Car sales in Malaysia have fallen 27 per cent in January 2025. The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) revealed that only 48,732 new vehicles were sold last month.
NEW YEAR, LESS CARS
Overall car sales amounted to 48,732 units, 27.2 per cent down compared to January of last year. 45,339 of these units were passenger cars, while 3,393 were commercial vehicles. Commercial vehicle sales declined more signifcantly compared to passenger car sales at 44.6 per cent. Passenger car sales, in comparison, declined by 25.4 per cent. When compared to December 2024, the gap widens further to 40.38 per cent. Malaysia saw record-breaking sales last year with 81,735 units sold.
Malaysia’s vehicle production also fell by 26.2 per cent on-year. Both passenger car and commercial vehicle production rates dropped by 25.9 per cent and 29.6 per cent respectively.
SHORTER MONTH, LOWER SALES
The MAA attributed lower car sales to a shorter working month, with public holidays like Chinese New Year occupying calendar dates. Malaysia only had 19 working days for January. Furthermore, the association also claims high spending during December may have deterred consumers from purchasing new vehicles.
So far, January’s car sales show a disappointing start. Industry experts previously predicted that total industry volume (TIV) will amount to 780,000 units by the end of the year. Though 2025 began slow, there is still a chance for Malaysia’s auto industry to catch up in the next 11 months.
Meanwhile, Honda Malaysia reported high sales with 81,600 vehicles sold for the entirety of 2024. The Japanese automaker acquired 10 per cent of the overall market share, maintaining its spot as Malaysia’s top foreign passenger vehicle brand. Though they haven’t beat out the likes of Proton or Perodua, Honda’s best-selling models were its e-HEVs (Hybrid Electric Vehicle). Its line-up includes the City, City Hatchback, Civic, HR-V, and CR-V, which comprise a third of Malaysia’s total hybrid vehicle sales.
Due to their advantageous position, Honda now aims to sell 83,000 vehicles and acquire 10.6 per cent of the market share by the end of 2025. To support this goal, the company plans to introduce three new EVs in the coming year, including a battery electric vehicle (BEV) called the e:N1.
Was this article informative? Leave us a like if so!
