Malaysia’s number one car manufacturer recently held their full-year review, sharing their 2019 performance and what to expect from them in the near future.

Which model sold the most?

As expected, the Perodua Myvi (81,966) continues to lead the sales chart, followed by the Axia (67,267), Bezza (45,656), Aruz (30,115), and Alza (15,337).

In total, Perodua sold 240,341 cars in 2019 – gaining almost a 40% share of the Malaysian market (TIV 604,775 units).

While we move into 2020, Perodua said that they will be ‘cautiously optimistic’ by maintaining a sales target of 240,000 units.

We can see why Perodua said so.

Cars to cost even more soon?

One week ago, we broke the news that prices of new cars are set to increase by 15 to 25 percent, owing to the Pakatan Harapan government withdrawing EEV incentives and updates to the Open Market Value (OMV) calculations.

Further adding to that is the fact that Perodua was not consulted with regards to the updated OMV calculations, which could impact the prices of new cars.

With that said, Perodua said that they are in the midst of studying the impact of the revamped excise duties and will try their best not to pass the increase of prices to the customers.

However, MAA president Datuk Aishah Ahmad has confirmed that new car prices will be increased after December 31, 2020. 

Which Perodua model should I get?

For 2020, we expect the Myvi to remain as Perodua’s best-seller, while the Axia should be able to keep its position as the best budget car you can get.

Then there’s the recently-updated Bezza, now Malaysia’s cheapest new sedan to offer ASA 2.0, Perodua’s own ADAS suite.

But wait, there's a new model coming

Also happening later this year, Perodua is also expected to introduce the brand-new D55L B-segment SUV later this year.

The new D55L SUV, amongst others, will be Perodua’s first-ever model to be underpinned by the DNGA platform, much like the Toyota Raize/Daihatsu Rocky Duo.

In addition to the new DNGA platform, the upcoming D55L SUV is also said to feature a new 1.0-litre 1KR-VET turbocharged 3-cylinder engine mated to a CVT-type automatic, another first for Perodua.

Perodua set to be regional R&D hub for Daihatsu

Apart from developing its new B-segment SUV, Perodua has much bigger plans up its sleeves – it will be a self-reliant research and development (R&D) hub for the ASEAN region, developing products not just for itself, but also for the rest of the ASEAN region, which includes models that won’t be sold in Malaysia.

As such, as part of the company’s presentation slides shown to the media yesterday, Perodua has hinted that they will be working on a new sedan for the region.

Not neglecting after-sales

But a car manufacturer can’t just rely on car sales to bring money in – after-sales is where the money’s at.

Perodua has also excelled in this regard, as almost 70 percent of Perodua owners prefer to have their cars serviced and maintained by an authorized Perodua service centre, making it one of the highest for any automotive brand in Malaysia.