TOTAL motor industry sales in the Philippines declined by 4 percent compared to last year. Month-on-month sales declined as well by 14.2 percent from 12,090 to 10,374 units because of supply shortage on some units because of the effect of Thailand flood crisis, the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (Campi) said on Monday.

In a report, Campi said that the flooding in Thailand has caused a significant 4-percent decline in sales in December, as sales in passenger vehicles increased from 2,504 units to 3,073 units while that of commercial vehicles slumped to 7,301 units from 9,586 units in November.

Of the total sales, the commercial vehicle segment also declined 2.02 percent. Commercial Vehicles sales decreased by 23.8 percent compared to November from 9,586 to 7,301 units because of supply limitations.

The decline can be attributed to the initial effects of the supply problem in Thailand, which limited the availability of some models in the domestic market, Campi said.

Light commercial vehicles (LCVs) year to date sales decreased by 1.7 percent. Compared to November, LCV sales decreased by 26.7 percent because of supply limitations.

Sales of Asian utility vehicles (AUVs) decreased by 2.5 percent to 35,851 units from 36,783 units. Compared to November, sales decreased by 22.7 percent because of supply constraints.

The light trucks category posted an 8.5-percent increas month-on-month because of promotion and high demand on units. Year to date sales declined by 0.6 percent.

Month-on-month sales of trucks and buses increased by 98.4 percent to 121 units from 61 units because of fleet deliveries. Year to date sales decreased by 5.1 percent.

In terms of market share, Mitsubishi is now the leading auto brand with sales hitting 3,117 units last year. Toyota followed with sales of 3,017 units. Honda Cars Philippines Inc. ranked third with 1,115 units.