Perodua has 6 models in its line-up. The newer models are the new generation D27A Perodua Alza and D74A Perodua Axia, launched in July 2022 and February 2023 respectively. Of the remaining 4 models, the Perodua Aruz – launched in January 2019 – and the Perodua Bezza – first launched in July 2016 and facelifted in January 2020 – are due for either a mid-lifecycle update or a full model change.

Perodua has previously said that it has the capacity to launch one full model change and two ‘minor change’ models in one year. Minor change is a Japanese manufacturer’s lingo for what’s colloquially referred to in Malaysia as a ‘facelift.’

Halfway into 2023, Perodua has had two launches – the full model change all-new D74A 2023 Perodua Axia, and the new ‘driving school specs’ 2023 Perodua Axia E variant, itself a facelift of the 2014 model year first generation Axia.

Both models are produced at the Perodua Global Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd. (PGMSB) plant in Rawang. The same plant also makes the Perodua Bezza and the Perodua Ativa.

Technically, Perodua still has the capacity to phase in one more new model (facelift) model this year, at the older Perodua Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd. (PMSB) plant, also located in Rawang. The PMSB plant currently makes the Myvi, Alza and Aruz.

However, Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad has confirmed that there would no more launches this year.

"This year, no more new launches," said Dato’ Sri Zainal.

He didn’t elaborate on the reason(s) behind the decision, but we suspect it could be related to the long waiting period for cars produced at the PMSB plant.

Customer waiting period for the Myvi is now between 6 to 7 months, while waiting period for the Alza is 12 months for the AV variant, and 8 to 9 months for other Alza variants. The Aruz has a shoter 2-3 months waiting period.

Although the global shortage of semiconductor parts has eased, it hasn’t fully gone away. Shortage in labour continue to plague many local automotive parts suppliers.

Considering the circumstances, the logical decision would be to focus on clearing the order backlog before shutting down the plant to re-tool for a new model.

This would also mean that the recently launched new 2023 Daihatsu Terios, a sister-car to our Perodua Aruz, won’t be launched in Malaysia this year.

As for the rumoured SUV sitting above the Perodua Ativa, said to be developed under the project code D66B and is a Perodua twin of the Toyota Yaris Cross that was launched in Indonesia earlier this month, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said, “No comments on that,” while flashing a big wide grin.