Malaysia's vehicle sales hold above 70,000 units in August, YTD up 3pct

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's total industry volume (TIV) remained above 70,000 units in August, despite a three per cent decline from the previous month.

Stronger SUV demand, improving pick-up truck sales and promotional campaigns by industry players supported this performance, the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) said.

MAA reported that total vehicle sales were 71,428 units in August, a two percent drop from 73,041 units a year earlier.

Passenger vehicle sales were broadly stable at 67,058 units, compared with 67,302 units in August 2025, while commercial vehicle sales fell 24 per cent to 4,370 units from 5,739 units previously.

For the first eight months of the year, total industry sales rose three per cent to 530,478 units from 516,862 units in the corresponding period last year.

Passenger vehicle sales increased four per cent to 497,595 units from 478,824 units, while commercial vehicle sales declined 14 per cent to 32,883 units from 38,038 units.

MAA attributed August's performance mainly to SUV sales, which reached nearly 24,000 units - the highest monthly level recorded so far this year - driven largely by new model launches.

Pick-up truck sales also continued to improve, approaching 3,000 units and marking the second-highest monthly volume this year.

The association added that aggressive sales promotion campaigns by its members also supported registrations during the month.

On the production front, total vehicle output fell seven per cent year-on-year to 64,549 units in August from 69,351 units previously.

Passenger vehicle production declined 6% to 61,242 units, while commercial vehicle output dropped 16 per cent to 3,307 units.

However, cumulative production for January to August rose one per cent to 496,985 units from 493,716 units a year earlier.

Passenger vehicle production increased one per cent to 468,986 units, while commercial vehicle output grew three per cent to 27,999 units.

MAA said vehicle sales are expected to maintain their current momentum in September, although market conditions will continue to be shaped by promotional activity, new model introductions and demand trends across key segments.