Malaysian Market Bounces Back in September

Malaysian new-vehicle sales shrugged off domestic economic uncertainty to rise 7.0% in September to 51,106 units.

Despite the gain, the year-to-date tally remains behind like-2014’s pace, down 1.4% to 485,388 units.

Releasing the sales data, the Malaysian Automotive Assn. says the 9-month result was impacted by the “continuation of uncertainties” among businesses because of the weakening of the local currency, the gloomy economic outlook and weak consumer sentiment.

September new-car sales rose 9.3% to 45,245 units, while commercial-vehicle sales fell 8.1% to 5,861 units.

Year-to-date, the passenger-vehicle segment is down 1.1% to 431,716 units, while the CV market is off 3.6% at 53,572 units.

MAA says it expects the October market to remain at September levels with aggressive year-end promotional campaigns helping offset lagging consumer sentiment and tougher credit policies.

Malaysian vehicle production eased 7.6% in September to 45,734 units, with car production down 9.3% to 41,386 units and the CV build up 12.7% to 4,348 units.

Year-to-date, local production is up 2.5% at 463,388 units, with cars climbing 2.7% to 425,991 and CV output falling fractionally to 37,397.

Meantime, premium German automaker Mercedes-Benz Malaysia reports its year-to-date sales rose an impressive 70% year-on-year to 8,196 units.

The result was boosted by a third quarter that saw sales soar 109% to 3,033 units, marking the third consecutive quarter of four-digit sales for the brand.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia President and CEO Claus Weidner tells the government’s Bernama news agency the strong performance was driven by the locally produced C-, E- and S-Class, contributing 3,188 units.

“(We) have certainly tipped historical sales figures for Mercedes-Benz Malaysia,” Weidner says.

Meantime, BMW Malaysia Managing Director and CEO Alan Harris tells Bernama he’s confident of surpassing last year's sales of 9,046 units driven by strong demand for its seven models.

Thus far, the automaker has sold 6,522 units, and deliveries are expected to gather pace in the festive season and toward year-end.

BMW recently introduced the new locally assembled X6, its ninth model to be assembled in the country.

Ford sold 844 units in September 2015, driven by demand for the Ranger and Fiesta.

The Ranger pickup continued as its best-selling model in Malaysia, with September sales of 643 units.