KUALA LUMPUR (July 26): Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) expects the local automotive industry to be "very challenging" in the second half of 2016, from fierce competition amid tepid consumer sentiment.

President and chief executive officer Datuk Dr Aminar Rashid Salleh hopes its newly-launched sedan, Bezza, will tide the car maker over the tough situation.

He is expecting Perodua's sales to be driven by Axia and Bezza sales, over the next six months.

As at today, Bezza's booking has reached 10,115 units, with 500 deliveries since it was launched on July 21.

"We began mass production of the Bezza since last month and have a ready stock of 7,000 units as at July 21. By the end of this month, we expect to have 9,000 units ready for delivery nationwide," Aminar told a news conference today.