MAA: Sept Auto Sales Ease By 22% Amid Budget Uncertainty

The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) reported that total vehicle sales in Sept 2025 reached 58,490 units, representing a 22% decline from Aug’s 74,479 units. 

The weaker performance, said the association, was mainly due to fewer working days during the month, which included four public holidays, as well as a general “wait-and-see” attitude among consumers ahead of the 2026 National Budget announcement. 

The budget is expected to outline the government’s plans for RON95 petrol subsidy rationalisation, a policy that may influence future vehicle purchasing decisions.

Despite the monthly slowdown, Sept sales still managed a slight year-on-year increase of 0.2% compared to the 58,351 units sold in the same month last year. Passenger vehicle sales edged up 0.3% to 53,352 units, while commercial vehicle sales dipped 1% to 5,138 units.

Cumulatively, total industry sales for the first nine months of 2025 amounted to 579,336 units, down 3% from 595,883 units recorded in the same period of 2024. Passenger vehicles contributed 536,122 units, a 2% decrease, while commercial vehicles totalled 43,214 units, falling 14% year-on-year.

In terms of production, 58,413 vehicles were assembled in Sept, a 5% increase from 55,383 units in the corresponding month last year. However, year-to-date production remained lower at 552,129 units, a 7% decline compared to 593,045 units during the same period in 2024.

MAA expects sales in Oct to rebound, driven by year-end promotions and renewed buying interest following the National Budget announcement. The government’s decision not to extend the tax exemption for fully imported battery electric vehicles (CBU BEVs) is also anticipated to spur demand before the year-end deadline.