Malaysia ’s auto sales hit a record of 666,465 units in 2014, up 1.6 percent from the previous year, announced the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA).

MAA President Ahmad Aishah attributed the achievement to stable economic growth and employment, and increasing consumers’ confidence, especially in the first half of the year.

She still expressed her optimism that this year’s figure will reach 680,000, an annual increase of 2 percent, despite challenges faced by the global economy such as plunging oil prices and declining economic prospects as well as the weakening domestic currency.

Ahmad Aishah also said that the continued implementation of programmes and projects to boost economic growth in combination with massive advertising campaigns launched by local auto giants, including Proton and Perodua, are expected to increase demands this year.

Malaysia’s total car sales are forecast to hit 694.300 units in 2016, 709,500 in 2017, 725,000 in 2018 and 743,000 in 2019.-VNA