Malaysia's auto sales overtake Indonesia in 2025 to top Southeast Asia

EV-driven Vietnam, which is in 4th position, closes in on Thailand

20260216 Malaysia Perodua Q-Ve

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim launching Perodua Q-Ve, the nation’s first home grown EV car model by the second national car brand. (Photo by Ahmad Mustakim)

ATSUSHI TOMIYAMA, NATSUMI KAWASAKI and KENTARO TAKEDA

February 28, 2026 12:30 JST

Auto sales in Malaysia surpassed those of Indonesia in 2025, making it Southeast Asia's top market for the first time, and marking the first change in the top spot since Indonesia overtook Thailand in 2014.

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