PHL outpaced in regional auto production – ASEAN group

The Philippines was outpaced by other countries in the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) when it came to the production of motor vehicles in the first eight months of the year, according to data from the ASEAN Automotive Federation (AAF) over the weekend.

During the period, the Philippines assembled 50,223 vehicles, a 1.8-percent dip from the 51,137 units it produced from January to August last year.

According to the AAF, as of end-August Thailand was the regional leader, with 1.736 million units produced. It is followed by Indonesia with 770,367 units and Malaysia with 385,851 units. Vietnam edged out the Philippines by producing 55,883 units.

The Philippines’ performance in motor vehicle sales was also low, reaching 116,613 units sold from January to end-August. However, the total is an 18.1-percent from the 98,728 units sold in the same period last year.

In the first eight months of the year, Thailand sold 939,342 units, Indonesia 792,358 units, and Malaysia 433,023 units.

In terms of sales volume, the Philippines still did better during the period than Vietnam (60,538 units sold), Singapore (22,178 units) and Brunei (12,649 units).

The Philippines also trailed behind other countries in the region in the production of motorcycles and scooters. It 473,186 units as of end-August, a 27.2-percent increase year on year, but still below Indonesia’s 5.127 million units and Thailand’s 1.575 million units. However, the Philippines’ total was higher than Malaysia’s (370,439 units).

In terms of sales, the Philippines sold 478,858 motorcycles and scooters during the period, 7.6 percent higher year on year. The number is much lower than Indonesia’s 5.135 million units and Thailand’s 1.438 million units, but higher than Malaysia’s 372,755 units sold. — BM, GMA News