Just found this interesting tidbit and thought it would be informative if people had an idea of how the market is shaping up per segment. This is data from Jan-Sep 2014, taken from LTO records.



Sales per Segment:
1. Subcompacts - 39,914 (24%)
2. Pickup-based SUV - 29,715 (18%)
3. MPV/AUV - 27,404 (17%)
4. Pickup - 16,420 (10%)
5. Minicar - 16,254 (10%)
6. Van - 11,697 (7%)
7. CUV - 10,050 (6%)
8. Compact Sedan - 7,719 (5%)
9. Others (midsizers, large SUVs, luxury cars) - 5,562 (3%)

Observations:
* Subcompacts are still the best-sellers because they're affordable and already meet the needs of almost everyone. Minicars are still too small/compromised, while compacts don't really offer much more despite their price premium.

* Interestingly, pickup-based SUVs are also at the top of the charts. Despite being rather expensive, the fact that they can seat 7, cross floods and rough roads, carry lots of cargo, and still be relatively cheap to run (bec. diesel) makes them a household staple. They've even overtaken MPVs and AUVs. If you think about it, the only thing that these SUVs offer that the AUVs don't is image - people are willing to pay more to have a car with presence. After all, you don't expect an executive to be driving an Adventure, but a Montero is just fine.

* Midsize sedans have fallen out of favor, as in not even 1% of the cars sold are midsizers. I mean, why buy a Camry when it's just a plusher Vios, if you can buy a Montero that has just as much presence but is more practical. Heck, more people even buy expensive Pajeros/Explorers than midsizers.

* Pickups are actually more prevalent than minicars, compacts, and CUVs. I believe this is due to the rise of more people buying pickups not as workhorses, but as lifestyle vehicles. After all, they're basically Fortuners without the 3rd row.

* Compacts and CUVs are the forgotten middle children. Most people will make the jump from a Vios straight to a Fortuner, rather than get an Altis which is priced in the middle. CUVs are also priced too close to pickup-based SUVs and most people prefer practicality over comfort and refinement which are the only real aces of the CUVs.

Source: THE ULTIMATE CAR GUIDE: Car Features - September 2014 Philippines Car Sales Figures