KUALA LUMPUR: UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) hopes to finish the year on a high note by introducing hybrid electric vehicles and strengthening its position in the domestic market.
The Japanese marque that carriers brands like Toyota and Lexus is finalising the launch of Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, its first locally-assembled hybrid electric vehicle.
The new Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is one of the hybrid models that underwent pre-production activities at UMWT's assembly plant in Bukit Raja, Selangor.
UMWT deputy chairman Akio Takeyama said the response has been good since the company opened for bookings for the new Corolla Cross Hybrid.
"Many Malaysians are keen to switch to hybrid electric vehicle technology. Toyota has been producing hybrid electric vehicles since the late 1990s and has constantly improved and advanced the technology so that Malaysians will benefit from this long experience," he said in a statement today.
He said many quality processes must be completed to ensure that the cars delivered would be the highest standard in every respect.
"I would also add that once the car is delivered, the new owners will also be assured of an ownership experience of the highest standard," Takeyama added.
The new Corolla Cross Hybrid has an estimated price of RM137,000 (without insurance) and comes with a five-year unlimited mileage factory warranty.
Additionally, a separate eight-year unlimited mileage warranty covers the hybrid battery pack, inverter, and power management control unit.
Customers can also extend their warranty for a further two years to make it a total of 10 years, the first such warranty in the local industry.
Bookings can be made at any authorised Toyota dealer or UMWT branch showroom nationwide.
Meanwhile, UMWT recorded a total sales of 8,486 units in November 2021, comprising 6,620 passenger cars and 1,866 commercial vehicles, including pick-ups.
Toyota Motor president Ravindran K said Toyota and Lexus sales mirrored the total industry volume (TIV) of November, which is expected to be less than the October TIV.
However, demand for the two brands remains strong, and the difference was only 14 units compared to the total volume for October, when the total number sold nationwide was 8,500 units.
From January to November 2021, total sales for the Toyota and Lexus brands increased 26 per cent to 63,105 units from 50,074 units sold in the same period in 2020.
Among the passenger car models, the Vios continued to be the bestselling Toyota model, accounting for 33 per cent of sales, while the Hilux continued to be the bestselling pick-up truck in Malaysia, a position it has held since 2005.
"The continued growth of the market is a sign that we are steadily progressing towards recovery. However, the New Normal means that some things have to be done differently.
"We have to be conscious of standard operating procedures. At Toyota, we have adapted our processes accordingly.
"Customers can visit our showrooms or send their vehicles to authorised service centres with peace of mind that they are protected health-wise," he said.
Ravindran said UMWT would offer great deals with 'Now Is The Time' promotion, as consumers can save up to RM5,500 on selected models during the year's final month.
He said that the government's ongoing sales tax exemption would also translate into additional savings.