KUALA LUMPUR: Total vehicle sales in March this year rose 33.6% to 67,314 units from 58,924 units in the same month last year, reported Bernama today, quoting the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA).

The association said this was the second highest monthly total industry volume (TIV) recorded since the 68,451 units it saw in July 2013.

"The higher TIV was due to attractive offers and incentives given by car companies to clear stocks prior to the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST)," said MAA in a statement.

It said the sale of passenger vehicles in March increased to 59,318 units from 52,127 units in the same month last year while commercial vehicle sales rose to 7,996 units from 6,797 units.

Meanwhile, total vehicle production was higher at 60,085 units in March from 50,382 units registered in the same month last year.

Passenger vehicle production rose to 55,183 units from the 46,807 units and commercial vehicle production increased to 4,902 units from 3,575 units.

As for outlook this month, MAA said sales were expected to be lower than March as the market would begin to normalise after the GST implementation.