Malaysia's vehicle sales down 8.7% in January

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia recorded an 8.7% decline in total vehicle sales to 50,273 units in January from 55,066 vehicles a year ago but the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) is expecting sales to be maintained at the same level in February.

The trade body said on Wednesday that of the 50,273 units sold in January, 44,702 of them were passenger vehicles and the rest were 5,571 commercial vehicles.

The MAA said the sales volume in January was also lower than December 2013 by 17%.

"Heavy discounting by car companies given out in December 2013 resulted in many booking concluded in December 2013 itself," it said.

On the outlook for February, it said the sales volume was expected to be maintained at the January level because of the short working month due to the Chinese New Year holidays.