KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 14): The UMW group notched automotive sales of 28,785 units in November 2021, riding on strong demand. 

In a statement on Tuesday (Dec 14), the group said both UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) and UMW’s associate company Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) registered healthy sales following easing of the full movement control order (FMCO) restrictions.

It said UMWT registered 8,486 units in November 2021, similar to sales registered in October 2021. 

Toyota Vios continued to be the marque’s bestselling model in November 2021, followed by the Hilux and Yaris. 

Year to date (YTD) — as of November 2021 — UMWT had sold 63,105 units, 26% higher than the 50,074 units registered in the corresponding period last year. 

UMW said the improved sales were mainly due to the introduction of new models as well as the sales tax exemption.

It said UMWT will be launching the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid this month, its first locally assembled model with hybrid electric technology, which will pave the way for more hybrid and electric vehicle products in the future.

It said that in November 2021, Perodua registered 20,299 units, 27.1% lower than the record-breaking monthly registration of 27,858 units achieved in October 2021, mainly due to intermittent disruptions to production caused by supply chain issues. 

YTD, Perodua had delivered a total of 167,250 units, 14.2% lower than the 194,980 units registered in the corresponding period of 2020, mainly due to the FMCO and partly the semiconductor chip shortage.  

UMW said Perodua is aiming for its highest-ever monthly registration in its history with at least 30,000 units in December 2021 as it targets to end the year with over 200,000 units sold. 

For 2022, Perodua is targeting to sell at least 240,000 units, barring any further lockdown or semiconductor chip issues.

UMW Holdings Bhd president and group chief executive officer Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Kenali said the group expects the automotive sales momentum to continue in December and next year, supported by the introduction of new models and year-end promotions and extension of the sales tax exemption. 

“We are appreciative of the government’s initiatives to support the automotive sector, which will hasten its recovery. 

“We wish to also express our appreciation and thank you to our customers for their continuing support of our products and services,” he said.

UMW Holdings was last traded at RM3, valuing the group at RM3.51 billion.