KUALA LUMPUR (March 17): Malaysia's vehicle sales rose 4.13% year-on-year (y-o-y) to 42,784 in February, from 41,088 in February 2020, as traffic volume to showrooms showed much improvement after the lifting of Movement Control Order in certain states.

In a statement, the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) said sales in the month were also 30.32% higher than the 32,829 units registered in January.

Passenger vehicle sales accounted for 37,923 units sold during the month, while commercial vehicle sales stood at 4,861 units.

Year to date, total vehicle sales stood at 75,613 units, down 10.02% from the 84,030 vehicles registered a year ago.

Meanwhile, car production in February grew 11.96% to 45,199 units from 40,371 a year earlier.

Year to date, total vehicle production slipped 1.07% to 84,865 units from 85,787 units a year ago.

MAA expects sales volume in March to be higher than in February due to the rush for deliveries by companies having their financial year ending on March 31, 2021, and the resumption of the Road Transport Department's full services for all types of vehicle transaction.