UMW Toyota Records Slower January Sales, Down 12% to 4,700 Units

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) started 2026 on a softer note, reporting vehicle sales of 4,700 units in January, down about 12.4% year-on-year from 5,363 units recorded in the same month last year.

The slower performance reflects a changing automotive landscape in Malaysia, where consumer preferences are gradually shifting towards electrified vehicles, supported by government policies aimed at accelerating electric vehicle (EV) adoption.

Despite the year-on-year dip, UMW Toyota described January as a steady opening in a highly competitive market, citing consistent demand across its core segments backed by a broad and well-established product lineup.

UMWT president Datuk Ravindran K said the company remains focused on delivering long-term value and reliability to customers, guided by Toyota’s “Best in Town” approach.

“Chinese New Year is a time of renewal and togetherness, and for many Malaysians it also involves travelling to be with family. During the festive period, peace of mind on the road matters even more,” he said, adding that dependable vehicles and trusted aftersales support allow families to travel with confidence and focus on what matters most.

As part of its longer-term strategy, UMW Toyota continues to advance its Multipathway approach, offering a mix of mobility technologies to meet customers at different stages of adoption rather than pushing a single solution.

Supporting this strategy is the company’s local hybrid battery assembly facility at its Bukit Raja plant, which can assemble up to 30,000 hybrid battery units annually. 

The facility strengthens supply resilience while supporting the scalable adoption of hybrid vehicles in Malaysia.

Ownership support has also been enhanced through the Toyota Extend programme, introduced in December last year. 

The programme offers eligible customers extended warranty coverage beyond the standard period, helping to improve ownership confidence and long-term vehicle value.

In conjunction with the Chinese New Year festive season, the firm is rolling out promotions across selected models, with benefits worth up to RM9,500 and monthly instalments starting from RM658.