Malaysia: New vehicle sales to increase 2.2% to 670,000 units in 2014

New National Policy to make Malaysia regional hub for energy efficient vehicles

2014/02/25

Summary

Vehicle production and sales in Malaysia Malaysian vehicle sales and production in 2013 increased to 656,000 and 601,000 units, up 4.5% and 5.6% from the previous year, respectively. Both sales and production set the record highs. Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) forecasts that vehicle sales in the country will reach 670,000 units in 2014. However, the growth rate is expected to drop to 2.2% due to inflation and tighter lending guidelines. New National Automotive Policy announced in January 2014 has the objectives to raise passenger car sales and production to 1.0 million and 1.25 million units, respectively, in 2020. The policy also presented the strategies to make Malaysia the regional production hub for energy efficient vehicles and to reduce car prices in the domestic market.

 According to LMC Automotives, Malaysian light vehicle sales in 2013 rose by 3.3% year-on-year to 644,800 units. While household spending is forecast to remain solid in 2014, its growth is likely to be constrained by rising inflation, a further hike in subsidized fuel prices, and higher debt servicing costs. Looking ahead, LMC Automotive forecasts that slower government spending and private sector demand is expected to be partly offset by a stronger export performance. Light vehicle sales in 2014 are forecast to grow by 5.9% to 682,800 units. LMCA anticipates that the Malaysian vehicle sales will continue to increase in and after 2015 and is expected to rise to 753,900 units in 2017. It is increasingly clear, however, that risks to a whole basket of emerging markets are skewed to the downside as Federal Reserve asset purchase tapering have created unstable capital and currency flows.


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Vehicle sales and production in 2013 hit record highs at 656,000 and 601,000

Share of new vehicle market in Malaysia Malaysian vehicle sales in 2013 increased by 4.5% from the previous year to 656,000 units. The sales have topped 600,000 units for the fourth consecutive year, setting a new record high. In 2013, Malaysian automotive market has expanded owing to economic growth of 4.5-5.0% and employment stability as well as the automakers' aggressive promotion campaigns. Sales of commercial vehicles rose 4.7% to 79,000 units while those of passenger cars climbed 4.4% to 577,000 units. Among the passenger cars, sales of SUVs surged significantly, up 50.9% over last year.

 Looking at the market shares by automaker in 2013, two national car manufacturers, namely Perodua and Proton, have maintained the first and second places. However, Perodua's share decreased from 30.1% last year to 29.9% while Proton's share dropped from 22.5% to 21.2%. They are followed by Japanese OEMs including Toyota, Nissan and Honda. Although Toyota lost its market share from 16.8% to 13.9%, Nissan expanded its share from 5.8% to 8.1%, and Honda boosted its share from 5.6% to 7.9%.

 Vehicle production in Malaysia for 2013 increased by 5.6% year-over-year (y/y) to 601,000 units, surpassing 600,000 for the first time. While production of commercial vehicles decreased by 4.1% to 58,000, that of passenger cars climbed 6.7% to 544,000. Especially, output of SUVs increased significantly to 23,000 units, 2.3 times more than the previous year.

 MAA announced their outlook in January 2014 that vehicle sales in the country are expected to increase by 2.2% y/y to 670,000 units for 2014. In tandem with an improved global economic outlook, the Malaysian economy is expected to grow. With the policy rate remaining at the current level of 3%, confidence in consumer sentiments will improve. However, as consumers' spending may be moderated in light of the expected increase in prices and tightening of lending guidelines, the growth rate of vehicle sales is projected to be lower than the previous year.

Vehicle production and sales in Malaysia
(Units)
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 (Forecast) 2018 (Forecast) 2020 (National target)
Production 567,715 533,515 569,620 601,407 1,250,000
Sales 605,156 600,122 627,753 655,793 670,000 732,400 1,000,000
Source: Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA)
(Note) 1. The figures include medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. Sales are based on the number of registrations. 2014 and 2018 forecasts were announced by MAA at the beginning of 2014. (MAA forecasts that sales in and after 2015 are expected to grow by 2.1-2.4% annually.)
2. 2020 targets are those of passenger car production and sales in National Automotive Policy announced by the government in January 2014.

