Vehicle sales down nearly 21% in September vs August

MAA was more upbeat about its outlook for March

KUALA LUMPUR: Vehicle sales in Malaysia fell 20.8% in September to 40,981 units from August due to the shorter working month and more stringent hire purchase rules, says the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA).

It said on Monday sales – comprising of 36,517 passenger vehicles and 4,464 commercial vehicles -- fell 14.8% from the 48,125 units a year ago.

Total industry vehicles for the period January to September were however, up 1.8% to 425,711 units from 418,277 units in the previous corresponding period.

In terms of production, year-to-date there was a decline to 381,171 units from 386,965 units recorded in the corresponding period last year.

On the outlook for October, the MAA expected sales volume to be better than in September due to the longer working month.