UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) reports strong growth in sales for the first quarter (Q1) of 2021. The Toyota/Lexus importer and distributor said the total number of new Toyota and Lexus vehicles sold in the first 3 months of the year were more than 17,000 units with a market share of approximately 12.1%, an increase of 62% year-on-year compared to the sales volume for the same period in 2020.
Commenting on the achievement, UMWT’s President, Ravindran K., said: “During the first quarter of 2020, the market was already declining due to the pandemic. This year, it’s a different story; with the situation easing as well as the support by the government through the PENJANA program that exempts sales tax partially or fully until June 30 this year, new vehicle sales have been consistently high. In fact, for Toyota, our momentum started in December when we launched the Toyota GR Yaris and Vios GR-Sport which excited the market and set a positive note to enter 2021.”
Bestselling models
The bestselling models were the Vios and the Hilux, the latter being the market leader, accounting for approximately 56% of the pick-up truck market in the first quarter. The updated versions of the Innova and Fortuner were also introduced early in the year with new styling and extra value-added features.
The Yaris hatchback has been consistently leading in its Non-National hatchback segment with Q1 estimated market share of 73%. Meanwhile, the Vios and sportier Vios GR-Sport (GR-S) version saw approximately 5,600 units sold since their launch. With the addition of the sporty, enhanced performance GR-S, the appeal of this model is expected to increase. Furthermore, the Vios Challenge One-Make Race Series that is now in its fourth season has left a strong impression on the public with regards to the dynamic side of the model.
GR Yaris sales exceeded expectations
Sales of the GR Yaris, imported from Japan, exceeded expectations. Most of the units allocated for the Malaysian market (out of 25,000 units for worldwide sales) were booked within a month of launch. The strong response mirrored that in other markets as enthusiasts could not resist owning the competition-ready hatchback that has the world’s most powerful 3-cylinder engine (261 bhp/360 Nm) and the lightest and smallest 1.6-litre turbo unit currently in production.
The GR Yaris (above) is one of three models in Toyota’s high-performance GR brand which are available in Malaysia. The other models are the GR Supra and Vios GR-Sport. These models are exclusively sold through dealerships with the GR Garage that is dedicated to the brand.
Early response to the all-new Toyota Corolla Cross launched in March indicates that it is a winner. With the strong demand, UMW Toyota Motor has been encouraged to consider local assembly of the model to increase available stocks and this could happen by the end of 2021.
“Malaysia has seen strong Toyota sales this year due to improving conditions of the pandemic. With our wider line-up of models and exciting offerings, we are confident that our sales volume will grow steadily this year and certainly exceed the volume recorded in 2020. As always, we thank our loyal customers and also welcome those who are owning a Toyota for the first time,” said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.
Promotions for Hari Raya
With the Hari Raya festive season coming up during the second quarter, UMWT will be running the ‘Countless Rewards’ promotion, encouraging purchases to be made before the sales tax exemption period ends on June 30. The exemption is not only for locally assembled models but also imported ones such as the Alphard, RAV4, GR Supra and Camry.
Financing schemes available include the EZ Beli scheme which offers customers low instalments (depending on the model). Additionally, savings are available with Toyota Service Savers which provides owners lower maintenance cost of their vehicles.
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