 

Vehicle sales and production by sub-segment in Malaysia
(Units)
Sub-segment Sales Production
2012 2013 YoY (%) 2012 2013 YoY (%)
Total 627,753 655,793 4.5% 569,620 601,407 5.6%
Total passenger vehicles 552,189 576,657 4.4% 509,621 543,892 6.7%
Passenger Cars 427,611 446,939 4.5% 399,913 426,154 6.6%
MPV 99,737 94,930 -4.8% 93,635 89,034 -4.9%
4WD/SUV 18,867 28,465 50.9% 9,998 23,094 131.0%
Window van 5,974 6,323 5.8% 6,075 5,610 -7.7%
Total commercial vehicles 75,564 79,136 4.7% 59,999 57,515 -4.1%
Panel Van 4,708 4,628 -1.7% 4,497 3,057 -32.0%
Pick-up 51,320 53,595 4.4% 34,435 34,227 -0.6%
Truck 17,649 18,879 7.0% 19,567 18,106 -7.5%
Prime mover 1,137 1,176 3.4% 911 1,269 39.3%
Bus 750 858 14.4% 589 856 45.3%

Source: MAA

 

 


Passenger car production in Malaysia: Honda and Nissan boost output

 Two national car manufacturers, Proton and Perodua, accounted for 63.8% of passenger car production in Malaysia for 2013. Proton has produced 140,000 units while Perodua 207,000 units. In 2011 and 2012, two companies accounted for 74.7% and 69.9%, respectively. Most of foreign automakers produce their vehicles at the joint ventures established with Malaysian enterprises or contract out production to local assemblers.

 Among Japanese OEMs, Honda and Nissan have increased their production significantly. Honda's production rose 63% from last year to 48,000 units while Nissan's production grew 50% to 43,000 units. Toyota has manufactured 47,000 units, down 5% y/y. At the end of 2013, Mitsubishi has started local production at a plant of Tan Chong Motor, a Malaysian assembler.

 Some OEMs are planning to boost their production capabilities in Malaysia. In January 2014, Honda has added the second line at its existing plant and doubled its annual production capacity to 100,000 units. Within 2014, Hino plans to start operations of a new plant with an annual capacity of 10,000 units. Mazda also intends to start production at a new plant where the company aims to manufacture 20,000 units per year in the future. Perodua, a national car manufacturer, is expected to start operations of a new plant with an annual capacity of 100,000 units. Tan Chong Motor, which is assembling Nissan brand vehicles, plans to increase its annual capacity to 68,000 units from current 30,000 units by the introduction of new machinery and equipment into its existing plant.

Malaysia: passenger car production by main automakers and assemblers
(Units)
Automaker/assembler Plant Brand Annual production capacity (10,000 units) Production
2012 2013
Proton Sha Alam Proton 20 105,130 98,869
Tanjung Malim Proton 15 56,282 41,213
Perodua Rawang Perodua 23 194,985 207,133
Perodua (new plant) 0→10 (mid-2014)
HICOM Automotive Manufacturers (Malaysia) Pekan 1 Suzuki 1.3 5,750 4,064
VW 1,662 4,337
Pekan 2 Mercedes-Benz 5,163 4,179
Naza Automotive Manufacturing Gurun Kia 5 2,524 6,589
Naza 7,132 2,357
Peugeot 2,995 6,056
Citroen 0 101
Inokom Corporation Kulim BMW 3 5,228 7,235
Hyundai-Inokom 5,829 7,630
Jinbei 443 174
Mazda 2,599 5,114
Oriental Assemblers Johor Bahru Changan 3 11 0
Chery 568 724
Joy Long 75 4
Assembly Services Shah Alam Toyota 7.5 49,314 46,847
Tan Chong Motor Assemblies Segambut Nissan 3 3,005 2,704
Mitsubishi 0 57
Subaru 133 4,850
Serendah Nissan 3→6.8 (2014) 28,746 43,132
Honda Malaysia Pegoh Honda 5→10 (2014) 29,418 47,954
Swedish Motor Assemblies Kelang Volvo 0.7 2,513 2,338
Others 116 231
Total passenger vehicles 509,621 543,892
Source: MAA
(Note) 1. Production represents a total of passenger vehicles produced (passenger cars, window vans, MPVs and SUVs). Commercial vehicles (panel vans, pick-ups, trucks and buses) are not included. (Production of commercial vehicles totaled 59,999 units in 2012 and 57,515 in 2013.)
2. Annual production capacity of each plant includes that of commercial vehicles.

