Malaysia March 2020: Coronavirus slashes sales down -60.8%

Malaysia is under a Movement Control Order since March 18.

On March 18, a nationwide “Movement Control Order” which equates to a partial lockdown, was implemented to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Originally scheduled to last until March 31, it was later extended to April 14, April 28 then May 12. As of March 31 there were 2.766 COVID-19 cases in Malaysia and at the time of writing on April 30 there were 6.002, encouragingly showing some of the lowest increase rates in the world over the period. Accordingly, Malaysian March sales stumble down -60.8% year-on-year to 21.446 units, leading to a year-to-date tally down -25.6% to 106.428. Perodua (-63.1%) effortlessly maintains its brand leadership at 40.1% share while Honda (-62.2%) is lifted back up two spots on February to #2 by the much-delayed launch of the new generations Accord and Civic. Proton (-46.6%) and Mazda (-48.4%) resist best in the Top 5 while Toyota (-52.9%) also outpaces the market. Further down, Porsche (-14.3%), Isuzu (-44.7%), Hyundai (-45.5%) and Lexus (-50.9%) are among the best holds.

Previous month: Malaysia February 2020: Perodua at second highest share (46.8%), Proton at highest since 2013 (24.7%)

One year ago: Malaysia March 2019: Proton (+46%), Mercedes (+43.1%) lift market up 9.6%

Full March 2020 Top 40 All-brands ranking below.