KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 20): Automotive sales in August rebounded from July’s sharp slump, with 52,312 vehicles sold after the launch of two national car models, representing a 23.2% month-on-month rise.

Despite the sharp rebound, the month’s vehicle sales number or total industry volume, is still down 2.1% on a year-on-year basis, compared with 53,452 vehicles sold in August 2015, marking the 8th straight y-o-y monthly decline.

The figures, released by the Malaysian Automotive Association today, confirms a report by The Edge Financial Daily on Sept 7 that August TIV had rebounded after July’s 27.6% y-o-y decline, which was 26% less than June’s sales, due to the Hari Raya holidays.

Out of the total vehicles sold in August, the passenger vehicle segment accounted for 46,223 units, whereas the remaining 6,089 units were commercial vehicles.

In a statement, MAA attributed the increase to the longer working month of August and the introduction of new models by various manufacturers.

Among them were Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua)’s new affordable sedan Bezza which was launched in end-July, while Proton Holdings Bhd launched its new Persona on Aug 23.

Year-to-date vehicle sales, as at today, stands at 370,242 units. However, this is about 14.8% lower than the 434,390 units sold in the same period last year.

“We are expecting the sales volume for September to maintain at August’s level, due to the introduction of more new models and the continuation of aggressive sales promotional campaigns by car companies,” MAA said.