 

Plans to boost production capacities in Malaysia

OEM Start of operations Investment Outline
Honda January 2014 MYR 380 million  Honda Malaysia (whose 51% share is owned by Honda; 34% owned by DRB-HICOM) has added the second line with an annual production capacity of 50,000 units at its plant in Pegoh, Malacca. Combined with the first line which also has an annual capacity of 50,000 units, the Pegoh plant now has an annual capacity of 100,000 units. The plant plans to hire 700 additional workers. While it has been manufacturing the Jazz and the Jazz Hybrid, it is expected to produce a new compact hybrid vehicle in the future.
Hino March 2014 MYR 140 million  Hino Motors Manufacturing (Malaysia) (whose 58% share is owned by Hino; 42% owned by MBM Resources, Hino's sales partner in Malaysia) plans to build a new plant in Negari Sembilan to manufacture medium- and light-duty trucks and buses. It will have an annual production capacity of 10,000 units with two shifts. Approximately 300 workers will be hired at the launch of production. Hino brand vehicles are currently manufactured by Assembly Services which also produces Toyota models. Production of all Hino vehicles will be transferred to the new plant when it becomes operational.
Mazda Spring 2014 MYR 100 million  Mazda acquired a body shop exclusively for its vehicles from Inokom in 2013 (Inokom continues to operate the shop). In the same site, the Japanese automaker began construction of a vehicle assembly plant that is scheduled to start operations in spring 2014. The CX-5, which is currently assembled by Inokom, will be produced at the new plant. Mazda initially plans to build 3,000 units of the CX-5 at the new plant. Mazda also plans to manufacture 3,000 units of the Mazda3, which will continue to be assembled by Inkom at the body shop. Mazda expects to increase its local production to 20,000 units per year in the future.
Perodua Mid-2014 MYR 790 million  Perodua and its partner Daihatsu plan to build a new plant with an annual production capacity of 100,000 units in the same site of their plant in Rawang. 1,200 workers will be hired to manufacture new fuel-efficient and low-priced compact models. In addition, Perodua plans to invest MYR 2.3 billion by 2018 to improve its production and service facilities.
Tan Chong 2014 MYR 15 million  Tan Chong plans to expand its annual production capacity to 68,000 units from current 30,000 units by introducing state-or-the-art machinery and equipment into its plant in Serendah. 300 additional workers will be employed. The plant assembles Nissan's vehicles including the Almera, one of the company's most popular models, and faces a risk of the lack of production capacity.

(Note) 1. Malaysian ringgit (MYR)= USD0.30 or EUR0.22 (as of mid-February 2014))

 

 


New National Automotive Policy announced in January 2014

 The Malaysian government announced the revised National Automotive Policy "NAP 2014" in January 2014. The NAP 2014 plans to provide MYR 2 billion for six roadmaps including those for automotive technologies, supply chain development and human capital development. One of the key objectives of the NAP 2014 is to increase production and exports of passenger cars to 1.25 million and 250,000 units (at least 200,000 units), respectively, in 2020. The NAP 2014 also presented the strategies to make Malaysia the regional production hub for energy efficient vehicles and to reduce car prices in the domestic market.

