KUALA LUMPUR, 15 June 2021 – The UMW Group achieved automotive sales of 25,568 units in May 2021, more than doubled the 11,342 units registered in May 2020, which was adversely impacted by the imposition of the Movement Control Order (“MCO”) 1.0 a year ago. Sales surged for both UMW Toyota Motor (“UMWT”) and its associate company, Perodua, mainly driven by new model introduction, festive campaigns and the sales tax exemption despite the challenges brought about by the escalating rate of COVID-19 infections as well as the global shortage of semiconductor chips.
– UMW Toyota Motor’s achieved sales of 7,595 units in May 2021
– Perodua registered sales of 17,973 units in May 2021
UMWT continues its positive sales momentum with sales of 7,595 units in May 2021, 120% higher than the 3,456 units registered in May 2020. Toyota Vios, Yaris and Hilux continue to be UMWT’s best-selling models, cumulatively contributing 78% of total sales for the month of May 2021. The all-new Toyota Corolla Cross and Harrier, and the improved Fortuner and Innova also contributed positively to UMWT’s sales in May. For the first five months of the year, UMWT sold a total of 34,026 vehicles, significantly higher than the 14,052 units registered in the corresponding period of 2020 which was impacted by the MCO 1.0. UMWT targets to sell 62,000 units in 2021.
Perodua registered 17,973 units in May 2021, significantly higher than the 7,886 units recorded a year ago. However, this was lower than the 20,399 units achieved in April 2021, mainly due to the semiconductor chips shortage. Nevertheless, the demand remains strong for all Perodua models. Furthermore, Perodua introduced the refreshed Aruz on 9 May, which offers added convenience and a new colour but maintained the model’s selling price. For the first five months of the year, Perodua delivered a total of 96,281 vehicles, 82% higher than the 52,920 units registered in the corresponding period of 2020 and is on track to achieve its target of 240,000 units this year.
UMW Holdings Berhad’s President and Group CEO, Dato’ Ahmad Fuaad Kenali said, “Demand for UMWT and Perodua vehicles remains strong, with both marques continuing to register healthy sales. However, the semiconductor chips shortage has impacted Perodua’s production and it is exploring various means to overcome this problem. Both UMWT and Perodua have a healthy level of outstanding bookings that can be fulfilled once the chips problem is resolved.”
UMW is fully supportive of the government’s decision to implement the full MCO from 1 to 14 June to contain the spread of COVID-19, which has now been extended to 28 June. Under the MCO 3.0, all assembly plants and showrooms are subject to lockdown and not allowed to operate. However, service centres are allowed to operate at reduced level of operations with strict guidelines to meet our customers’ service requirements. Most of the service centres remain open for those with appointments and subject to strict SOPs. Furthermore, customers are now able to browse the Toyota and Perodua online showrooms or popular e-commerce platforms to place their orders.
Dato’ Fuaad further added, “UMW expects the automotive sales momentum will continue despite the extended MCO 3.0 especially with the extension of the sales tax exemption to 31 December 2021. We are appreciative of the Government’s various measures to support the automotive sector which will hasten the recovery. We wish to also express our appreciation and thank you to our customers for their continuing support of our products and services despite the challenges.”