Malaysia’s total industry volume (TIV) increased slightly year-on-year (YoY), according to the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA). New car sales reached 73,041 units in August, rising 0.6 per cent compared to the same month last year.
The majority of the TIV comprised passenger vehicles with 67,302 units recorded. Commercial vehicles, on the other hand, sold 5,739 in comparison. Both improved YoY by 0.4 per cent and 3.1 per cent respectively. Year-to-date (YTD) sales amounted to 516,862 units for both categories, declining by 3.8 per cent.
According to the MAA, TIV rose by 4.2 per cent on a month-over-month basis. The group associated this rise in sales with “higher stock availability” helped by a larger production volume in July. Other factors include new models introduced by OEMs and “aggressive promotion in conjunction with the Merdeka celebration month.”
THE E.MAS7
Proton’s e.MAS 7 continues to be Malaysia’s best-selling EV for the 8th consecutive month. YTD deliveries amounted to 5,811 units so far. Majority of these deliveries, 5,455 units, were local and 356 units were delivered internationally. Malaysia’s Road Transport Department (JPJ) revealed that one in every four EVs in the country is a Proton e.MAS 7, proving the car’s popularity.
The Malaysian automaker opened its first local EV factory earlier this month. Previously, Proton imported its completely built up (CBU) units from China. With the new factory established, Malaysia may see more e.MAS 7 vehicles on the road.
According to the MalayMail, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim requested for Proton to produce a “competitively priced” EV.
PRODUCTION
Auto production in Malaysia declined in both passenger and commercial vehicle categories. 65,153 passenger vehicles were produced in August, declining by 7.2 per cent YoY. Meanwhile, the peninsula produced 3,958 commercial vehicles in the same month, 8.8 per cent down YoY.
Overall production reached 69,111 units. This figure is also down by 7.3 per cent. YTD production for both categories amounted to 493,176 units, declining 8 per cent YoY.
INDUSTRY EXPECTATIONS
The MAA stated that it expects sales to “consolidate” or weaken in September. Factors such as four public holidays and an upcoming budget announcement may break the current sales momentum. The announcement is expected to reveal revisions on Malaysia’s current petrol subsidy policies.
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