Revised National Automotive Policy (NAP 2014)

Targets of NAP 2014 towards 2020
2020 (Target) 2013 (Results)
Passenger cars Production 1.25 million units 0.57 million units
Industry volume 1 million units 0.65 million units
Exports 250,000 units 20,000 units
Commercial vehicles Production 100,000 units 55,000 units
Parts & components Export value MYR 10 billion MYR 5 billion
Employment Manufacturing Additional 70,000 250,000
Aftermarket Additional 80,000 300,000
To make Malaysia the regional production hub for energy efficient vehicles
 The NAP 2014 aims to make Malaysia the regional production hub for energy efficient vehicles (EEV) in Southeast Asia. The policy pursues a goal that EEVs will account for 85% of the automobiles produced in Malaysia in 2020. EEVs include fuel-efficient vehicles, hybrid vehicles (HV), electric vehicles (EV), and alternatively fuelled vehicles such as CNG, LPG, biodiesel, ethanol, hydrogen and fuel cell vehicles.
 EEVs that meet a set of fuel economy criteria by segment are applicable to various incentives including tax exemption and subsidies. The exemption of excise duties and import taxes was terminated for imported EVs and HVs with a displacement of 2000cc or less at the end of 2013. However, the tax exemption was extended for those assembled in Malaysia. The exemption will continue until the end of 2015 for HVs and until the end of 2017 for EVs.
Reduction of vehicle prices
 The government presented the policy to gradually reduce vehicle prices by 20-30% over the next five years. The models including Proton's Saga SV and Persona SV, Perodua's S Series Viva, Alza, and Myvi, Honda's Jazz and Nissan's Almera were introduced at prices which had been reduced by 3-17%. These models accounted for 30% of the market in 2013. As more new models and variants will be introduced at competitive prices in 2014, the models with reduced prices will account for 55% of the market. The government will not reduce excise duties at present, but is open to possibility to cut them when the fiscal situation permits.

Source: Malaysia Automotive Institute "National Automotive Policy"

 

 


Proton becomes a subsidiary of DRB-HICOM and also partners with Honda

 Proton was delisted from the Malaysian Stock Exchange following the successful acquisition of 98% of the equity by new owner DRB-HICOM, a Malaysian conglomerate, in April 2012. DRB-HICOM intends to restructure Proton by integrating it into HICOM's auto production unit. The conglomerate also plans to reconstruct Lotus, Proton's unprofitable subsidiary in the UK.

 Proton's vehicle sales in 2013 decreased by 1.7% y/y to 139,000 units. According to DRB-HICOM's five-year plan for Proton, its sales target for the year ending March 2018 is set at 500,000 units.

 In 2013, Proton has released the Suprima S, a hatchback designed for the youth, and the affordable versions of the Saga and the Persona. Pursuant to the collaborative agreement with Honda, which had established a partnership with DRB-HICOM, Proton launched the new Perdana sedan for official use of the Malaysian government based on the Honda Accord at the end of 2013.

DRB-HICOM's five-year plan for Proton

 According to DRB-HICOM's five-year plan for Proton reported in November 2013, the automaker aims to sell 500,000 units (including 150,000 units for exports) with pretax earnings of MYR 1 billion for the year ended in March 2018. (Proton recorded pretax loss of MYR 3.7 million for the period of April-December 2011 just before DRB-HICOM's takeover.) Proton's plans also include development of a new sedan for the government via its strategic collaboration with Honda, re-entering the UK market, and development of a HV model. Proton also will launch its "global small car", a next B-segment model, by 2014.

 

Proton: launch of new models (2013)

Saga Super Value Jun. 2013  This is the entry version of the Saga, the best-selling subcompact sedan. Even though equipped with 13-inch steel wheels, power steering and dual airbag, its price has been reduced by MYR 5,000. Saga Super Value is the most affordable Proton model priced at MYR 33,438-MYR 36,888.
Suprima S Aug. 2013  The Suprima S is a compact hatchback with a sporty style and a host of features to appeal to the younger consumers. The model comes with Proton's 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and 7-speed automatic transmission. Its price ranges from MYR 76,338 to MYR 81,988. It was also launched in Indonesia in October, Australia and Brunei in November, and Thailand in December.
PersonaSuper Value Nov. 2013  Encouraged by a success of the Saga Super Value, the affordable version of the Persona compact sedan was released. The model is powered by a 1.6-liter Campro engine and priced at MYR 44,938-MYR 47,938.
New Perdana Dec. 2013  This is the Perdana replacement model, a midsize sedan slated for use by the Malaysian government. The model comes in two variants: the 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter versions. With a total order of 3,000 units, Proton has already delivered the first 200 units to the government. Proton developed the new Perdana based on the Honda Accord within just eight months

