PETALING JAYA: The UMW Group expects its automotive sales momentum to remain strong this month and into 2022, following an encouraging performance in November.
In a statement, the conglomerate noted it continued to see encouraging sales of automotives last month, on strong demand, particularly after the easing of the lockdown.
In November, it registered automotive sales of 28,785 units, with UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) and UMW’s associate company, Perodua, registering healthy sales following the easing of the full movement control order restrictions.
UMW Holdings Bhd president and group CEO Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Kenali said the group was pleased with the healthy sales registered by both UMWT and Perodua, despite the challenges.
“The group expects the automotive sales momentum to continue in December and next year, supported by the introduction of new models and year-end promotions and extension of the sales tax exemption.
UMW said the Toyota Vios continued to be the best-selling model for November, followed by the Hilux and Yaris.
“We are appreciative of the government initiatives to support the automotive sector which will hasten its recovery. We wish to also express our appreciation to our customers for their continuing support of our products and services,” he added.
Last month, UMWT registered sales of 8,486 units, which is similar to the sales registered in October 2021.
UMW said the Toyota Vios continued to be the best-selling model for November, followed by the Hilux and Yaris.
Year-to-date, UMWT sold 63,105 units, 26% higher than the 50,074 units registered in the corresponding period last year.
The improved sales were mainly due to the introduction of new models as well as the sales tax exemption.
The group noted UMWT would be launching the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid this month, its first locally assembled model with hybrid electric technology, which would pave the way for more hybrid and electric vehicle products in the future.
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Meanwhile, Perodua registered sales of 20,299 units last month, 27.1% lower than the record-breaking monthly registration of 27,858 units in October.
UMW said this was mainly due to the intermittent disruptions to production caused by supply chain issues.
Year-to-date November, Perodua delivered a total of 167,250 units, 14.2% lower than the 194,980 units registered in the corresponding period in 2020, mainly due to the FMCO and partly the semiconductor chips shortage.
It said Perodua is aiming for its highest-ever monthly registration with at least 30,000 units this month, as it targets to end the year with over 200,000 units sold.
For 2022, Perodua is targeting to sell at least 240,000 units barring any further lockdown or semiconductor issue.