KUALA LUMPUR: UMW Holdings Bhd's automotive sales dropped to 32,600 units last month from 35,246 units sold in March due to the disruption in production caused by supply chain issues affecting the automotive industry.

However, in April, strong sales momentum continued as UMW Toyota Motor registered improved sales.

UMW president and group chief executive officer Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Kenali said that despite the many headwinds facing the automotive industry, the company posted positive sales for UMW Toyota (UMWT) and Perodua in April 2022. 

Ahmad Fuad said the persistent supply chain issues had disrupted production in April. 

"Both companies are working closely with their suppliers to minimise the impact on their production schedule and expedite the delivery of vehicles to our customers. 

"We wish to thank our customers for their unwavering support of our products and services," he said.

UMWT registered sales of 6,946 units in April 2022.

Year-to-date (YTD) April 2022, UMWT sold 29,393 units, 11.2 per cent higher than the 26,431 units sold in the corresponding period of 2021.

UMW Group said Toyota Vios, Yaris, Corolla Cross and Hilux were among its best selling models in April.

"The ongoing sales campaigns for Hari Raya such as 'Bersama Lebih Bermakna' are expected to drive sales," it said.

Meanwhile, UMW Group said its associate company Perusahaan Otomotif Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) registered sales of 25,654 units in April 2022, 4.1 per cent lower than the 26,759 units registered in the previous month.

For the first four months of 2022, Perodua sold 87,278 units, 11.5 per cent higher than the 78,308 units registered in the same period of 2021

Perodua's sales are continued to be driven by its top-selling models, namely, the Myvi, Axia and Bezza. 

With the improving demand and positive outlook for the automotive industry in Malaysia, Perodua has set a higher sales target of 247,800 units for 2022. 

The higher sales will be driven by the sales tax exemption and the introduction of new and facelifted models, it added.