The brokerage, which has maintained a “neutral” rating on automotive stocks, said sales would also be supported by the launch of new Proton and Perodua models despite total industry volume (TIV) declining in November on a month-on-month basis after record passenger- and -commercial vehicle sales in October. It highlighted two automotive stocks under coverage with “buy” calls – HI Mobility Bhd , with a target price (TP) of RM3.10 and Sime Darby Bhd , with TP of RM2.24. Other national models launched recently include Perodua’s first EV, the QV-E in the beginning of this month, followed by the Trax sport utility vehicle on Dec 17. “Collectively, we expect these new model launches to support near-term demand and provide a positive carryover effect into 2026,” it said. This policy would have more of an impact on firms with higher exposure to locally assembled vehicles but would benefit Japanese and European marques.

Source: The Star December 29, 2025 05:10 UTC