 

 


Perodua launches value-for-money versions of Viva, Alza and Myvi

 Daihatsu owns a 20% stake in the national car manufacturer, Perodua (Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua), along with a 41% stake in Perodua Auto Corporation that controls Perodua's affiliated production companies. Perodua's vehicle sales in 2013 increased by 3.7% y/y to 196,000 units. The S-Series affordable versions of existing models launched in March 2013 have boosted Perodua's sales. According to Daihatsu's outlook announced in January 2014, Perodua's sales are expected to grow by 1% to 197,000 units in 2014.

Perodua: launch of new models (2013)

S-Series Mar. 2013  The S-Series models represent "most value-for-money versions" with added equipment but without additional cost to customers. The existing models including the Viva, Alza and Myvi have the S-Series versions. The Viva S is the most affordable automatic transmission model in Malaysia priced at MYR 34,774. The Myvi 1.3 SE comes in the same style as the upgrade version with a price of MYR 44,924-MYR 48,424. The Alza S, priced at MYR 53,517-MYR 57,017, features fog lamps and a leather steering wheel.

 

 


Japanese OEMs: Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Suzuki and Isuzu

 Japanese OEMs are aggressively expanding their line-ups for the Malaysian market. They are also boosting their local production and the import of the vehicles assembled in Thailand. In 2013, Toyota launched the Vios, the best-selling car in the small passenger car segment excluding the national cars. Honda started local production of a version of the Jazz compact car which had been imported from Thailand. The automaker also intends to increase sales of its HV models by extending warranty period for the HVs and reducing prices for the replacement batteries. Nissan launched the MPV Serena with a micro-hybrid system and the LEAF EV while Mazda began the export of the locally-built CX-5 to Thailand.

Japanese OEMs: launch of new models (2013-14)

