KUALA LUMPUR: Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd's (Perodua) production has increased to 51,134 units in the first two months, up 32.95 per cent from 38,460 units in the same period last year.
Perodua's sales jumped 33 per cent to 46,385 vehicles from 34,865 vehicles a year ago.
The company attributed the increase to improved efficiency in terms of production, better financing facilities to its dealers and greater communications both within the ecosystem as well as with customers.
"While there are still ongoing challenges with the supply of semiconductor chips, cost increases – among others but despite these challenges, we managed to see double-digit growth in our production and sales," said Perodua president and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad.
He said demand for Perodua vehicles remained healthy and Perodua was ramping up production to meet the demand.
"As a result, the average waiting period as of Feb 28 is now between 2.5 months and eight months. Of course, this timeframe is subject to the model, variant, and colour. "
He added that Perodua would continue to improve its operations within the ecosystem as well as delivery timing of its customers.
Zainal Abidin said the outlook for the automotive industry and Perodua were positive given that the current economic situation remained stable.
"The current focus now is labour stability, especially for the automotive suppliers to ensure that production can be improved. We also hope that the policymakers continue to engage with the ecosystem on future changes in policies that may impact the industry" he added.