KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 20): MBSB Investment Bank Bhd maintained its full-year total industry volume (TIV) forecast at 788,000 units for 2026, implying a 4.0% decline from last year’s 821,000 units, which had grown 0.2% year-on-year (y-o-y). “This represents 8% of our full-year TIV forecast and is in line with expectations. Sales are expected to remain subdued this month due to a shorter working period,” the note added. Meanwhile, momentum is building in completely knocked-down battery electric vehicle assembly, with a growing number of investments expected among non-national marques this year. MBSB said the trend is supported by tax exemptions through end-2027, although it remains uncertain whether the relatively short window will sufficiently incentivise long-term local assembly plans.

Source: The Edge Markets February 20, 2026 06:07 UTC