SHAH ALAM: UMW Toyota Motor, the sole importer, distributor and assembler of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia, has seen a strong growth in sales for the first quarter (Q1) of 2021.
The total number of new Toyota and Lexus vehicles sold in the first three months of the year were more than 17,000 units with a market share of approximately 12.1%, an increase of 62% year-on-year compared to the sales volume for the same period in 2020.
UMW Toyota Motor president Ravindran K. said the market was already declining due to the Covid-19 pandemic during the first quarter of 2020.
"This year, it’s a different story, with the situation easing as well as the support by the government through the Penjana programme that exempts sales tax partially or fully until June 30 this year, new vehicle sales have been consistently high.
"In fact, for Toyota, our momentum started in December when we launched the Toyota GR Yaris and Vios GR-Sport which excited the market and set a positive note to enter 2021,” he said.
UMW Toyota Motor deputy chairman Akio Takeyama said the improving conditions of the pandemic has also helped the company boost its sales.
"With our wider line-up of models and exciting offerings, we are confident that our sales volume will grow steadily this year and certainly exceed the volume recorded in 2020," he said.
He also said the company would continue its order-taking for both the 1.8G and 1.8V variants of the recently launched all-new Toyota Corolla Cross with the locally assembled units available for delivery towards Q4.
The best-selling Toyota models locally were the Vios and the Hilux that continues to be the market leader, accounting for approximately 56% of the pick-up truck market for the first quarter.
The updated versions of the Innova and Fortuner were also introduced early in the year with fresh new styling and extra value-added features.
The Yaris has been consistently No. 1 in the Non-National hatchback segment with Q1 estimated market share of 73%.
The Vios and Vios GR-Sport has also achieved positive response with approximately 5,600 numbers sold since their launch.
With the addition of the sporty, enhanced performance Vios GR-Sport version, the appeal of this variant is expected to increase.
Furthermore, the Vios Challenge One-Make Race Series has entered its fourth season, providing a strong impression on the public with regards to the dynamic side of the model.
Sales of the GR Yaris also exceeded expectations with most of the units allocated for the Malaysian market (out of 25,000 units for worldwide sales) booked within a month of the local launch.
In addition to the Hari Raya festive season coming up during the second quarter, UMW Toyota Motor would be running the 'Countless Rewards' promotions for customers to drive Toyota for Raya and catch it before the SST exemption period ends on June 30.
The EZ Beli financing scheme is offering customers low instalments, depending on the model bought, while Toyota Service Savers will be providing Toyota owners with lower maintenance cost of their vehicles.
