Malaysia produces between 700,000 and 800,000 light vehicles per year
- Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country with a population of nearly 35 million. Its automotive industry has a long history, dating back to 1967, although Ford had opened a car assembly plant in Singapore as early as 1926, when Singapore was part of Malaysia. Initially dominated by foreign brands, the Malaysian automotive industry established its own national brands in 1983 (Proton) and 1993 (Perodua). Proton produces mid-size cars, while Perodua produces small cars (including Japanese Daihatsu models). Proton was acquired in 2017 by the Chinese company Geely, which acquired a 49.9% stake, with the remaining 50.1% held by domestic companies.
- Malaysian production remained at the level of 500,000 to 600,000 vehicles per year for a long time (particularly between 2005 and 2021), but since 2022, Malaysia has been producing between 700,000 and 800,000 vehicles per year (thanks to a post-Covid recovery), with nearly 50% under the Perodua brand and 20% under the Proton brand. Foreign producers still account for 31% of national production, with the Japanese companies Toyota (13% of production) and Honda (10% of production) as the leaders. Chinese producers are beginning to establish a presence in the country, with Chery as the leading player.
- The Malaysian car market is practically at the same level as production, which means that Malaysia exports few vehicles (around 100,000 per year) and also imports few (around 50,000 per year). The motorization rate of 580 per 1,000 is among the highest in Southeast Asia. The car fleet is estimated at just over 20 million passenger cars.