Perodua has been making waves over the past few days with a string of major announcements covering production plans, investments, and their much-awaited first EV. So, let’s dive in!
Production & Market Share
In a surprising move, Perodua is set to scale back its production target for 2025. CEO Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad confirmed this during a recent press dinner, stating that production will drop by 4.9% to 350,000 units from the 368,100 vehicles assembled in 2024. As a result, registrations are also expected to decline by 3.7% to 345,000 units, down from 358,102 in 2023.
Despite this, Perodua’s market share is set to climb, thanks to the Malaysian Automotive Association’s (MAA) latest total industry volume (TIV) forecast of 780,000 units for 2025. With these figures, the Rawang-based automaker is poised to increase its share from 43.8% to 44.2%.
Investments & Future Models
Looking ahead, Perodua is doubling its capital expenditure (capex) to RM1.6 billion in 2025. The bulk of this investment will go into research & development (R&D), boosting the brand’s self-reliance in new model development—most notably, the EMO-II concept EV. Additional funds will support production enhancements, supplier development, and workforce expansion.
As of 2024, Perodua overtook Honda to become ASEAN’s second-largest automaker, shifting 303,000 units, while Proton trailed in fifth place with 148,000 vehicles.
Demand remains strong, with a backlog of 68,000 orders—28,000 of which already have approved loans and are awaiting stock. Meanwhile, Perodua’s after-sales service intake hit a record 3.438 million units, reflecting a 10.6% increase from 2023.
Perodua’s First EV & Battery Leasing Scheme
One of the biggest revelations was confirmation that Perodua’s upcoming EV will feature a battery leasing scheme—a first for the brand. Zainal explained that this model is the fairest and most effective way to keep the car’s selling price reasonable. While he initially avoided giving a specific figure, a hint later in the discussion suggested an RM80,000 ballpark price.
A key challenge is that Perodua’s typical buyers aren’t keen on losing significant resale value. To tackle this, Perodua is partnering with battery giant CATL, ensuring its production EV (based on the EMO-II concept) will adopt LFP-type battery packs. This upcoming Myvi-sized electric hatch is expected to boast a range of at least 400 km.
To further support EV adoption, Perodua has inked an agreement with Gentari, Petronas’ green energy arm, to establish a network of EV chargers at Perodua service centres. More details will emerge as we approach the EV’s debut towards the end of the year.
Upcoming Models & Refreshes
Beyond the EV, Perodua is also preparing to launch its own version of the Toyota Yaris Cross, codenamed D66B. Originally planned for 2024, the model’s debut was delayed due to the Daihatsu safety scandal. However, Zainal has now confirmed that the launch is back on track and will take place before Perodua’s EV arrives. While he remained tight-lipped about whether the model will feature a hybrid powertrain, it’s worth noting that the Yaris Cross Hybrid is already marketed in neighbouring countries.
On the sedan front, Perodua’s Bezza—currently the oldest model in the lineup—is set for a successor in 2027 or 2028. Development is already underway, as confirmed by Perodua Vice President Datuk Ahmad Suhaimi Hashim during the 2023 Asian Compact Sedan Design Challenge (ACSDC). Interestingly, the next-gen Bezza will be based on a winning design from this event.
Several other models are also due for an update. The third-generation Myvi and the Ativa crossover are prime candidates for a refresh, though no specific timelines were given. Given that the Myvi received a major upgrade in 2022, it’s likely that the Ativa will be refreshed first. Expect subtle styling tweaks, interior refinements, and updated features in typical Perodua fashion.
Final Thoughts
With a packed roadmap featuring new models, major investments, and the launch of its first EV, Perodua is gearing up for an exciting year ahead. Despite the production cut, the brand is clearly playing the long game, focusing on sustainability, technological advancement, and market expansion. As always, we’ll be keeping an eye out for more updates—watch this space!
Source: Caricarz 1, Caricarz 2, Autobuzz
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