The auto industry recorded a 14.8-percent sales increase  during the first four months of this year due to a  continued strong demand for commercial vehicles.

“The Philippine auto industry thus far, is bucking the general trend seen in other countries such as the US, where rising fuel prices   coupled with a softening economy resulted in a downward trend in   commercial vehicle sales,” Elizabeth H. Lee, president of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI) said.

From January to April, auto sales reached 39,981 units of which 11,078 units were sold in April alone.

Commercial vehicles continue to dominate the local market covering 66 percent of total vehicle sales nationwide.

Mazda Philippines presents the new and improved 2008 Mazda Zoom Fest, a much anticipated event for the motoring public to test-drive any of Mazda’s current vehicles. This year is made extra special with the inclusion of the Mazda MX-5 Retractable Hard Top (RHT), one of the stars of the recently concluded 2008 Manila International Auto Show.

There is also a lot of excitement about the all-new Mazda6 executive sedan and the premium Mazda CX-9. The best-selling Mazda3’s 2008 edition and the versatile Mazda Tribute will also be on hand to complete Mazda’s exciting fleet of sporty-styled yet elegant cars. The bottom line is no matter your driving style you can test-drive a car that will deliver Mazda’s exhilarating Zoom-Zoom spirit.