Premium Carmakers Count On New Launches, EVs

Premium automakers are cautiously optimistic about the auto industry this year, thanks to new model launches and appealing sales tax breaks for electric vehicles (EVs).
BMW Group Malaysia managing director Hans de Visser believes that the government is acting in the best interests of the country, especially given the current global economic challenges.

“We too are impacted by these challenges but as a dynamic premium automaker in Malaysia, we continue to strive for opportunities in these challenging times to be more creative in serving our customers and fans better,” he told StarBiz. De Visser went on to say that this would include new product introductions to excite and stimulate the market, as well as unique and industry-leading ownership and experience programmes to better serve premium segment customers.


“Our commitment also goes beyond introducing premium vehicles and services to the market here, as we are also mobilising more initiatives in electromobility and upskilling of local talents. “All of this will contribute to our shared responsibility in developing and driving the Malaysian automotive industry forward across the segments.”


According to Mercedes-Benz Malaysia chief executive officer and president Sagree Sardien, overall Malaysian automotive sales are expected to decline in 2023 due to factors such as higher borrowing costs, rising vehicle prices due to the reintroduction of the sales tax, and a slowing economy.

“Having said that, the outlook for EVs is promising with the road tax exemptions implemented since last year until end 2025.” She mentioned that the Malaysian Automotive Association expects EV sales to be much higher this year than in 2022 because many new models will be introduced to the market, and sales tax incentives are expected to boost EV sales.

“At Mercedes, we remain cautiously optimistic as we believe in the strength and resilience of the local economy. “We are committed to the local market and will continue to drive interest and excitement with more vehicle introduction for both non-EVs and EVs.” Both companies are excited about the new model launches they have planned for 2023. According to Sagree, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia intends to introduce nearly 20 new luxury models across all of its sub-brands this year.

Meanwhile, de Visser stated that the new BMW Malaysia models will emphasise digitalisation, sportiness, luxury, and "electrified mobility." “In the past months, we have introduced the new BMW 3 Series in three new variants, namely the BMW 320i, BMW 330i and the BMW 330e Plug-in Hybrid.

“We also announced all new EVs such as the BMW i7, while the BMW iX1 will be introduced in Malaysia in the coming months.”

De Visser also stated that the company intends to launch concept vehicles such as the BMW XM and the all-new BMW M2 to excite the premium performance coupe segment in Malaysia. According to both companies, 2022 will be a good year for the premium car segment.

Sagree said 2022 was an “exciting year” for Mercedes-Benz Malaysia with the introduction of several important models such as the Mercedes-EQ, Mercedes-Maybach and Mercedes-AMG. Meanwhile, de Visser stated that the group delivered over 14,400 vehicles across the BMW, MINI, and BMW Motorrad portfolios, cementing its position as the premium segment leader in Malaysia for the third year in a row. Source: TheStar