New vehicle sales in Malaysia jumped by 34.5% to 55,066 units in January, from a very depressed 40,948 units a year earlier, according to the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA).

In January last year, the market was affected by the introduction of lengthier registration procedures and higher minimum down-payments on car loans. Sales last year were also affected by fewer working days due to the Lunar New Year holidays, which this year fell in February.

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The MAA said a spill-over from December’s strong promotional activity also helped last month’s sales. Passenger vehicle sales increased by 32.1% to 48,720, from 36,864 units a year earlier, while commercial vehicle sales increased by 55.4% to 6,346 units, from 4,084 units.

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