Malaysia Car Sales Flat, CV Sales Slip in October

Malaysia’s vehicle sales eased 1.6% year-on-year in October to 54,187 units as consumers faced tighter loan requirements.

The Malaysian Automotive Assn. says car sales eased fractionally to 47,544 units from prior-year’s 47,930, but commercial-vehicle deliveries slipped 7.1% to 6,643.

The October result was up 14.3% from September with the rise credited to increased sales of the Perodua Axia and Proton Iriz cars.

The MAA says in a statement it expects November sales to be little changed from October. “Consumers are expected to continue facing difficulties in getting hire-purchase (installment) loans,” the association says.

The October result left year-to-date LV sales at 546,492 units, up just 0.6% from year-ago’s 543,048.

Vehicle production eased along with sales as October output fell 16.1% to 45,763 units. The car build fell 19.0% to 41,133 units while the CV segment rose 6.1% to 4,630.

Ford Malaysia reports its October sales rose 2% from the previous month to 1,209 units, led by demand for Ranger, EcoSport, Kuga and Fiesta models.

Ranger deliveries rose 11% from September to 829 units, taking its year-to-date total up 46% to 6,831.

Ford Malaysia and Asia-Pacific Emerging Markets Managing Director David Westerman says year-to-date Malaysian sales have risen 28% to 11,426 units, putting Ford on pace for a record sales year in Malaysia.