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PETALING JAYA: Passenger car sales, which enjoyed strong growth in recent months, may be affected by motion control orders (MCOs) in the last quarter.
“Car sales figures could be affected by MCOs amid the increase in Covid-19 cases. The end of the loan repayment moratorium at the end of September will also affect consumer confidence, “said the president of the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), Datuk Aishah Ahmad.
Aishah told StarBiz that while MAA held its forecast for total industry volume (TIV) at 470,000 units for 2020, she felt cautious consumer sentiment would continue to impact car sales.
Meanwhile, a report from the Maybank Investment Bank said the outlook for the auto sector remains positive due to new car launches, attractive discounts and sales tax incentives that could extend through 2021.
Perodua registered sales of 25,035 units in September (an 11% increase month-over-month), its highest monthly sales in its 26-year history, which raised its sales in the first nine months (9M20) to 145,012 units (fall of 19 % year -in the year). Proton reported 5% month-over-month sales growth to 11,935 units.
In June, the government announced a full sales tax exemption for locally assembled cars and cut the sales tax for imported cars in half to 5% (from 10%) from June 15 to December 31.
The research unit said market talks suggest that sales tax incentives may be extended for another three to six months, to stimulate car sales.
The report also noted that Perodua and Proton continue to enjoy strong month-over-month vehicle sales growth in September.
Perodua registered sales of 25,035 units in September (an 11% increase month-over-month), its highest monthly sales in its 26-year history, which raised its sales in the first nine months (9M20) to 145,012 units (fall of 19 % year -in the year).
Proton reported 5% month-over-month sales growth to 11,935 units.
Cumulatively, Proton has outperformed last year’s sales since August, with reported vehicle sales of 73,607 units for 9M20 (5% jump year-on-year; 9M19: 69,920 units).
The Maybank Investment Bank report also noted that after having sold 37,339 units in 9M20, Toyota has raised its 2020 sales target by 17%, from 45,000 to 53,000 units, with the Vios, Yaris and Hilux models being the popular models.
Meanwhile, Perodua maintains its estimate of 210,000 units for the year.
While it will delay the launch of its highly anticipated B-segment crossover SUV (D55L) until 2021, it is aggressively pushing for its Myvi 1.5LH variant with more than RM1,000 refunds for prospective buyers.
Proton launched its X-50 sport utility vehicle (SUV) this month. Preorders for the X-50 have been very impressive, surpassing 20,000 units to date since its soft launch on September 16, without a price tag.
Meanwhile, Honda has launched its fifth-generation City model (ahead of Proton’s X-50), which is available in four variants and is competitively priced from RM 74,000 to RM 87,000.
The Naza Group apparently plans to give up its Kia and Peugeot distributions in Malaysia, and Bermaz Auto Bhd
(BAuto) is touted as the leader in acquiring the brands, and Berjaya Group and Sime Darby Group are also showing interest in the deal.
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