Well, this was to be expected. Vehicle sales in Malaysia – like in the rest of the world – are in free fall after the government issued a movement control order last month, and we are finally getting a glimpse of the damage caused by the coronavirus disease pandemic.
Numbers from the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) show a staggering 44% drop in the number of cars sold, with just 22,478 units versus the 40,403 that left dealer lots in February. Not surprising, considering that showrooms were closed for nearly half a month after the commencement of the order.
Also not surprising is the fact that pretty much all of the brands reported a decline in sales, with only Honda registering an increase – and a big one at that. After falling to under 2,000 units in February, sales rebounded by 86.5% or 1,522 units to 3,281 units, spurred by the much-delayed launch of the new Accord and facelifted Civic in late February.
This allowed it to retake second position in the overall standings, overhauling both Toyota and Proton, as well as the former in the year-to-date stakes. Market leader Perodua continued to rule the roost, despite selling a whopping 10,294 fewer cars at 8,601 units – a drop of 54.5%. Proton, meanwhile, posted a 67.1% or 6,697 unit drop to 3,277 units, while Toyota’s sales fell 30.3% or 1,210 units to 2,779 units.
Ignoring Mercedes-Benz’s inflated figure – which was actually for the entire first quarter – the fourth and and fifth positions were taken by Mazda and, surprisingly, Isuzu. Sales for these two Japanese brands fell by 52.7% and 31.1% to 521 and 433 units respectively. Where’s Nissan, you ask? Well, the perennial fifth-placer dropped to 11th in the standings, its 331 units sold representing a 68.3% decline compared to February.
As for the premium segment, BMW (which finally released its figures, having switched to quarterly reporting before Mercedes did) registered a 64.1% decrease in sales, at 230 units. While that’s obviously bad news, Munich still managed to surpass Mercedes-Benz for the year to date, with 1,600 units versus 1,324. The rest of the segment also saw heavy losses, with Volvo down 56.1% to 69 units and Lexus down 70.5% to 28 units.
Elsewhere, further major losers include Subaru (-78%), MINI (-70.8%) and Volkswagen (-60.5%). This month will almost certainly return zero sales, with the continued shutdown of showrooms as the movement control order will stretch out to May 12 at the earliest.
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Sale numbers during start of MCO doesn’t mean anything.
Perodua did a good job! Even if the Covid-19 pandemic is still ongoing, Game-Changing Perodua are able to sell 8,600 units which is already 3X of Honda and Proton’s sales
Salah! It should be, Proton did a good job! Even if the Covid-19 pandemic is still ongoing, Game-Changing Proton are able to sell 21000 units which is already 3X of Honda and Perodua sales. Now that’s correct!
ETCM is now in big trouble thanks to previous lembab attitude to new vehicle launches. No confidence that new Almera or cheapo Kicks will help matters.
Other then car sales report, MAA should too help out & urgent loans to Proton Vendor Association, Kelab Vendor Perodua & Car dealers.
Hoi MAA.. tolaak GST! rakyat taknak kereta GST!!
Stupid to tolak GST, now our country is in trouble for relying back on oil. With oil price crash, our income has dropped drastically.
Stupid of PH to remove GST and now we have to suffer economic hardship because of them.
Thanks to oil price drop, we don’t have GST to cushion our losses now. This is all Pakatan fault! Tolak Pakatan! Rakyat taknak Pakatan!
Pityful p1 are always 2-3 times behind p2, even during mco and difficult time like this. Lol.
Funny, I didn’t know MCO can cause the loss in ability to count which you are clearly suffering.
P1 basher failed math
Honda remains resilient even during covid 19.
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Many who can afford accord and camry are rich. Not like those who bark here everyday saying China cars and Geely > all.
But..camry no installment while accord with still got installment during covid-19
Us rich laughs at Accord and Camry owners thinking they are ‘rich’. Hahaha
Lol! This Honda Fanboi Here Again!
The article focuses on production and sales, but my focus is rather on the negative implication of falling demand to jobs both at sales and production including EV and autonomous driving technology.
No Audi?
wow can’t believe there are still people buying cars during MCO??
MAA,Now ady. 20 May when can we see car sales data even very poor sales need to report?