KUALA LUMPUR: UMW Group recorded sales of 24,972 vehicles in January 2022, which was a 20.4% jump over 20,740 units in the same month last year.

       The group said UMW Toyota Motor's sales nearly doubled to 7,528 units in January on the back of its best-selling Vios, Hilux and Yaris models as well as the launch of its first locally assembled hybrid electric vehicle, the Toyota Corolla Cross.

       "UMWT believes that this will pave the way for the introduction of more HEVs and electric vehicles in Malaysia as consumers aspire towards a cleaner drive, which is evident from the encouraging orders received for the Corolla Cross HEV since it was open for booking in October 2021.

       "It is also inline with the Group’s goal to achieve carbon-neutrality by 2050," it said in a statement.

       UMW's associate Perodua registered 3.2% sales growth in January to 17,444 units.

       Perodua has raised its sales target by 30% from last year to 247,800 units and plans to increase production to 265,900 vehicles this year.

       In the process, it will purchase a record RM7.5bil worth of locally-sourced components in 2022 which will sustain and strengthen the local automotive industry, it said.

       "We are pleased with the improved sales registered by both UMWT and Perodua in January 2022.

       "The Group expects the growth in automotive sales will continue in the coming months supported by the introduction of exciting new models as well as the sales tax exemption," said UMW Holdings Bhd president and group CEO Datuk Ahamad Fuaad Kenali.