MAA: Oct 2025 Vehicle Sales Surge 30%, Boosted by BEV Demand

The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) reported a sharp rebound in Oct 2025, with total vehicle sales surging to 75,992 units, the highest monthly TIV recorded so far this year.

This represents a strong 30% jump from Sept’s 58,490 units, driven primarily by a nationwide rush to purchase fully imported battery electric vehicles (CBU BEVs) after the Budget 2026 confirmed that the CBU BEV tax exemption will expire at the end of Dec 2025, coupled with aggressive year-end promotions rolled out by brands across the market.

Compared to the same month last year, Oct sales were also stronger, rising 7% from the 71,022 units recorded in Oct 2024. Passenger vehicle sales climbed to 70,321 units, marking a 7.4% year-on-year (YOY) increase, while commercial vehicles posted a modest 2% rise to 5,671 units.

Despite the robust Oct performance, cumulative sales from Jan to Oct 2025 are still trailing last year. Total industry volume for the first ten months reached 655,328 units, about 2% lower than the 666,905 units achieved over the same period in 2024. 

YOY passenger vehicles sales dipped slightly to 606,443 units, while commercial vehicles saw a sharper contraction to 48,885 units.

Production numbers reflected a similar cooling trend. Oct output stood at 65,226 units, down 9% from the 71,878 units produced in Oct last year. Year-to-date (YTD) production totalled 617,355 units, also 7% behind the 664,923 units posted in 2024, suggesting manufacturers are pacing output more conservatively even as retail activity picks up.

MAA expects the positive momentum to carry into Nov 2025 as consumers continue to take advantage of promotions and make final purchasing decisions before the CBU BEV incentive window closes.