According to Datuk Jacob, apart from the crisis, inflation, commodity prices fluctuation and foreign exchange rates are also factors that are causing the uncertainties in the economy. He said “For the first four months of this year, the total production of vehicles was 153,583 units, a drop of 12.7 per cent when compared to the corresponding period of 2008. Only 138,890 units of passenger vehicle were produced compared to 159,421 units previously,which is a decrease of 12.9 percent while Commercial vehicle too have not been spared, with 14,693 units produced compared to the 15,658 units in the same period last year — a drop of 6.1 percent,"
He also reported on the sales of vehicles for the east Malaysian state of Sarawak where sales had dropped by 2.5%. he said “Of the 10,711 units sold, 8,753 units were passenger cars while 1,958 were commercial vehicles. Malaysian companies must increase efficiency and competitiveness for the future of the industry. They should widen their existing product range and expand into regional and global markets, besides seeking alliances with manufacturers and suppliers. In the long term, cheap financing and price discounts, rising income levels and infrastructure developments, will provide the impetus for the industry's growth,"
Even under such circumstances, Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd is recording some very positive results where they have rolled out more than 14,000 vehicles in the first 4 months. According to Toru Takahashi, its Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director, "We are also proud of the fact that Honda Malaysia has now gained the top spot in the non-national car segment within the same period after capturing a 38 percent market share,"
