. They offer added comfort and refinement to edge out the competition, and are outfitted with the latest technologies as well. Some may see these cars as just Point A to B machines, but they have the firepower to be driven spiritedly and pull up to a 5-star hotel driveway afterwards.

Subcompact Crossover: Kia Stonic, Ford EcoSport, MG ZS

Also ranking within the top 5 for most inquiries, the Kia Stonic is a hot new vehicle within the segment. Users have praised its quirky styling especially highlighted by the flashy colors you can spec it with. With ample ground clearance for traversing the city and comfortably seating around 4-5 adults, this crossover is a force to be reckoned with at the price point.

Compact Crossover: Ford Territory, Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, Mazda CX-5

A little bit up in the segment are the compact crossovers led squarely by the Ford Territory. You shell out a little bit more money for increased space, refinement, more modern technology, and other creature comforts that may not be found in lower-priced markets.

MPV: Mitsubishi Xpander, Suzuki Ertiga, Toyota Rush

These are the top conversions for a field where people-carrying capabilities are put to the test in smaller packages. Thankfully, refinement and passenger comfort has increased by leaps and bounds in this category over the past few years, but these cars are built to a budget and sometimes it shows.

Mid-Size SUV: Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Toyota Fortuner, Nissan Terra

This is the definition of adulting. These options bring a mature presence due to their bulky proportions and imposing ride height. The interiors are also well-appointed to be a comfortable daily driver with no fear of the elements or the beaten path whatsoever. Despite these luxuries, they can still haul hefty cargo and have enough practicality to seat 7 people. You aren’t making many compromises with these vehicles, apart from maybe the high price tag they tend to come with.

Pick-up Truck: Nissan Navara, Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux

This is a similar setup to the midsize SUV but form takes a backseat to function. The third-row cargo area is traded for a bed specifically for putting large items that you don’t want creating a mess. Motorbikes, dirty garden shovels, construction materials, and anything under the sun can be loaded onto the cargo area. It’s perfect for any workplace that requires transport from one place to another. Ride quality takes a bit of a hit here, but this sacrifice means little to those who aren’t too particular about those things. Nonetheless, the utilitarian appeal make these vehicles some of the most popular cars in the Philippines.

Van: Toyota HiAce, Nissan Urvan, Foton Gratour

Vans are often configured in two ways: jam as many people as possible into the cabin, or sacrifice seating capacity for comfort and legroom. Either way, vans are vehicles of choice that will cater to both business owners who need shuttles and larger families. The Toyota HiAce and Nissan Urvan have long clashed within this segment, but the Foton Gratour makes its presence known with a respectable third place.

Car Category by Sales (2021)

Subcompact Cars Saw A Decline From 2020

2020 saw a sudden influx of new subcompact car sales around the country. However, this number rolled back to pre-pandemic levels in 2021 possibly due to external factors.

Subcompact Crossover Sales Sharply Increased In 2021

There is a likelihood that consumers realized they needed more space and ground clearance moving forward. It can be inferred that those who originally wanted subcompact sedans quickly switched over to crossovers, justifying the increased cost with the benefits these provide.

Pick-Up Trucks Overtook Both Subcompact Cars and MPVs During the Pandemic

Sales for these trucks increased drastically over the course of the COVID-19 onslaught. This could be for the purposes of essential goods deliveries and other purposes that could maximize the form factor.

Rankings in 2021 Sales: Pick-up Trucks, Subcompact Cars, MPV and AUVs, Subcompact Crossovers, Compact Crossovers, Vans and Minivans, Compact Cars

 

Popular Used Cars In the Philippines: Insights

Top 5 Used Car Brand Inquiries: Toyota, Mitsubishi, Ford, Hyundai, Nissan

With the subcompact car segment at a tight 2nd in terms of sales all over the country, it’s understandable how the companies with the 3 bestselling models (Vios, Wigo, Mirage) top this list.

Top 5 Model Year Searches: 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2020

It is often said that cars lose a huge chunk of their value the moment they roll off the showroom floor and almost the same after the first year. Wise buyers don’t intend on taking that hit so they look for cars with just 1 or 2 years under its belt and low mileage. These statistics prove these right: 2019 is a perfect balance, while 2020 barely makes it in this list because the depreciation isn’t as impactful at this point in time.

Top 5 Car Models Inquired: Toyota Vios, Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Toyota Innova, Toyota Wigo, Toyota Fortuner

A gentleman’s sweep for Toyota, they’ve taken all the spots here except for a single one occupied by the Mitsubishi Montero Sport. All of these are extremely popular cars in the Philippines and are highly desirable when brand new. Even when used, these are still extremely attractive (perhaps even more) on the secondhand market.