Toyota
New Lexus IS Jun. 2013  The third-generation model of the Lexus IS is imported from Japan. The standard Lexus IS is priced from MYR 269,900 to MYR 333,000, while the IS 300h HV costs MYR 383,000.
New Vios Oct. 2013  The Vios is the best-selling car in the non-national small passenger car segment (excluding the Proton and Perodua cars). The model is built at the plant in Shah Alam. Its price (including the insurance) ranges from MYR 73,200 to MYR 93,200.
New Corolla Altis Jan. 2014  This is the eleventh-generation model of the Corolla Altis midsize sedan with a sales target of 9,000 units for 2014. The model comes with a 1.8- or 2.0-liter engine mated to a seven-speed CVT with a paddle shift. The Corolla Altis is imported from Thailand for sale in Malaysia at MYR 114,000-MYR 136,000.
Previa Beginning of 2014  The Previa, known as the Estima in Japan, is a seven-seat MPV which is imported from Japan. The model is priced at around MYR 270,000.
Honda
New CR-V Mar. 2013  This crossover SUV is built at the plant in Pegoh, Malacca. The model comes with a 2.0- or 2.4-liter engine paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. Its price is set at MYR 148,800.
New Accord Sep. 2013  The ninth-generation model of the Accord, Honda's flagship sedan, is assembled at the plant in Pegoh, Malacca. The model aims to gain a 30% market share in the non-national D-segment (excluding national cars). It is priced at MYR 139,800-MYR 172,817 including the insurance.
Launch of locally-built Jazz Fall 2013  Honda launched the Jazz compact car which is assembled at the plant in Pegoh, Malacca. Previously all versions of the Jazz had been imported from Thailand, but now the 1.5-liter petrol version is locally built from complete knockdown kits. It is priced at MYR 74,800 which is the most affordable among Honda vehicles and MYR 25,000 less than the imported Jazz.
Odyssey Jan. 2014  This MPV was re-launched in the Malaysian market for the first time since its sales had been terminated in 2009. The Odyssey is imported from Japan and priced at MYR 228,000-MYR 248,000.
Nissan
Serena S-Hybrid Jul. 2013  This is an MPV fitted with a micro-hybrid system. The model uses electricity stored in the battery through energy regeneration for electric components and restarting the engine after it is shut down by the start-stop system. In Malaysia, it enjoyed tax exemption for the HVs by the end of 2013. The Serena S-Hybrid is imported from Japan and priced at MYR 149,500.
LEAF Nov. 2013  The LEAF EV is imported from Japan and priced at MYR 168,800.
Mitsubishi
i-MiEV Mar. 2013  The i-MiEV is an EV imported from Japan. The model is priced at MYR 136,118.5 excluding the insurance.
New Pajero Sport Oct. 2013  This is a new SUV which is imported from Thailand. The AWD version is priced at MYR 172,211.60, while the RWD version costs MYR 151,277.60  excluding insurance.
Attrage Nov. 2013  The Attrage is a new compact sedan imported from Thailand. It has a fuel economy of 21 km per liter, the most fuel efficient in the Malaysian sedan segment. The model is priced at MYR 59,000-MYR 76,000 excluding insurance.
ASX Jan. 2014  The ASX is a compact SUV, known as the RVR in Japan. It is produced by Tan Chong Motor Assemblies in Segambut, Malaysia as Mitsubishi's first locally-built model.
Mazda
Biante Nov. 2013  This premium MPV is imported from Japan and priced at MYR 145,719.
CX-9 Nov. 2013  The CX-9 SUV is imported from Japan. The model comes with a 3.7-liter V6 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. The FWD version is priced at 288,404 ringgit while the AWD version costs MYR 328,404.
Suzuki
New Jimny Nov. 2013  The Suzuki Jimny 3-door off-road vehicle employs a 1.3-liter engine mated to a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. The model is imported from Japan. The manual transmission version is priced at MYR 87,305.50, while the automatic transmission version costs MYR 92,435.50.
Isuzu
New D-MAX May 2013  The new D-MAX pick-up truck has a larger body and bed compared to the previous model. It is produced by Isuzu-Hicom in Pekan and priced at MYR69,799-MYR 100,689.

 

Honda extends warranty period for HVs and reduces prices of HV batteries

 Honda has extended warranty period for its HV models from 5 to 8 years with unlimited mileage and reduced the prices of HV batteries by up to 52% from June 1, 2013. A nickel metal battery is now priced at MYR 3,980 while a lithium-ion battery costs MYR 5,480. Honda intends to boost sales of HVs by reducing consumers' concerns on HVs. Those measures are applicable to Honda's all HV models including the Insight, CR-Z, Jazz Hybrid, and Civic Hybrid (both imports and locally-built vehicles). They are also retrospectively applied to the consumers who purchased their HVs from January 2011 to May 2013.
 Honda has sold 16,800 units of HVs in Malaysia as of May 31, 2013, gaining more than 50% share in the HV market. Honda started production of its HVs in Malaysia in November 2012 as the first automaker to locally assemble the HV model.

 

Mazda exports CX-5 to Thailand

 In September 2013, Mazda began the export of the CX-5 SUV which is assembled at Inokom's Kulim plant to Thailand. It is the first time for Mazda to export its locally-built vehicles. The CX-5 was launched in Thailand in late October.

 

 


Other foreign OEMs: BMW, VW, Peugeot, Volvo Car, Ford, Kia and Tata

 Other foreign OEMs are also diversifying their line-ups and expanding local production in Malaysia. BMW started local production and sales of the 1 Series. The company also introduced the first locally-assembled MINI model in Southeast Asia. VW launched the locally-built Polo sedan and hatchback. Ford plans to produce and sell the Transit large van in Malaysia. Tata Motors has partnered with DRB-HICOM for the import, assembly and distribution of Tata's commercial vehicles.

