MALAYSIA’S automotive sector began 2026 on a robust footing, with total industry volume rising 27 per cent year-on-year in January, driven largely by spillover demand from new model launches at the end of last year.
The Malaysian Automotive Association said total industry volume (TIV) climbed to 64,298 units in January 2026, up from 50,449 units in the same month a year earlier.
“TIV in January 2026 was higher compared with the same period last year due to the spillover effect from new model launches at the end of 2025.
“In terms of sales by segment, passenger vehicles increased by 28 per cent to 60,369 units compared with 47,019 units last year.
“Commercial vehicle sales rose by 15 per cent to 3,929 units compared with 3,430 units in the same period,” it said.
Passenger vehicle sales accounted for the bulk of the increase, jumping 28 per cent year-on-year to 60,369 units from 47,019 previously. Commercial vehicle sales also recorded growth, rising 15 per cent to 3,929 units compared with 3,430 units a year earlier.
However, the association noted that January’s performance represented a significant pullback from December 2025, when total industry volume (TIV) reached 90,716 units — the highest monthly total in the history of Malaysia’s automotive industry.
On a month-on-month basis, January 2026 TIV was 29 per cent lower than December 2025.
The decline was attributed to advance purchases made in December, which pushed figures to record levels before the year-end.
Looking ahead, the association expects February 2026 sales to remain moderate due to a shorter working month of 17 days following the Chinese New Year holidays.
On the production front, total vehicle output in January 2026 rose six per cent year-on-year to 60,866 units, compared with 57,450 units in January 2025.
“Passenger vehicle production increased by six per cent to 57,367 units compared with 54,345 units, while commercial vehicle production rose by 13 per cent to 3,499 units compared with 3,105 units,” it said. - February 16, 2026
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