UMW’s auto sales surge 133% to 22,193 units in September

File pic: The Toyota Vios G on display. Toyota Vios, Yaris and Hilux helped drive UMW Holdings’ sales of 59,320 vehicles for 2020

KUALA LUMPUR: UMW Holdings Bhd posted a 133.3% jump in automotive sales to 22,193 units in September 2021 compared with 9,512 units in August 2021 as its operations gradually normalised following easing of the full movement control order (MCO) restrictions from Aug 16.

Both UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) and UMW’s associate company, Perodua, will continue to ramp-up production to hasten delivery of the outstanding orders.

UMWT’s sales more than tripled to 8,033 units in September 2021, from the 2,524 units registered in August 2021.

“This brings its year-to-date September 2021 sales to 46,118 units, 23.5% higher than the 37,339 units registered in the corresponding period of 2020,” UMW said in a statement yesterday.

The company pointed out that the Toyota Vios continued to be the marque’s best-selling model for September 2021, followed by the Hilux and Yaris.

UMWT recently announced plans to commence production of hybrid electric vehicles in Malaysia.

“UMWT intends to progressively diversify its offering in the electrified vehicle space as the country advances the policies and infrastructure to promote the transition into vehicle electrification.

“This plan also aligns with the Malaysian government’s 2050 carbon neutral goal and its push for energy-efficient vehicles to support environmentally friendly mobility initiatives,” it said.

Meanwhile, Perodua registered sales of 14,160 units in September 2021, more than double the 6,988 units sold in August 2021.“For the first nine months of the year, Perodua delivered a total of 119,093 units, 17.9% lower than the 145,012 units registered in the corresponding period of 2020, mainly due to the full MCO and partly, the semiconductor chip shortage.

“Perodua has managed to secure sufficient semiconductor chips to ensure uninterrupted production for the remainder of the year,” it said.

UMW president and group chief executive officer Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Kenali said the demand for both UMWT and Perodua products and services remained strong, as evident from the healthy level of outstanding orders.“The group expects the automotive sales momentum to peak in the last quarter of the year, supported by the year-end promotions and the sales tax exemption.

“We are also hopeful that the sales tax exemption will be extended beyond Dec 31, 2021 to hasten the recovery of the automotive industry,” he added.