Aug 2025 Car Sales Up 4.4%, EVs Rebound With 24% Growth

Malaysia’s car market kept its momentum in Aug 2025, with 78,978 new vehicles registered, marking a 4.4% rise from July’s 75,663 units, according to data.gov.my. Year-to-date registrations climbed to 551,470 units.

Petrol-powered models continued to dominate the landscape, taking an 86% share with 67,897 registrations, up 3% from July. Perodua’s Bezza again led the nation with 9,533 units, followed by the Axia (7,525), Myvi (6,514), and Proton Saga (6,052). 

Other strong performers included the Perodua Alza (4,645) and Ativa (2,750), while Proton’s X50 (4,133) surged into sixth place. Rounding out the top petrol sellers were Toyota’s Vios (2,816), Honda’s City (1,980), and Toyota Alphard (1,723).

Diesel demand totaled 4,718 units, rising 4% from the prior month. The Toyota Hilux stayed well in front at 2,565 units, with the Mitsubishi Triton (591), Isuzu D-Max (517), Ford Ranger (354), and Toyota Fortuner (151) making up the core of the segment. Toyota’s Hiace (123) and Hyundai’s Staria (64) added to the mix, alongside niche entries from Foton, Nissan, and Maxus.

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) rebounded to 3,461 registrations in Aug, a 24% jump from July. The Proton e.MAS 7 led with 766 units, while BYD’s newly launched Atto 2 climbed into second place at 403. 

Tesla’s Model Y (323) also recovered as refreshed deliveries began, ahead of the BYD Atto 3 (307) and Sealion (234). Premium entries like the Mercedes-Benz EQE (201) and Tesla Model 3 (186) showed resilience, while the BYD Seal (92), M6 (82), and Leapmotor C10 (72) completed the chart.

Hybrids reached 2,901 units, a 17% month-on-month increase. The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid led with 657 units, trailed by the GWM Haval H6 HEV (484). The newly launched Chery Tiggo Cross made a strong start with 268 registrations, while Honda’s HR-V e:HEV (235) and CR-V e:HEV (182) continued steady demand. 

Luxury offerings such as the Mercedes-Benz GLC (128), BMW X3 (81), C-Class (79), and E-Class (73), alongside the Chery Jaecoo J7 PHEV (93), rounded out the top ranks.

Aug’s growth signals that the rebound from June has carried forward, with petrol still leading, diesel holding firm, and electrified vehicles (BEVs and hybrids) posting their strongest combined showing yet in 2025. 

Looking at the year to date, a total of 551,470 vehicles have been registered between Jan and Aug. Petrol dominates with 477,396 units (86.6%), while diesel adds 31,141 units (5.6%). BEVs contribute 23,396 registrations (4.2%) and hybrids 19,637 units (3.6%), together accounting for 7.8% of the market.

Though still modest compared to petrol, the steady rise of electrified models underscores a gradual but undeniable shift in Malaysia’s automotive landscape.