New auto sales hit a 5-year high in Brunei

There were 18,634 new cars sold last year compared to 14,555 sold in 2011, according to latest figures from the Brunei Automobile Traders Association (BATA).

In 2008, car dealers nationwide sold 14,731 new cars, but the figure dipped by 16 per cent the following year with 12,360 new units before rising by 10 per cent to 13,600 in 2010.

The association’s annual report on last year sales showed that Toyota had regained its position as the industry's market leader after a slow start at the beginning of the year. December sales recorded that Toyota, distributed by NBT (B), sold 389 units, bringing their 2012 total to 3,817 units. Last month, Toyota kicked off the year with 261 passenger vehicles and 22 commercial vehicles sold.

Kia remained a close second last year, with 3,397 units sold. At the start of 2012, Kia overtook the Japanese giant in terms of monthly car sales. This was due to the 2011 flood crisis in Thailand, where Toyota vehicles exported to Brunei are manufactured. This prevented NBT (B) from bringing in sufficient stock, however, once they were able to, Toyota was back at the top once again. Kia kicked off this year with a 254-unit sale, following closely behind Toyota.

Suzuki, distributed by Boustead, came in a far third, with a grand total of 1,699 units sold for the year. In December, Suzuki recorded the sale of 123 units. Last month, the Japanese car maker kicked off the year with the sale of 152 units, falling just two units short behind Hyundai, bringing them to fourth place in January 2013.

Other notable mentions for 2012 include Hyundai with 1,647 units sold.

Nissan records 1,522 units sold while Mitsubishi sold 1,127 passenger and commercial vehicles.

In the luxury segment of the market, BMW took top position with 404 units sold in the year. The car distributor kicked off the year with 17 units sold last month.

Mercedes fell behind BMW in 2012, with a total of 339 units, but kicked off this year at the top spot in their segment, with a 20-unit sale in January, a slight dip from their 30-unit sale in December.

Chrysler secured the third position in the luxury segment of the market, with 248 units sold in 2012. Twenty units were sold in December 2012 and 25 units were sold last month.

Changan, FAW, Volvo, Jaguar and Hino were unsuccessful at garnering sales in 2013.