UMW Toyota in talks to introduce hybrid cars

 

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd is currently in talks with Japan's Toyota Motor Corp to introduce a hybrid model to the country next year.

"We are looking at the possibility of introducing it. Our marketing division is now negotiating with our principal (in Japan)," UMW Toyota director of New Vehicle Sales Group, Harry Loo Chee Yan told pressmen in Shah Alam yesterday.

Depending on the outcome, Loo hopes the Toyota Prius model could make its way to Malaysian roads next year.

He said Toyota had never intended to introduce hybrid models in Malaysia until the government announced tax incentives in the last Budget.

Budget 2009 has proposed the removal of import duty on hybrid cars and a reduction in excise duty to 50 per cent on imported cars with engine capacity of below 2,000cc for franchise importers.

Loo said the total volume of hybrid cars will depend on the price and if it is made available for the Malaysian market.

Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd is currently the only company importing hybrid cars into the country - its Civic Hybrid.

Meanwhile, UMW Toyota plans to sell 95,000 units of Toyota vehicles this year compared with 93,000 units last year.

It is confident of increasing its market share to 18 per cent this year, from 17 per cent last year.

Loo said sales will driven by the Vios model, namely the more affordable Vios J Grade model.