New vehicle sales in Malaysia increased by 3.9% to a record 652,120 units in 2013, from 627,753 units in the previous year, according to preliminary data released by the Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI).
The MAI is a government body responsible for automotive policy.
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The market last year significantly exceeded the Malaysian Automotive Association’s (MAA) full-year sales forecast of 640,000 units, despite a 6% drop in sales in December to 56,820 units, from 60,470 units a year earlier.
The country’s second national car manufacturer, Perodua, reported sales of 195,865 units for the year, followed by first national car manufacturer Proton with 138,730 units.
Toyota was the best-selling non-national brand, with sales of 91,010 last year, followed by Nissan with 52,047 units and Honda with 51,235 units.
The launch of several new mass market models, including the Perodua S-series and the Proton Saga SV, and rising competition helped to drive volumes higher last year, while domestic economy remained strong despite weak exports.
MAI believes the positive trend will remain in place in 2014, with full-year sales forecast to hit a new record high of 670,000 units – up by close to 3% on last year.
