KUALA LUMPUR: Hong Leong Investment Bank Bhd (HLIB) has maintained its 2025 total industry volume (TIV) forecast at 770,000 units, representing a 5.8 per cent year-on-year decline and slightly below the Malaysian Automotive Association’s (MAA) 780,000-unit projection.
This follows a 21.5 per cent month-on-month drop in September sales to 58,500 units amid plant maintenance and a shorter working month. Year-to-date, TIV fell 2.8 per cent to 579,300 units.
HLIB expects national carmakers to sustain momentum next year, while foreign marques face tighter competition from new entrants offering improved designs and aggressive pricing.
Sector earnings are forecast to contract in 2025 due to weaker volumes and higher operating costs, though the impact could be cushioned by a stronger ringgit, it added. – BERNAMA
