KUALA LUMPUR (May 6): National carmaker Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) is targeting a 79% export growth to 1,960 units this year, compared to 1,094 units in 2023, as it expands its footprint in Brunei with the introduction of new models.

In 2023, it sold 300 Bezza 1.0L G to Brunei — Perodua’s first and biggest export market. This year, it expects to sell at least the same number of the Bezza, together with 120 units of the Alza AV and H, and 40 units of the Axia AV and G — which it introduced to Brunei this month — bringing its total anticipated sales to Brunei this year to 460 units.

“We foresee 2024 to be our first year of our export expansion, as we are now at a point where the Malaysian automotive ecosystem would be able to cope with the ever-growing demand of our vehicles, both within and outside the country,” said Perodua president and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

He expects growth in Perodua’s exports to continue, as the company aggressively expands its operations and its vendors’ production capabilities.

“Brunei is the first export market we are expanding to without compromising domestic allocation of our vehicles. In fact, we have significantly reduced the waiting period for most of our popular models and even have ready stock for selected models,” Zainal said.

“In addition, our targeted increase in exports will also give greater opportunities for our vendors to grow their sales volume in tandem with the need for spare parts,” he added.