Sales of passenger and commercial vehicles in September increased to 54,945 units from 45,925 units recorded in the same period of 2012, said the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA).

It said the passenger vehicle segment recorded higher sales of 48,411 units, during the month in review, compared with 40,235 units recorded in the corresponding month 2012.

Sales of commercial vehicles rose to 6,534 units in September from 5,690 units registered in the corresponding period in 2012.

When compared with August, the sales volume of both passenger and commercial vehicles in September was 8% higher at 3,839 units.

Meanwhile, MAA said year-to-date September 2013 total industry volume registered a growth of 29,499 units, or 6% higher compared with the similar period of 2012.

It said the increase was due to market conditions returning to normalcy and launches of new models.

On output, MAA said the passenger vehicles production last month increased to 48,932 units, from 45,138 units year-on-year, while commercial vehicle production increased to 5,085 units from 4,958 units previously.

It said total production for both segments increased to 54,017 units from 50,096 units recorded in the same period of 2012.

On outlook, MAA said, the sales volume for October was expected to be higher than September due to year-end promotions and campaigns.