Malaysia: record high sales of 615,000 vehicles expected in 2012
DRB-HICOM acquires control over Proton while Mazda, Subaru and VW begin production in Malaysia
2012/04/17
- Summary
- Production in 2011 declines 6% to 534,000 vehicles with new vehicle sales declining 0.8% to 600,000 units
- Passenger car production in Malaysia: Local production starts in 2011 by Mazda, 2012 by VW and Subaru
- Proton：Controlling power acquired by DRB-HICOM, a Malaysian conglomerate
- Perodua: Launching the new Myvi based on Daihatsu's new Boon
- Toyota: Investing 1 billion ringgit in 2011-2013
- Honda: Launching the Fit HV on account of tax-exemption measures for hybrid vehicles
- European automakers: Trends of PSA and BMW
- Chinese automakers: Great Wall Motors starts import and sales operation in Malaysia
- (Reference) New vehicle sales by brand
Summary
In January 2012, the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) announced that Malaysia's new vehicle sales in 2012 are likely to set a record high of 615,000 units. In addition to the recovery of production capacities from the March quake in Japan and the floods in Thailand, local economy is growing steadily, which is likely to boost demand. However, the Association plans to review the forecast in mid-July this year since it is too early to evaluate the impact of the strict loan eligibility that was introduced in January.
In terms of local production by non-Malaysian automakers, Mazda began production in January 2011 and VW in March 2012. Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru) will begin production in Malaysia in October 2012.
Among the national car manufacturers, the largest shareholder of the Proton changed from a government investment firm to a local conglomerate, DRB-HICOM. In June 2011, Perodua released the new Myvi, based on Daihatsu's new Boon.
Regarding Japanese automakers, Toyota plans to invest 1 billion ringgit in 2011-2013 to increase its production and sales capacities. Honda will introduce hybrid models more actively than before, taking advantage of the Malaysian government's tax exemption measures for HV and EV.
Among European automakers, PSA has local production plans with regard to the Peugeot 408 model for emerging markets. BMW has invested in Inokom's plant to increase production capacity. As for Chinese manufacturers, Great Wall Motors has formed an alliance with a Malaysian enterprise, Green Oranges, and started import sales of SUVs and pickup trucks.
Related report: Malaysia (September 2010)
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