Future opportunities to rise in ridesharing market
KUCHING: Malaysia’s vehicle sales is forecast to reach 586,200 units in 2017 at a growth rate of 1.9 per cent.
According to researchers Frost & Sullivan, with the expected stabilisation of crude oil prices in 2017, Malaysia’s economy is expected to recover from the market slowdown that it witnessed in 2015 and 2016.
Vivek Vaidya, senior vice president of mobility at Frost & Sullivan, expected the ringgit to stabilise this year although it is not likely to strengthen much.
“However, the sharp decline the currency witnessed in 2016 is not likely to repeat in 2017,” he said in a note yesterday.
“Stability in the ringgit will also trickle down and bring stability to prices of imported parts as well as Complete Built-Up (CBU) models.
“Economic recovery will bring positivity to the market, reduce prices, create jobs and increase purchasing power. This will drive the sales of passenger vehicles.”
Launch of key models in 2H of 2016 and in 2017 is also likely to have a positive impact on the total industry volume (TIV).
With the launch of Perodua Bezza and Proton Ertiga in 2H16, TIV growth in 2017 is likely to be driven by “mass” passenger cars, particularly energy efficient vehicle ( EEV) models.
Several passenger vehicle models are in the pipeline for launch in 2017.
These include several new product launches and facelift versions of popular models such as Honda City, Honda BR-V, Honda Jazz, Toyota Altis, Mazda CX- 9, and the All-New Peugeot 3008 SUV, and All-New Peugeot 5008 SUV.
Conversely, the strict auto finance loan approval policy by Bank Negara Malaysia will continue to affect TIV in 2017.
This will have a direct impact on the purchase of vehicles in the market and would affect young buyers and small/medium enterprises as they may find it difficult to secure loans.
Recent boosts in public transport and ridesharing may also slowly takeaway the need of buying cars.
“The extension of LRT lines and launch of the MRT in 2016 have further enhanced the public transport modal share in the Klang Valley area.
“There are future opportunities in ridesharing services as it offers a hassle-free option to commuters. Ridesharing compliments public transport infrastructure by offering first and last mile connectivity,” Vaidya added.
Meanwhile on 2016’s automotive performance in Malaysia, Frost & Sullivan observed that vehicle demand fell by approximately 13.4 per cent in 2016 due to an unfavorable economy, depreciation of the ringgit, stringent loan approvals and decline in consumer sentiments.
“Aggressive promotions and launch of new/facelift models acted as drivers for sales growth but were negated by restraints like economic downturn and stringent loan approvals,” Vaidya said.
Passenger vehicles sales reached approximately 512,000 units in 2016, which is a 13.7 per cent decline over 2015.
Passenger cars and MPVs declined where as SUVs grew 8 per cent. Perodua lead the market with 39.9 per cent share of the passenger vehicle segment while Honda claimed second position with a 17.6 per cent market share.
“Honda’s growth has led to a decline in Proton’s market position,” said Vaidya.
“In a declining market, SUVs were the most resilient and witnessed high growth, backed by strong sales of the Honda HR-V and launch of new and facelift models.”
Despite a decline in the overall vehicle market in Malaysia, the luxury cars market increased by 3.9 per cent. Mercedes-Benz lead the market with nearly half the market share at 48.1 per cent while BMW followed closely behind at 36.4 per cent.
“Mercedes-Benz further consolidated its position with the launch of new key models such as the C & E class,” said Mr. Vaidya. “Price reduction for BMW’s cars resulted in better sales in 2016.”
Vaidya further highlighted that commercial vehicle sales declined 16.0 per cent to 63,300 units in 2016. Unfavourable business sentiment caused by the slowing economy led to the overall commercial vehicles demand being depressed throughout the year.
“Several infrastructure projects were stalled or were running behind schedule although the Government’s Mega Infra projects continued as planned. Pick-up sales were significantly impacted and sales of other trucks also declined.”
In spite of losing 6.7 per cent of its market share, Toyota continued to lead the commercial vehicles segment. Isuzu saw a sharp rise in market share with a facelift launch while strong pick-up sales resulted in a higher market share for Nissan.