KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 28): Malaysia was only one of two countries in ASEAN that showed a decline in motor vehicle sales in 2017, with total sales falling by 3,450 units to 576,635 from 580,085 in 2016, said the ASEAN Automotive Federation.

Malaysia, it noted, was behind Brunei, the other country with lower sales, which sold 15% less in 2017 at 11,209 units.

However, Malaysia still ranked third amongst regional countries in terms of production, behind Thailand and Indonesia at 1.99 million units and 1.22 million units respectively.

The federation said Malaysia produced a total of 499,639 units of motor vehicles in 2017, down 8% compared with 545,253 units in 2016.

Alongside Malaysia, Vietnam was the only other ASEAN country with declining vehicle production in 2017, with a 17% drop to 195,937 units.

Overall, Myanmar was the fastest growing car market in 2017, as its production more than quadrupled to 4,930 units from 1,152 in 2016. Its sales nearly doubled to 8,225 units from 4,168 in 2016.

Meanwhile, in the sub-segment of motorcycles and scooters, Malaysia produced 11% more at 440,673 units last year, compared with 395,938 units previously. Sales for the segment stood 10% higher at 434,850, versus 396,343 units in 2016.