Car Features - 2005 versus 2015 Car Sales Figures (SPECIAL EDITION)

In this rare moment, we will be comparing car sales figures from 2005 and 2015. Within the span of 10 years, numerous brands had left and a lot had entered the scene, while buyers preferences and patterns had changed. We saw the resurgence of popularity of several segments and the decline of some, we saw high vehicle prices than it were before and we saw the addition of newer technologies fitted among today's cars. From just 95,000 units in 2005, estimates will see car sales above the 300,000 mark.

Let the infographs do the talking, here is our throwback special.

*2005 Getz sales pegged at 1,573 units.

Sub-compact vehicles back then are gaining traction 10 years ago but they are popular among passenger cars in 2015. While the Kia Picanto and Hyundai Getz start at entry level prices back then, these two started a much smaller category that catered to first time buyers and had the likes of Chevrolet, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, and Toyota enter on. The sub-compact category also had Ford, Hyundai, Mazda, and Nissan compete with known nameplates.

*2015 Lancer sales are pegged in 684 units, sorry about that.

While the sub-compact had increased sales nearly four times it did in 2005, the compacts had fallen to just below 10,000 units. Sure some of these cars had grew in size and engine displacement but their prices had gone expensive and near one popular segment in 2015. Only the Toyota Corolla Altis and Mazda 3 had fared well among the 2015 vetrans, the rest didn't although the Civic will be redesigned for 2016 while the Focus was updated in November 2015 for 2016 and the Lancer will shift to Japan importation.

Another category that had suffered falling sales, the mid-size decreased due to their pricing that match the likes of the mid-size SUVs and buyers flocking to these. Despite getting more sophisticated with features that are lifted from their luxury brethren and brands like Hyundai and Mazda getting more love for their entries, overall it fell down.

One of the popular categories 10 years ago, the MPV/AUV is led by the Toyota Innova, Mitsubishi Adventure, and Isuzu Crosswind. 10 years later, the big three stay afloat although the Crosswind experienced falling sales which may be the cause of the MU-X. The category also had the likes of Chevrolet, Kia, and Nissan enter while Toyota and Suzuki introduce their smaller MPVs to lure first time buyers.

Only the Suzuki Jimny is the sub-compact SUV sold 10 years ago, which slots below the Grand Vitara in the line-up. In 2015, the choices which targeted the ordinary consumer (the Jimny focuses on a niche market) had ballooned to five options and is expected to rise as more manufacturers are jumping to the scene.

*2015 CR-V sales are pegged at 1,068. Our apologies again.

The mid-2000s had different manufacturers bring in compact SUVs, especially that the excise tax on vehicles was rationalized in 2003 and made these affordable. However, notice that the three big sellers fell with the CR-V and X-Trail experiencing half sales in 2015 while the Escape had an 84% decrease since its shift to America CBU. Notice those in the bottom, as these experienced an increase in sales than they did 10 years ago.

In 2005, the Toyota Fortuner arrived and this vehicle had changed the vehicle landscape forever. Three years later the Mitsubishi Montero Sport was redesigned and toppled the leader. This category involving mid-size SUVs (Pickup Passenger Vehicle in other terms) became the other popular yet hotly contested category especially that buying patterns had shifted to these since the Fortuner, Montero Sport, and MU-X sold more than their MPVs in their stable. 2016 will see a redesigned models for Toyota and Mitsubishi and see how these will fare.

Catering to the upper class clientele due to their prices, the large SUV market had evolved to more options from different brands. While the stalwarts from Toyota, Nissan, and Mitsubishi are still favorites, other brands such as Ford and other Japanese brands are stealing market share. Do take note that the 2015 Trailblazer competes with the likes of the Fortuner and Montero Sport.

Back in 2005, van options which cater mostly to carrying people are set to five brands. In 2015, only two survived but these sold more than they did 10 years ago. Thanks to the popularity of UV Express vans nationwide, interest for these vans had increased especially these can accommodate 15 to 18 people. The Grand Starex, which rivals the two Japanese vans, can be seen in the infograph below.

*2015 Grand Starex sales pegged at 1,870 units.

Same fate with the category above, the minivans that yo can buy today are only a few when compared 10 years ago. Although the Previa's units sold here are numbered, the Carnival and Odyssey while the Alphard is a huge seller for such an expensive vehicle.

Another hotly contested category in 2015, especially most of the vehicles in that year were either upgraded or brand new. 10 years ago, the rivalry is between the Isuzu D-Max and Toyota Hilux since both were new while the others got under the knife later in their existence. Notice the Fuego's position, it was discontinued in 2003 but had outsold the Ranger and Strada.