Vehicle sales down last year, record seen this year
PETALING JAYA: Total vehicle sales reached 599,877 units last year, a 0.9% decline from 2010's all-time high of 605,156 units, due to the impact from the Japanese earthquake and floods in Thailand, according to the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA).
“As a result of the two natural disasters, sales of vehicles were lower during the second and fourth quarters of 2011 compared with similar corresponding periods in 2010,” MAA president Datuk Aishah Ahmad told a briefing yesterday.
However, she is optimistic of this year's outlook.
Passenger vehicle sales slipped 1.6% last year to 535,112 units from 543,594 units in 2010, while sales of commercial vehicles grew 5.2% to 64,765 units from 61,562 units in 2010.
Perodua sold the most vehicles last year with 179,989 units, maintaining its top position with a 30% market share of the total vehicle market. Proton maintained its second position with 158,657 units, accounting for 26.4% of the total vehicle market.
This was followed by Toyota and Honda, which sold 86,951 units (14.5%) and 32,480 units (5.4%) respectively. The fifth position was maintained by Nissan, with 32,276 units (5.4%) sold.
Total hybrid vehicles jumped over 2,000% to 8,334 units in 2011 from 328 units a year earlier, due to the ongoing excise duty exemptions on such vehicles.
Honda recorded a surge in hybrid vehicle sales to 4,596 units from 129 units in 2010, while Toyota sold 2,457 units versus 198 units previously. Lexus sold 1,267 units compared with just one unit previously. Porsche, meanwhile, sold 14 units last year.
“This year, sales of hybrid vehicles will grow further as more models are introduced. There are also one or two companies that are planning to introduce hybrids,” said Aishah.
As for its outlook on the automotive industry for 2012, the MAA has forecast total industry volume increasing 2.5% to 615,000 units.
Aishah said consumer confidence was expected to remain relatively high, owing to greater stability in the employment market.
“The extension of tax incentives for hybrids and electric vehicles to December 2013 under Budget 2012 would help to promote greater demand for the energy-efficient and eco-friendly vehicles,” she said, adding that the introduction of new and exciting models would generate interest.
Aishah said total vehicle sales in January would be boosted by promotional campaigns by car companies and the rush for deliveries for the Chinese New Year festival.
Source: The Star
Date: 18 January 2012
No comments:
Post a Comment