KUALA LUMPUR: Perodua has raised its capital expenditure to RM1.6bil, more than double the investment last year as it plans to make plant improvements, increase stamping capacity and develop and tool new vehicle models.
The automaker's increased capex comes as it aims to grow its manufacturing capabilities in 2025. Perodua president and CEO Datuk Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said the new investment will consolidate manufacturing capacity, including at vendors, level up service quality and productivity and solidify R&D product planning and new model development capabilities.
Amid strong demand for Perodua vehicles, a record 368,100 units were rolled out of the automaker's factories in 2024, exceeding the manufacturing capacity of 320,000 units at both its plants.
“The 368,100-unit record was achieved by minimising downtime, keeping to the maintenance schedule, dynamic planning and coordination between our vendors and dealers and being agile in overcoming challenges,” Zainal said.
Looking ahead to 2025, he said Perodua will emphasis on greater self-reliance in terms of production, especially in developing future products, although this could have a downward impact on production and sales.
The automaker projects production numbers declining 4.9% to 350,000 units from 368,100 in 2024, while registration is expected to slow 3.7% to 345,000 units from 358,102 last year.
However, Zainal said demand for Perodua vehicles remain healthy with current outstanding booking at 68,000 units, of which 28,000 bookings have letters of undertaking issued without stock.
On Perodua’s after sales business, Zainal said the compact car company is expected to further improve its intake volume this year to 3.7 million vehicles, up 7.6% from the 3.4 million intakes recorded in 2024.
For 2025, it will continue to support the country’s automotive ecosystem with an estimated local component purchase of RM10.8bil from Malaysian vendors.
“The year 2025 will be an exciting time for us as we prepare ourselves and our partners for the changes that are coming. We believe when these changes are completed, we would be able to further strengthen our current position in this country and this region,” said Zainal.