Other foreign OEMs: launch of new models (2013-14)

BMW
MINI Paceman May 2013  This is the Sports Activity Coupe, the seventh model to join the MINI family. The model is imported from the UK and priced at MYR 288,888.
Local production of MINI Countryman Jun. 2013  The MINI Countryman crossover SUV is assembled at Inokom's Kulim plant. It is the first locally-produced MINI model in Southeast Asia. The price of the locally-assembled model starts at MYR 218.888 which is MYR 30,000 less than the imported model.
1 Series Sep. 2013  The 1 Series is a compact hatchback. The 1.6-liter version is assembled at Inokom's Kulim plant while the 2.0-liter version is imported from Germany. The price excluding the insurance starts from MYR 170,800 for the locally-built model and from MYR 238,800 for the imported model.
VW
Polo sedan Nov. 2013  The Polo sedan is assembled at DRB-HICOM's plant in Pekan. This is the second model to be locally built following the Passat. The Polo sedan is priced at MYR 85,888  excluding the insurance.
Polo hatchback Beginning of 2014  Following the Polo sedan, the Polo hatchback is also assembled at DRB-HICOM's Pekan plant. Its price is not announced yet.
Peugeot
208 Apr. 2013  This B-segment hatchback is imported from France. The five-door version is priced at MYR 85,888, while the three-door version costs MYR 95,888  including the insurance.
2008 Jan. 2014  The 2008 is a compact SUV based on the 208. It is priced at MYR 121,888  including the insurance.
Volvo Car
V40 Aug. 2013  This compact car is produced at Swedish Motor Assemblies' plant in Kelang. The model is priced from MYR 173,888 to MYR 198,888.
Ford
Transit Beginning of 2014  With the launch of the Transit large van, Ford entered the light commercial vehicle segment in Malaysia. The van is assembled at Inokom's plant in Kulim. The model comes with a 2.2-liter TDCi engine and a six-speed manual transmission.
Eco Sport Mid-2014  The Eco Sport compact SUV is imported from the plant in Rayong, Thailand. The model is priced from MYR 98,000 to MYR 108,000.
Kia
New Rio Jan. 2013  This B-segment subcompact car is Kia's best-selling model in the world. The model is targeted at young consumers under 35 years old. With a monthly sales target of 200 units, it is priced at MYR 73,888.
Cerato Jul. 2013  This is a C-segment sedan which replaces the former Forte and Kia's second best-selling model after the Rio. With a monthly sales target of 600 units, its price ranges from MYR 99,888 to MYR 118,888.
New Picanto Oct. 2013  The new Picanto is a five-door hatchback, known as the Morning in Korea. The model used to be sold as a Naza car, but its sales were terminated in 2011. In 2013, the Picanto was re-launched under the Kia brand with a monthly sales target of 300-400 units. The automatic transmission version is priced at MYR 63,000, while the manual transmission version costs MYR 60,000.

 

Tata Motors partners with DRB-HICOM for commercial vehicles in Malaysia

 In September 2013, Tata Motors announced its partnership with DRB-HICOM, Malaysia's biggest conglomerate, for the import, assembly and distribution of Tata's commercial vehicles in Malaysia. Tata signed a distribution agreement and a technology license agreement with USF-HICOM, a subsidiary of DRB-HICOM. Tata also signed an importation agreement with another DRB-HICOM subsidiary, DRB-HICOM Auto Solution. Initially, Tata is reported to plan the import of pick-ups from its production base in Thailand.

 

 


Production Forecast by LMC Automotive: Malaysian production to increase to 695,000 units in 2017

(LMC Automotive、January 2014)

Malaysian light vehicle production forecast by group Light vehicle production in Malaysia for 2013 was 589,900 units, representing a 4.2% increase from the previous year. According to LMC Automotive's latest forecast, production will grow by 7.2% to 632,700 units in 2014. Among OEMs, Perodua, Honda, Mazda and Hino Motors are expected to increase their output by starting operations of new plants or additional lines. Launch of local production of the BMW 1 Series, the Ford Transit, the ninth-generation Honda Accord and the Mitsubishi ASX will also support an increase in vehicle production. LMCA foresees that Malaysian production is expected to increase steadily to reach 695,400 units in 2017.

