Malaysia car sales seen down more than 12 pct in 2009

Vehicle sales in Malaysia is
projected to drop by 12.4 percent in 2009 as consumers cut back
on purchases in view of the deepening economic crisis.
The projection takes into account the full impact of the
global financial crisis and the resulting weak consumer
sentiment, the Malaysian Automotive Association said on
Wednesday.

Despite the economic downturn, it is hoping that the
introduction of new models and higher demand for small vehicles
as consumers cut their purchases will sustain interest.

Automakers sold a total of 548,115 vehicles last year, an
increase of 12.5 percent over 2007, and are expected to sell
480,000 units this year, the association said.

"Total industry volume in 2008 was the second highest
achieved for the industry after the all-time high in 2005," MMA
said, referring to the 552,316 units recorded three years ago.

Passenger car sales rose 12.3 percent to 497,459 and
commercial vehicles sales increased 14.4 percent to 50,656 in
2008.
The country's biggest carmaker Perodua retained its top spot
last year, with a total market share of 30.5 percent, followed by
Proton's 25.9 percent.

2008 2009
(actual/units) (forecast/units)
Passenger cars 497,459 436,800
Commercial vehicles 50,656 43,200
- - - - - - - -
Total 548,115 480,000