In November 2025, Malaysia's car registration volume was 77,876 units, a month-on-month decrease of 4.4%, with xEV penetration rate reaching 10.3%.

【PCauto】Data on vehicle registrations for November 2025 in the Malaysian automotive market has been released, showing a total of 77,876 vehicles registered. This represents a 4.4% decrease compared to October's 81,413 units.

Despite the slight monthly decline, the cumulative annual registration volume has surpassed 720,000 vehicles. This leaves a gap of 80,000 vehicles from the annual target of 800,000, indicating the market is maintaining a stable growth trajectory.

Conventional Fuel Vehicles Maintain Dominance

Gasoline vehicle registrations stood at 65,688 units, accounting for 84.3% of the total market. This reflects domestic consumers' continued preference for economical and practical fuel-powered models.

Perodua's models performed particularly well. The Bezza led the gasoline segment with 9,073 units, accounting for 13.8% of total gasoline volume. It was followed by the Axia (7,558 units), Saga (6,571 units), Myvi (5,795 units), and Ativa (4,606 units), further solidifying Perodua's dominance in the mainstream fuel-vehicle market.

The diesel vehicle market showed high concentration, with 4,224 units registered (5.4% of the total market). The Toyota Hilux led decisively with 2,429 units, capturing 57.5% of the diesel segment. It was followed by the Isuzu D-Max, Mitsubishi Triton, Toyota Fortuner, and Ford Ranger. The top five models collectively accounted for 87% of diesel registrations, underscoring that pickup trucks and rugged SUVs remain the primary domain for diesel power.

The xEV Market Shows Steady Growth

In November, registrations for pure electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrid vehicles totaled 7,964 units, accounting for 10.3% of the total market and showing a slight month-on-month increase.

In the pure electric vehicle (BEV) segment, the Tesla Model Y led with 810 units, capturing a 15% share of the BEV market.

The Proton e.MAS 7 followed closely with 786 units, accounting for a 14.5% share.

The Tesla Model 3 (491 units), BYD Atto 3 (440 units), and BYD Seal (427 units) rounded out the top five. These five models together accounted for 62% of the BEV market.

Notably, Perodua's first locally produced BEV, the QV-E, recorded 18 registrations this month. Although the volume is limited, it marks the official entry of a local brand into the BEV sector.

In the hybrid vehicle market, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid led with 549 units. It was followed by the GWM HAVAL H6 Hybrid, Chery Tiggo, Honda CR-V, and HR-V. Together, these top five models accounted for 61% of hybrid vehicle registrations, reflecting intensifying competition between Japanese and Chinese brands in this segment.

xEV Penetration Hits 10.3%, Yet Trails Expectations

With the window for electric vehicle tax incentives closing, the market is experiencing a year-end purchasing surge. Tesla's recent promotional campaigns are particularly notable, with Model Y and Model 3 sales growth partly driven by consumer anticipation of price hikes post-incentive.

In contrast, most brands have clarified plans for localized CKD production by 2026—a move expected to stabilize future prices and boost consumer confidence.

News of BYD hitting a production target of 70,000 vehicles at its Thai plant has also drawn market attention. Whether Malaysia can replicate such success with localized production has become a key industry discussion point.

Overall, the Malaysian automotive market in November 2025 displayed a dual trend: a gradual decline in traditional fuel vehicles alongside a steady rise in xEVs.

With key policy deadlines approaching and continuous technological advancements, the xEV market is poised for a new growth wave in the coming months. Competition between local and international brands in this sector is also set to intensify.

For consumers, the year-end sales season may present an optimal window for xEV purchases. How automakers balance the phase-out of incentives with competitive pricing will be a key factor shaping the market's trajectory.