Malaysia September vehicle registrations jump 19%

Registration figures from the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) reveal that Malaysia’s new vehicle registrations climbed by more than 19% annually to reach 69,609 units in September 2026—an increase from 58,413 units recorded in the same period the prior year.

The sector has grown substantially in recent months, fueled by robust demand for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and backed by increased economic activity. Official figures reveal that gross domestic product expanded by 5.8% year-on-year during the second quarter of 2026.

In the first nine months of 2026, it expanded by 4% to 602,633 units, compared with 579,336 units in the same period a year earlier. A rise of 5% in passenger vehicle registrations lifted that segment to 564,919 units, while commercial vehicle registrations fell by 13% to 37,714 units.

Proton reported a 41% jump in global vehicle sales to 160,886 units in the first nine months, including 7,370 shipments to overseas markets. The Saga was by far its best-selling model with almost 68,237 sales.

The MAA recently raised its full-year 2026 total market forecast to 800,000 units, up from the previous estimate of 790,000 units, after a strong performance in June and July.

Toyota’s domestic sales dropped by approximately 9% to 83,550 units so far this year, with popular vehicles like the Hilux pickup and the Vios compact sedan contributing to the figures. During the same period, Perodua’s sales decreased by nearly 5% to 247,400 units, with the Bezza being its most popular model.

Separate industry data show that sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) doubled to 53,540 units in the first nine months, led by Proton with 24,860 sales, followed by BYD-Denza with 8,520 units and Chery with 3,890 units.

Perodua’s new Traz SUV, QV-E BEV, and Proton’s S70 and X50 sales alongside GlobalData’s light-vehicle forecast

Perodua’s compact sedan Bezza recorded 73,480 units sold year-to-date, making it the brand’s top seller. The company recently introduced the Traz, a compact SUV based on the Toyota Yaris Cross platform. It also launched its first battery-electric vehicle, the QV-E, expanding its electrified portfolio.

Proton’s Geely-based S70 sedan posted 20,709 unit sales, while the X50 compact SUV recorded 20,163 units in the same period. GlobalData projects light-vehicle sales to rise 1% to 837,000 units this year, up from a record 827,000 units last year. A slight dip to 826,000 units is expected in 2027.