KUALA LUMPUR: Sales for Malaysia’s automotive sector rose 17% to 72,113 units in April 2026, compared with 61,807 units in the same month a year ago, according to the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA).

The association said passenger vehicle sales increased 19% to 67,893 units from 57,231 units previously, while commercial vehicle sales declined 8% to 4,220 units from 4,576 units.

On a month-on-month basis, MAA noted that total industry volume (TIV) in April 2026 rose 14% from March 2026, marking two consecutive months of growth.

The higher TIV is mainly supported by the increased production volumes following the Raya plant shutdown in March, as well as sales contribution from new model launches.

Meanwhile, total vehicle production rose 25% year-on-year to 70,611 units in April from 56,602 units previously.

Passenger vehicle production climbed 25% to 66,351 units, while commercial vehicle production rose 26% to 4,260 units.

For the first four months of 2026, total vehicle sales edged up 2% to 254,318 units from 250,239 units in the corresponding period last year.

However, cumulative production for the January-April period slipped 2% to 229,988 units from 234,205 units a year ago.

“Sales is expected to maintain the current momentum in May 2026,” MAA said.