Its president Ravindran K said the ongoing Movement Control Order which began on June 1 had caused many business sectors to remain closed.
“While accepting that the Government has had to act for the good of the country, it has presented a challenge for the company,” he said in a statement.
Ravindran said the continued closure of all Toyota and Lexus showrooms nationwide meant that no business could be conducted; while at the same time manufacturing of vehicles including the supply chain and logistic efforts have also come to a halt.
Ravindran said the move had an impact and on the auto sector and caused new vehicle sales for the whole industry to drop tremendously in the month of June.
“We still have an encouraging order bank for the various models. Nevertheless, we are hopeful that the restrictions of the lockdown can be eased to allow us to operate in a limited and safe way.
“Naturally, we will abide by all Standard Operating Procedures, as we have during the past year,” he said.
While the showrooms remain closed, the public can still obtain detailed information about Toyota and Lexus vehicles at their respective websites – toyota.com.my and lexus.com.my.
They can find out about the models available in Malaysia and the attractive financing schemes for different requirements. Bookings can also be made online.
Ravindran reminded customers of the exemption of Sales & Service Tax (SST) has been extended until the end of 2021.
The exemption covers both locally-assembled and imported Toyota and Lexus models and provide meaningful savings.
“We encourage customers to make their bookings online as we can then plan production at our two assembly plants to minimize waiting time when the restrictions are lifted, to enable customers to enjoy the current financial incentives,” he said.
Selected UMW Toyota Motor Service Centres are still operate according to the provisions by the state and local authorities, to ensure that vehicle owners can obtain assistance in emergencies.
24/7 assistance is available by calling the Toyota and Lexus Helplines at 1-800-888-247 and 1800-225-3987, respectively.
Meanwhile, UMW Toyota Motor deputy chairman Akio Takeyama said: “While the government has formulated a National Recovery Plan (NRP) in four phases, we are still in Phase 1, which is the most restrictive. The current situation also makes planning for recovery difficult.”
"Prolonged restrictions on vehicle production can have an impact not just on passenger vehicles but also commercial vehicles, which are essential for transportation of goods around the country.
“Furthermore, export business will be affected as well as our subsidiaries export a substantial amount of automotive components as part of Toyota’s global supply chain.
“If this situation continues for long, we are concerned that our overseas customers may look for new suppliers as they cannot have their own production delayed due to shortage of parts from Malaysia.
“This could have an impact on Malaysia’s economy as a whole if export business declines,” he added.
UMW Toyota Motor's recent plans to further the initiatives for carbon neutrality through the manufacturing of Hybrid Electric Vehicles could be affected by the prolonged shut down of its manufacturing plant.
Takeyama, who is also Chief Motorsports Officer of Gazoo Racing Malaysia, said the ongoing pandemic and strict MCO conditions do not allow running of public events.
“This includes motorsports so the fourth season of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival (TGR Festival) and Vios Challenge are on hold.
“Let us all do our part and pray that the number of Covid-19 cases quickly reduces, and the government will be able to relax the regulations to allow public events,” he said.
