Sept 2025 Vehicle Sales Down 20%, But EVs Edge Up 2%

Malaysia’s car market eased in Sept 2025 with 62,598 new vehicles registered, reflecting a 20.7% decline from Aug’s 78,978 units, based on data from data.gov.my. Even so, year-to-date registrations reached 614,068 units, keeping overall momentum intact heading into the final quarter.

Petrol-powered vehicles remained dominant, accounting for 83.6% of total registrations with 52,309 units, though volumes were 23% lower than Aug’s 67,897. The Perodua Bezza continued its reign as Malaysia’s top seller with 6,733 units, followed by the Proton Saga (5,717), Perodua Axia (5,689), and Myvi (4,521).

Diesel registrations came in at 4,359 units, a 7.6% dip from Aug’s 4,718. The Toyota Hilux once again dominated the segment with 2,502 units, ahead of the Isuzu D-Max (579), Mitsubishi Triton (472), and Ford Ranger (219). 

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were the month’s bright spot, recording 3,532 registrations, a 2.1% increase from Aug’s 3,461. The Proton e.MAS 7 led again with 757 units, followed by the Tesla Model Y (389) and BYD Atto 3 (302). Tesla’s Model 3 (296) and the BYD Atto 2 (285) completed the top five.

Hybrid models ended Sept with 2,398 registrations, a 17.3% decrease from August’s 2,901. The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid remained the top choice with 602 units, followed by the GWM Haval H6 (455) and Chery Tiggo (211). 

While total volumes softened in Sept, the market remains resilient. Petrol continues to lead, diesel holds steady, and electrified vehicles - BEVs and hybrids combined - now make up 9.5% of total registrations, up from 7.8% in Aug.

Additionally EV demand is set to spike in the coming months, as Budget 2026 did not extend the current tax exemptions for fully imported (CBU) models. With incentives ending by year-end and prices expected to climb by 30% or more next year, many buyers and fence-sitters are likely to rush to secure their EVs before the window closes.