Malaysia April 2025 Auto Sales Slows by 8.3%

Malaysia’s automotive sector showed signs of slowing in April 2025, with monthly vehicle registrations dropping to 65,200 units, a 8.3% decrease over March's 71,111 units, according to the latest data from data.gov.my.

Petrol-powered vehicles continued to dominate, accounting for 56,204 units, dropping from 64,283 in March. Perodua maintained its stronghold, led by the Bezza (7,527 units), Axia (6,615 units), and Myvi (5,567 units). Proton followed closely, with the Saga (5,069 units) and X50 (2,106 units) also performing strongly. Toyota’s Vios (2,398 units) and Honda’s City (1,518 units) added to the segment’s momentum.

Electric vehicle (EV) registrations saw another sharp month-on-month increase, rising to 2,892 units in April, up from 1,963 units in March - a 47.3% growth. The Proton e.MAS 7 retained its lead with 799 units, while BYD Sealion remained strong with 393 units, followed by the BYD Atto 3 (321 units) and the BYD M6 (190 units).

This continued uptick reflects the growing consumer confidence, variety of models on offer and the market’s anticipation of the end of CBU EV tax exemptions, expected later this year.

Hybrid registrations rose slightly to 4,538 units. Toyota once again led the charge with the Corolla Cross Hybrid (686 units) and GWM’s Haval H6 (282 units). Honda’s CR-V Hybrid and HR-V Hybrid followed at 184 units and 154 units respectively. A surprising new entrant into this list is the Nissan Kicks which shifted 142 units.

Diesel vehicle registrations stood at 3,835 units, with the Toyota Hilux (2,015 units) continuing to top the segment, followed by the Isuzu D-Max (465 units) and the Ford Ranger (344 units), Meanwhile the popular luxury MPV the Kia Carnival did a modest 41 units. The diesel segment remains crucial for commercial and utility vehicles, however has seen an overall decline since the diesel subsidy removal.

As the market enters the second quarter, attention is shifting toward the impending expiration of EV import and excise duty exemptions. This policy shift is likely to prompt a short-term surge in EV purchases as buyers rush to benefit before prices potentially rise.