Malaysia's new vehicle sales up 153% for Sept 2021

According to the latest data provided by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), new vehicle sales for September 2021 was 153% higher compared to the month before. In September, 44,275 units of vehicles were sold nationwide while only 17,500 units of vehicles were sold in August.

One of the reasons for this growth in sales was due to a full month of restored business operations nationwide following the relaxation of movement restrictions.

Also read: MAA adjusts 2021 car sales forecast, trimmed down by 12% to 500k units

However, year-to-date (YTD) sales volume for September 2021 (318,874 units) was 7% lower than the similar corresponding period for 2020 (344,019 units).

Meanwhile, the chip shortage has affected the sales of certain makes and this also corresponds to a drop in production figures. YTD production volume for September 2021 (303,996 units) was 4% lower than the same period last year (315,863 units).

Also read: After MCO, chip supply shortage is slowing car production in Malaysia

Despite the buoyant figures in sales last month, certain makes faced some cancellation of orders due to low consumers’ sentiment, according to a statement released by MAA.

Yet, MAA is positive that sales in October 2021 will be better as business operations have been restored nationwide. It also states that companies are ramping up production and deliveries of vehicles.