RAWANG: Perodua is increasing its capital expenditure to RM1.6bil this year, with the biggest portion allocated for plant improvements, stamping capacity increase, new model development and tooling.
Perodua president and chief executive officer Datuk Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said the allocated amount was twice of the RM797.5mil capex in 2024 as the company reinvests in its capabilities.
Zainal said investments would consolidate manufacturing capacity including Perodua vendors, level up service quality and productivity, and solidify R&D product planning and new model development capabilities.
He said Perodua exceed its manufacturing capabilities by producing 368,100 vehicles in 2024, which is beyond the 320,000-capacity for both its plants.
"The 368,100-unit record was achieved by minimising downtime, keeping to the maintenance schedule, dynamic planning and co-ordination between our vendors and dealers and being agile in overcoming challenges," Zainal said.
This year will also be the Perodua’s springboard for the future with emphasis on self-reliance in production capabilities, especially in developing future products.
Zainal said the acceleration of Perodua's workforce capabilities to achieve greater self-reliance would result in lower production and sales this year.
“For 2025, we foresee our production numbers declining 4.9% to 350,000 units from 368,100 units made in 2024. This reduction would see registration slowing by 3.7% to 345,000 units from 358,102 units last year.
“Despite our planned slowdown in production and sales, demand for our vehicles remains healthy with current outstanding booking at 68,000 units, of which 28,000 bookings have letters of undertaking issued without stock," Zainal said.
Zainal also added that Perodua would continue to prioritise delivery without compromising on quality and safety standards.
Perodua is also expected to further improve its aftersales intake volume this year to 3.7 million vehicles, up 7.6% from the 3.4 million intakes recorded in 2024.
"Perodua will continue to support the country’s automotive ecosystem with an estimated local component purchase of RM10.8bil from Malaysian vendors.
"In addition to auto component purchase, we are working closely with the government to further enhance our vendors’ and dealers’ capabilities so that they can remain competitive in this industry," Zainal said.
