Malaysia's September exports surge 54.5pct as trade surplus extends to 77th straight month

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia's new vehicle sales increased by 19 percent year-on-year to 69,609 units in September 2026, according to the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA). However, demand slightly slowed from the previous month, with consumers exercising caution ahead of the 2027 Budget announcement. Sales of passenger vehicles surged by 21.5 percent to 64,835 units, up from 53,352 units a year ago, while commercial vehicle sales dropped by 7.1 percent to 4,774 units, down from 5,138 units.

For the first nine months of 2026, the total industry volume (TIV) climbed by four percent to 602,633 units, compared to 579,336 units in the same period last year. Passenger vehicle sales grew by five percent to 564,919 units, whereas commercial vehicle sales fell by 13 percent to 37,714 units.

In terms of production, total vehicle output rose by 10 percent year-on-year to 64,482 units in September, up from 58,413 units a year earlier. Passenger vehicle production increased by 12 percent to 61,134 units, while commercial vehicle output declined by nine percent to 3,348 units. Cumulatively, production for the January-to-September period increased by two percent to 562,207 units, from 552,129 units in the comparable period last year.

The MAA anticipates vehicle sales to pick up in October, driven by year-end promotions.