KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 19 — Honda Malaysia is gung-ho about the 2017 automotive market for Malaysia, and has predicted that the total industry volume (TIV) will grow slightly in 2017 to hit 600,000 units, an increase of 20,000 units against the 580,000 units TIV for 2016.

Honda Malaysia’s CEO, Mr Katsuto Hayashi said at a media gathering on 16th February that the Malaysian TIV dipped below 600,000 units for the first time in recent years, and believes that despite the market situation, demand will pick up to hit 600,000 by the end of this year.

In 2016, Honda Malaysia sold 91,830 cars, a drop of 3.2 per cent over its 2015 sales figure, and achieved 1st position in the non-national segment for the second year in a row, and second overall in the total market. For the year 2016, Honda Malaysia also recorded a 15.8 per cent increase in market share. On Honda’s Global Market share position, Malaysia holds the distinction of being Honda’s 2nd highest market share ranking.

Honda believes the market growth will be contributed by its own target objectives, which is to increase sales by approximately 10,000 units to hit its 2017 target of 100,000 units, and contributions from the national makers. Honda estimates the 10,000 units is what is necessary to maintain its current market position.

In order to achieve its sales objectives, Honda will be launching at least four new models for 2017, starting with the new Honda City, which will be appearing very soon. The BR-V, Honda’s new small Cross-over with a capacity of 7 seats, will also be a major contributor – hardly a month after its launch, there is an order ‘bank’ of more than 7,000 units.

Hayashi stated that they are ramping up production to meet demand, and hopes to satisfy all of these 7,000 outstanding orders by end of March. According to Honda’s January 2017 registration figures, the BR-V makes up 24 per cent of sales, the HR-V took up 19 percent, the City made up 17 per cent, while the balance of sales were made up of Honda’s other models.

The media got a first look at the face-lifted 2017 City during the media gathering – Built on the success of the current 4th Generation City, Honda believes that the new City will be the new B-segment leader with a good combination of performance, comfort and safety features, designed to fulfil the needs of everyone. The current City has garnered more than 100,000 units sales since its launch in 2014.