MAA: 19,988 hybrids sold in Malaysia last year, up 162% from 2021

The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) revealed that a total of 19,988 hybrid vehicles (including HEV and PHEV) were sold in 2022, which is the highest recorded for hybrids since 2018.

Compared to the year before, the figure is an increase of 13,666 units, or an increase of 162 percent, over the 7,622 units of hybrids sold in 2021. This rebound reflects the total industry volume (TIV) for Malaysia in 2022 that achieved an all-time high after two consecutive years of decline.

Also read: MAA: 720k cars sold in Malaysia in 2022, 41% up from 2021; Forecasting 10% less for 2023

When asked about the incentives for hybrids, MAA president Datuk Aishah said, “We are appealing to the government to continue and improve the incentives for hybrids because people will first buy hybrids before converting to EVs.”

While Malaysia no longer has specific incentives for hybrids, but manufacturers can apply for Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEVs), which is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Also read: MAA: 2,631 EVs sold in 2022 in Malaysia, 860 percent increase from the year before

Last year, the Director General of JPJ said that there are over 80,000 units of hybrids registered in the JPJ database, and the electrified segment as a whole (including EVs) achieved over 100,000 units, though the figure includes all vehicle types and is not limited to just cars.

Also read: 10,700 EVs registered on the road in Malaysia; 100k cars are electrified (including hybrids)

Although a breakdown by brands or models were not given, we have a sneaking suspicion that the most popular hybrid in 2022 is the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid due to its relatively affordable price point, and our checks revealed that the hybrid variant contributes to over 40 percent sales of the Corolla Cross.

Also read: Malaysians responding well to Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, contributes over 40% of sales