Malaysian automotive heavyweight Perodua has set their sights high this year, with a targeted annual sales number of 240,000 cars before the year is up. This marks a meagre 9% increase over the 220,163 cars that they sold in 2020, with demand spiking as a result of the sales tax exemption offered by the Government. 

In 2019, Perodua sold 240,341 cars and set an initial target of 240,000 sales in 2020. But as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sg. Choh company revised its targets to 210,000 sales for 2020, which it comfortably exceeded by some 10,163 vehicles. 

Last year’s numbers were contributed most by the Perodua Myvi, with some 66,330 cars sold. This was followed closely by 59,651 Perodua Axias, 56,996 Perodua Bezzas, 22,494 Perodua Aruz SUVs, and 14,691 Perodua Alzas. Against a total industry volume (TIV) of 529,434 units, Perodua netted a marketshare of 41.6%.

“With the extension of the sales tax exemption to end-June 2021, recent COVID-19 vaccine developments and all our models continuing to be in demand, we believe 2021 to be the year of recovery.”

– Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad, President & Chief Executive Officer, Perodua

Dato’ Zainal added that Perodua and the Malaysian automotive ecosystem as a whole appreciates the support for the industry, and will extend its full cooperation to the government in ensuring that tall standard operating procedures (SOPs) are followed, with regards to COVID-19. Dato’ Zainal also said that with the estimated recovery of Perodua’s sales volume, the carmaker is expected to hit make a record RM6.5-billion in component purchases from the local automotive ecosystem in 2021. 

“With 2020 ending better than previously expected for Perodua and the industry, we are looking to increase our stock by boosting our production target to 272,000 vehicles this year – the highest in our history. This increase [in production targets] will replenish our stock to ensure brisk delivery this year. We thank all Malaysians for making us the nation’s best-selling carmaker for 15 successive years.”

– Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad, President & Chief Executive Officer, Perodua

On the after sales side, Perodua expects to see service intakes grow some 20% from the 2-million units seen in 2020 to 2.4-million units in 2021, comprising both new and current customers. Perodua will continue its efforts to transform its approach in every aspect, “be it in customer engagement, values, or even our operations, especially in our sales arm,” said Dato’ Zainal.

This approach will be dubbed ‘Perodua Smart Build,’ and will “revolutionise Perodua’s offerings while further improving the compact car company’s operational capabilities.” More information and impact of Perodua Smart Build will be announced in the “near future.”