KUALA LUMPUR: Sales of new vehicles in Malaysia fell 2% year-on-year (y-o-y) to 71,428 units in August 2026 from 73,041 units a year earlier, and were 3% lower than the 73,615 units recorded in July.
The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), in a statement, said passenger vehicle sales stood at 67,058 units during the month, down 0.4% from 67,302 units in August 2025, while commercial vehicle sales declined 24% to 4,370 units from 5,739 units.
For the first eight months of 2026, total industry volume (TIV) rose 3% to 530,478 units from 516,862 units in the corresponding period last year.
Passenger vehicle sales increased 4% to 497,595 units, while commercial vehicle sales fell 14% to 32,883 units.
“The sales momentum continues in August 2026 with the Total Industry Volume (TIV) recorded above 70,000 registrations, albeit 3% lower than the previous month's volume,” MAA said.
It said the TIV in August was supported by the highest monthly SUV sales recorded so far this year at close to 24,000 units, largely driven by new model launches.
Pick-up truck sales also approached 3,000 units, marking the segment’s second-highest monthly volume this year, while aggressive sales promotions by MAA members provided further support.
Meanwhile, vehicle production fell 7% y-o-y to 64,549 units in August from 69,351 units. Passenger vehicle output declined 6% to 61,242 units, while commercial vehicle production dropped 16% to 3,307 units.
For the January-August period, total production edged up 1% to 496,985 units from 493,716 units a year earlier.
Looking ahead, MAA expects vehicle sales to maintain their current momentum in September.
