Expected decline in new car prices takes customers’ attention away from used cars
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 12 May 2015 – Used cars have attracted some customers in Malaysia as they are typically 30 percent cheaper than their brand-new counterparts. Proton and Perodua have been the most popular brands in the used-car market, followed by Toyota and Honda. Low price, low cost of spare parts, and high resale value have primarily influenced customers’ brand preferences. Over the last few years, however, customer interest in used cars has been declining owing to intense price competition from new cars. In fact, approximately 60 percent of car buyers every year have been selling their used cars to purchase new cars.
Consequently, used-car sales volumes are expected to fall from 394,000 units in 2014 to 300,700 units in 2020. More details of the market scenario are provided in the new analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Strategic Insight into Used-Car Market in Malaysia(http://bit.ly/1xiX8MS).
For complimentary access to more information on this research, please visit: http://corpcom.frost.com/forms/APAC_PR_AChia_P83B-18_19Jan15.
With the announcement of the National Automotive Policy 2014, which aims to reduce new car prices by 20 to 30 percent over the next five years, buyer appetite for used cars has dampened, hurting an already ailing industry. On average, new car prices could be slashed by 1 to 3 percent post implementation of the goods and services tax in 2015. In anticipation of these trends, Malaysians are holding off used-car purchases in favour of the new car market.
“In Malaysia, the used-car market functions in tandem with the new car market. If the prices of new cars fall, so will the prices of used cars,” said Frost & Sullivan Automotive & Transportation Principal Consultant, Mr. Animesh Kumar. “In these circumstances, customers are more likely to invest in new cars rather than used ones.”
Whatever the case may be, the automotive industry will lose access to the majority of buyers – especially from the public services sector – as Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has put a cap on the number of loans that an individual can take. To curb rising household debts, BNM has also raised the Overnight Policy Rate or OPR by 0.25 percentage points, dissuading customers from taking loans and adversely impacting the new and used-car market.
Many used-car dealers in Malaysia have been looking to cut down inventory to decrease exposure should new car prices drop unexpectedly. They have also been more selective in buying trade-ins, selecting only brands and models that can be sold off quickly.
“Used-car dealers should design platform strategies involving mobile apps and virtual technicians to better educate, communicate and build relationships with customers,” advised Mr. Kumar “These measures will enable them to compete with new car manufacturers, who have been implementing aggressive promotional campaigns and offering discounts to customers.”
Strategic Insight into Used-Car Market in Malaysia is part of the Automotive & Transportation (http://www.automotive.frost.com) Growth Partnership Service program. Frost & Sullivan’s related studies include: Emission Control Programs in Key Markets Towards 2020, Key Focus Areas for Steering Technology Development, Future of Mobility in China, and Light, Medium & Heavy Truck and Bus Sales in Select ASEAN Markets. All studies included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.
About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today’s market participants.
Our “Growth Partnership” supports clients by addressing these opportunities and incorporating two key elements driving visionary innovation: The Integrated Value Proposition and The Partnership Infrastructure.
The Integrated Value Proposition provides support to our clients throughout all phases of their journey to visionary innovation including: research, analysis, strategy, vision, innovation and implementation.
The Partnership Infrastructure is entirely unique as it constructs the foundation upon which visionary innovation becomes possible. This includes our 360 degree research, comprehensive industry coverage, career best practices as well as our global footprint of more than 40 offices.
For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Is your organisation prepared for the next profound wave of industry convergence, disruptive technologies, increasing competitive intensity, Mega Trends, breakthrough best practices, changing customer dynamics and emerging economies?
Contact Us: Start the discussion
Subscribe: Newsletter on “the next big thing”
Register: Gain access to visionary innovation
Strategic Insight into Used-Car Market in Malaysia
P83B-18
Contact:
Donna Jeremiah
Corporate Communications – Asia Pacific
P: +61 (02) 8247 8927
F: +61 (02) 9252 8066
E: djeremiah@frost.com
Carrie Low
Corporate Communications – Asia Pacific
P: +603 6204 5910
F: +603 6201 7402
E: carrie.low@frost.com
Melissa Tan
Corporate Communications – Asia Pacific
P: +65 6890 0926
F: +65 6890 0999
E: melissa.tan@frost.com
