Perodua confident of selling more cars

PERUSAHAAN Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) expects a two per cent increase in its sales this year, buoyed by the full-year impact of Viva and the continuing strength of Myvi cars.

Managing director Datuk Syed Hafiz Syed Abu Bakar said the motor industry is expected to rebound this year after two years of decline, on the back of new models and salary increments for public servants.

"Two years ago, consumers held back on buying in anticipation of a further decline in car prices. But last year, the sales of Myvi and Viva accounted for about 85 per cent of the volume, and some 46,000 Vivas have been sold since their launch in May last year," he said at the prize presentation ceremony for its "Service and Win" contest winners in Johor Baru last week.

Hafiz said Perodua plans to boost its sales this year with the opening of new sales and service centres and regional training centres in Johor Baru, Kota Baru and Seberang Prai.

Perodua's sales surpassed 160,000 units last year.

"The figure was three per cent higher than the 155,000 units sold in 2006 and 1.5 per cent above the company's target of 158,000 units.

"Our target for this year is 170,000 units and to retain our position as the top vehicle seller in Malaysia," he said.

Meanwhile, Khairul Rizal Ahmad, 35, a wireless operator from South Region Marine Police Department won a Perodua Viva 1.0-Premium car.

The contest was launched in conjunction with the Hari Raya festive season and year-end celebrations from September 15 to December 31 last year. - Bernama