KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 20): Malaysia’s vehicle sales rose 31% in January this year from a year earlier, but fell month-on-month due to the year-end rush of deliveries and bargains.

Total industry volume was 65,499 units in January 2024 versus 50,168 units in the same month of 2023, the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) said in a statement. Volume was 16% lower, when compared to that in December 2023.

“Sales in February 2024 is expected to be lower than January 2024” due to the shorter working month from the Chinese New Year holidays, said the trade body, which represents more than a dozen domestic and foreign brands, assemblers, distributors and retailers in the country.

Sales of passenger vehicles totalled 59,394 units in January 2024, a 33% increase from 44,586 units in January 2023, while that of commercial vehicles climbed 9% year-on-year (y-o-y) to 6,105 units, from 5,582 units.

Production of passenger vehicles was up 31% to 71,666 units in January this year, from 54,663 units, while output of commercial vehicles was 14% higher at 4,411 units, against 3,864 units in the same month of 2023.