HYUNDAI Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official importer of Hyundai vehicles to the Philippines, said November sales rose 5.65% year-on-year to 3,426 units.
It added however than in the 11 months to November, sales were at 32,444 units, down 4.6% from a year earlier.
Cars remained the company’s top sellers accounting for 56.7% of total unit sales in the eleven months.
Car sales fell 20.6% year-on-year to 18,389 units.
HARI expects car sales to pick up next year with the introduction of a new Accent small car.
Sales of light commercial vehicles, on the other hand, rose 29.4% year-on-year to 14,055 units in the first 11 months
“The successful introduction of the Kona in the subcompact SUV segment, coupled with the significant increase in the sales of the H-100 due to the rise in construction activity from the administration’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ program, easily offset any negative effects that were experienced in the automotive industry for the year,” HARI said.
Citing the easing of inflation in November, the company still hopes to close 2018 on a positive note.
“As economic headwinds begin to slow down, Hyundai is in the best position to take advantage of what is left of 2018,” Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo, HARI President and CEO, said in the statement.
“Backed by a strong Hyundai community in the country, we have proven time and again that our products and services remain relevant in the country’s automotive industry,” she added. — Janina C. Lim

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