Published on June 8th, 2021 | by Amirul Mukminin

UMW Toyota Motor Temporarily Halts Plant And Sales Operations

The company is doing so in a show of solidarity in the fight against the pandemic

The implementation of the two-week total lockdown has led UMW Toyota Motor to temporarily suspend its sales and manufacturing operations. There’s no word on when the company can resume operations but it’s safe to say that it will do so as soon as the restrictions are lifted.

While the non-essential services are shut down for the time being, UMW Toyota Motor president Ravindran K. has assured that the company will continue to provide assistance for emergencies and breakdowns.

Additionally, all vehicles purchased from UMW Toyota Motor and its authorised dealers with existing warranties that are valid and expiring during this period, will enjoy a 30-day extension calculated from the last day of the MCO.

Despite challenging economic conditions, the official distributor of Toyota and Lexus vehicles said it managed to achieve a combined total sales of 7,595 units in May 2021, representing a remarkable increase of 120% compared with the same period last year. The performance is attributed to restored consumer purchasing confidence as well as the exemption of Sales & Service Taxes, which has now been extended until the end of this year.

Here’s the press release with more information:

PRESS RELEASE

With the commencement of the full Movement Control Order on 1 June 2021 nationwide, UMW Toyota Motor has temporarily suspended its sales and manufacturing operations.

“The past few weeks have been challenging for all of us. During these difficult times, we at Toyota and Lexus stand with all of you in solidarity in our fight against the pandemic. We have temporarily shut down our non-essential services. At the same time, we understand that during this time of uncertainty, we can still be of assistance and support. This is why we continue to be here for vehicle emergencies and breakdown,’ said Ravindran K., President, UMW Toyota Motor.

“Also, all vehicles purchased from UMW Toyota Motor or our Authorised Dealers with existing warranties that are valid and expiring during this period, will enjoy a 30-day extension calculated from the last day of the MCO,” he added.

The company recently announced that the sale of Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Malaysia continued on an upward trend, registering a combined total of 7,595 units sold in the month of May 2021, or accounting for a 120% increase compared to the corresponding period in 2020.

The volume was largely driven by models such as the Vios sedan which accounted for 32% of sales, followed by the Yaris five-door hatchback (25%) and the Hilux pick-up truck which contributed 21% of the units sold in May 2021.

The growth was a manifestation of restored consumer purchasing confidence, and buyers rallying to take advantage of additional savings with the exemption of Sales & Service Taxes that has now been extended until 31 December 2021.

“We are extremely grateful to the Government for taking numerous intervention measures to not only safeguard Malaysians from the threat of the pandemic, but in introducing financial and industrial policies to ensure that the pandemic does not have a too severe impact on the economy. This includes a further extension of the SST exemptions which we believe has, and will continue to contribute significantly towards restoring consumer purchasing confidence,” said UMW Toyota Motor Deputy Chairman, Akio Takeyama.

Takeyama added that the impact of the pandemic has been both unpredictable and unprecedented, but the introduction of several new models throughout the year combined with the SST incentives for consumers has helped the local automotive industry to navigate the storm in a position of strength.

Meanwhile, Ravindran K. said the company will continue to extend service excellence to all customers and continue to introduce numerous sales and after sales initiatives that are designed to assist with savings in these difficult times.

“We are here for you. This is an effort that is not only solely on the shoulders of the Government but it involves everyone and all stakeholders. We thank our customers for their continued support and in return, rest assured that we will continue to support you through these challenging times,” he said.

UMW Toyota Motor encourages everyone to stay home, stay safe and to take care of one another. It assures all customers that support, where necessary, will be provided during this period.

“To all of our healthcare workers and those upholding peace and order in every way big and small, we owe each of you a profound debt of appreciation and gratitude for your selfless service. We would like to say a big thank you to all of you,” added Ravindran K.