Malaysian light vehicle production forecast by make
(Units)
SALES GROUP GLOBAL MAKE 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Total 528,580 566,343 589,927 632,657 667,049 682,435 695,410
Beiqi Foton Foton 553 259 279 204 225 219 225
BMW Group BMW 4,682 5,228 7,338 7,550 7,623 7,875 8,195
MINI 0 0 272 152 194 201 198
BMW Group Sub-total 4,682 5,228 7,610 7,702 7,817 8,076 8,393
Brilliance Jinbei Jinbei 376 453 206 387 468 552 691
Changan Automobile Group Changan 442 258 354 232 276 292 333
Hafei 5 0 0 0 0 0 0
Changan Automobile Group Sub-total 447 258 354 232 276 292 333
Chery Group Chery 0 10 0 0 0 0 0
Rely 3,009 558 710 719 684 712 725
Chery Group Sub-total 3,009 568 710 719 684 712 725
Daimler Group Fuso 1,356 2,099 1,853 2,494 2,824 2,986 3,147
Mercedes-Benz 5,120 5,163 4,443 4,256 4,347 4,492 4,560
Daimler Group Sub-total 6,476 7,262 6,296 6,750 7,171 7,478 7,707
Dongfeng Motor Dongfeng 2 36 0 0 0 0 0
DRB-Hicom Proton 165,248 160,264 137,276 159,498 169,748 169,072 172,335
Ford Group Ford 0 0 0 274 302 351 382
Fuji Heavy Subaru 0 133 5,137 8,590 8,661 8,427 8,608
Geely Group Volvo 1,740 2,513 2,440 2,697 2,665 2,875 2,940
General Motors Group Hicom 2,570 1,548 0 0 0 0 0
Honda Group Honda 23,482 29,418 45,828 58,074 72,046 79,941 91,573
Hyundai Group Hyundai 4,979 5,829 7,976 7,761 8,284 8,742 9,489
Kia 6,518 9,300 8,873 8,532 8,830 9,094 9,680
Hyundai Group Sub-total 11,497 15,129 16,849 16,293 17,114 17,836 19,169
Isuzu Motors Isuzu 7,102 9,090 12,507 9,883 11,284 12,276 12,863
Mazda Motors Mazda 1,580 2,599 5,230 10,068 10,713 11,821 11,577
Mitsubishi Motors Mitsubishi 0 0 0 2,890 3,122 3,707 3,717
Others Inokom 1,448 1,312 661 823 949 959 998
Naza 1,838 355 0 0 0 0 0
Tuah 61 71 0 0 0 0 0
Others Sub-total 3,347 1,738 661 823 949 959 998
Other Chinese Manufacturers King Long 250 30 0 0 0 0 0
Youngman Lotus 981 1,148 1,529 0 0 0 0
Zhongxing 39 61 2 27 34 46 50
Other Chinese Manufacturers Sub-total 1,270 1,239 1,531 27 34 46 50
Perodua Automotive Perodua 192,115 194,985 203,425 191,766 193,901 196,353 189,534
PSA Group Peugeot 3,553 5,872 5,972 8,106 8,045 7,918 8,106
Renault-Nissan Group Nissan 25,656 40,841 51,170 46,860 47,017 47,727 47,610
Suzuki Group Suzuki 4,939 5,750 4,295 3,536 3,490 3,386 3,376
Tata Group Land Rover 73 156 49 90 86 0 84
Toyota Group Daihatsu 325 0 0 0 0 0 0
Hino 4,330 5,850 5,337 6,884 7,558 8,421 9,043
Toyota 64,045 73,668 72,579 76,548 76,621 77,075 77,656
Toyota Group Sub-total 68,700 79,518 77,916 83,432 84,179 85,496 86,699
Volkswagen Group Volkswagen 163 1,486 4,186 13,756 17,052 16,915 17,715
Source：LMC Automotive "Global Automotive Production Forecast (January, 2014)"
(Note) 1. Data indicate figures of only small-size vehicles, including passenger cars and light commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of under 6 tons.
2. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any data will require permission of LMC Automotive.
3. For more detailed information or inquiries of forecast data, please contact LMC Automotive.

 

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