Philippine auto sales for 2022 is on the path to recovery as it slowly approaches pre-pandemic levels.

On the backdrop of an election year and the gradual reopening of the economy, high demand for mobility solutions like cars, MPVs, pickups, and SUVs, the Philippine auto industry very well exceeded the 336,000 units sales forecast by CAMPI for 2022.

At this point, it's probably no surprise that Toyota has again dominated the top ten. The country's top-selling automaker bested itself this year by occupying the top seven slots, with a total of eight models on the list. Another thing that wouldn't surprise anyone is the car that sits at the top of the chart.

If you still haven't guessed, that's the Toyota Vios. Last year, 34,465 units of the subcompact sedan were sold. While a little bit less, it still is a strong figure compared to the 35,095 units sold in 2021. The Toyota Hilux is still in second place with 24,537 units sold. In third place is the photobomber of car spotting - Toyota Innova with 17,810 finding new homes last year.

2022 showed that a lot of motorists preferred SUVs as the Toyota Fortuner moved up to 4th with 16,925 units; the Rush followed in 5th with 14,871 units, also moving a position up.

Demand for small cars for personal mobility remained strong as the Wigo and Raize placed in 6th and 7th, selling 14,306 and 13,279 units, respectively.

Once again breaking the Toyota streak is the refreshed Mitsubishi Xpander at 13,090 units in eight, a strong performance despite having only 8 months to sell. Falling one position down to ninth is the Hiace at 12,314 units sold. The Navara carried the flag for Nissan as it once again rounded up the top 10 with a tally of 11,281 units.

While recovery initially seemed a bit far ahead when we started 2022, it did exceed expectations. Worth noting also this year was 11,281 was the minimum number that made it to the Top 10. What dropped out of the Top 10 last year was the "immortal" Mitsubishi L300 as the brand concentrated on its other models.

Policies expected to influence the industry this year is the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) which gives incentives to electrified vehicles, pushing for low to zero-emission vehicles as well as improving EV charging infrastructure network; the recently signed Executive Order No. 12, which temporarily the import tariffs on electric vehicles; and the pending bill to impose an excise tax on pickup trucks, which is expected dampen sales of the segment if passed into law.

*Nameplate sales figures are based on the latest vehicle model year only. Transition sales totals are excluded from the count.