Perodua
Malaysia's leading automotive manufacturer, best known for affordable, compact and fuel-efficient passenger cars.
Last updated October 25, 2026
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Overview
Perodua, formally Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sendirian Berhad, is a Malaysian automotive manufacturer whose name translates approximately as Second Automobile Company Private Limited. Established in 1993, it was created to expand Malaysia's domestic automotive industry and initially concentrated on minicars and superminis rather than the larger vehicle categories associated with Proton. The company launched its first model, the five-door Kancil hatchback, in August 1994. The Kancil established the brand's basic market proposition: practical transportation with compact dimensions, relatively low purchase and running costs, and technology derived through cooperation with Daihatsu. Perodua's product range subsequently broadened from small hatchbacks into compact hatchbacks, sedans, multipurpose vehicles and sport utility vehicles. Important nameplates have included the Kancil, Kembara, Kelisa, Kenari, Viva, Myvi, Alza, Axia and Bezza. The Myvi became one of the company's most commercially important models and placed Perodua in more direct competition with Proton in Malaysia's small-car and super-compact segments. The Axia serves the entry-level hatchback market, while the Bezza extends the brand into compact sedans. The Alza represents the company's compact multipurpose-vehicle offering. Across these lines, Perodua has generally emphasized affordability, fuel economy, ease of ownership and suitability for dense urban and suburban driving. Perodua has historically relied heavily on Daihatsu technical designs and components rather than developing major systems such as engines and transmissions entirely in-house. Daihatsu held a 20 percent stake when Perodua was launched; that interest rose to 25 percent in 2001 and later to 35 percent. The shareholder structure has also included Malaysian and Japanese corporate and institutional investors, including UMW Holdings, MBM Resources, Permodalan Nasional Berhad-related investment entities, Mitsui and Daihatsu-related companies. This relationship has shaped Perodua's manufacturing methods, vehicle platforms and model development while allowing the Malaysian company to maintain a distinct market identity. In 2004, Perodua began assembling the Toyota Avanza at its Rawang plant for the Malaysian market. Its export activity has been smaller than its domestic business but has included Southeast Asian, Indian Ocean and Pacific markets. The Myvi has also been exported to Indonesia as the Daihatsu Sirion since 2007. Perodua withdrew from some earlier overseas markets, including the United Kingdom, Nepal and Malta, although parts support remained available for existing customers in certain locations. By the mid-2020s, reported export destinations included Singapore, Brunei, Mauritius, Fiji, Sri Lanka and Seychelles. The company also explored exporting used Perodua vehicles, with used-car shipments reaching some markets such as Fiji while shipments to Sri Lanka were halted. Perodua has become one of Malaysia's dominant automotive brands. It recorded more than 207,100 vehicle sales in 2016, at that time a company record, and reached a reported domestic market share of 35.7 percent. Reference material further reports that the company sold approximately 358,000 vehicles across ASEAN markets in 2024, placing it ahead of Honda on that measure and making it the region's second-largest car manufacturer according to the cited account. Perodua's corporate identity has evolved through logo updates and slogans, but its central positioning has remained focused on value-oriented mobility. Its stated corporate themes include customer satisfaction and putting people first.
History
Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sendirian Berhad, known as Perodua, was established in Malaysia in 1993 as the country's second national automobile company. Its creation complemented the role of Proton while giving Malaysia an additional domestic manufacturer focused on smaller and more economical vehicles. Perodua's first production model was the Kancil, a five-door hatchback launched in August 1994. The model established the company in the minicar and supermini categories and gave it a clear market distinction from Proton's earlier emphasis on larger cars. Daihatsu became central to Perodua's technical and corporate development. The Japanese manufacturer held a 20 percent interest at Perodua's launch, increased that stake to 25 percent in 2001 and later to 35 percent. Perodua's vehicles have historically used Daihatsu-derived designs and components, particularly for major systems such as engines and transmissions. This arrangement provided access to established small-car engineering while Perodua developed its own manufacturing, distribution and brand capabilities in Malaysia. During the 1990s and early 2000s, the company expanded its range beyond the Kancil. Models such as the Kelisa, Kenari, Kembara and Viva broadened its coverage of the small-car market. The Kembara, launched in 1998, was significant as Perodua's first sport utility vehicle. In the same year, the company introduced a redesigned corporate identity and logo, retaining the recognizable P and 2 motifs while changing their treatment into an elliptical form. A further corporate-identity update in 2008 added brighter colors and a metallic, three-dimensional appearance. Perodua's relationship with other Japanese manufacturers also extended beyond Daihatsu. In 2004, it began assembling the Toyota Avanza at its Rawang plant for sale in Malaysia. The company later moved into more competitive and commercially important segments. The Myvi became a key compact hatchback and brought Perodua into closer competition with Proton models such as the Savvy and Iriz. The Axia strengthened the brand's entry-level position, while the Bezza gave it a compact sedan and the Alza provided a multipurpose vehicle for customers needing greater interior flexibility. The company has remained primarily oriented toward the Malaysian market, where its compact vehicles have achieved strong consumer acceptance. It recorded more than 207,100 domestic sales in 2016, then a company record, and reached a reported 35.7 percent domestic market share. Perodua has also exported vehicles, although its international business has been more limited than its home-market operations. The Myvi has been sold in Indonesia as the Daihatsu Sirion since 2007. Other reported export destinations have included Singapore, Brunei, Mauritius, Fiji, Sri Lanka and Seychelles. Perodua withdrew from the United Kingdom, Nepal and Malta, while continuing to support some former customers with spare parts. In 2021, Perodua explored the export of used vehicles as an additional international opportunity. By 2024, used Perodua cars were being exported to selected destinations, including Fiji, while used-car exports to Sri Lanka had been stopped. Reference material also reports approximately 358,000 vehicle sales across ASEAN markets in 2024, describing Perodua as the region's second-largest car manufacturer on that measure. Perodua's public identity has consistently centered on practical and affordable motoring. Earlier slogans included Kehebatan Yang Pasti and Happy Motoring. From 2008 onward, Building Cars, People First became a principal corporate theme, while Kepuasan Pelanggan Sepenuhnya, meaning complete customer satisfaction, was introduced for later brand communications. Anniversary messaging in 2003, 2013 and 2023 marked the company's tenth, twentieth and thirtieth years. The brand remains active and is principally associated with compact passenger vehicles, value-oriented ownership and Daihatsu-linked engineering.
- 2024
Strong ASEAN sales reported
[1]Reference material reports approximately 358,000 vehicle sales across ASEAN markets.
- 2023
Thirtieth anniversary
[1]Perodua marks thirty years with the anniversary theme 30 Years of Building Cars.
- 2021
Used-car export exploration begins
[1]Perodua begins exploring the export of used vehicles to overseas markets.
- 2016
Record domestic sales reported
[1]Perodua reports more than 207,100 domestic vehicle sales and a 35.7 percent domestic market share.
- 2008
Corporate identity updated
[1]Perodua introduces an updated corporate identity with brighter colors and a metallic three-dimensional logo treatment.
- 2007
Myvi exports to Indonesia begin
[1]The Myvi begins to be exported to Indonesia under the Daihatsu Sirion name.
- 2004
Toyota Avanza assembly begins
[1]Perodua begins assembling the Toyota Avanza at its Rawang plant for the Malaysian market.
- 2001
Daihatsu increases its stake
[1]Daihatsu's shareholding in Perodua rises from 20 percent to 25 percent.
- 1998
Kembara and new corporate logo introduced
[1]Perodua launches the Kembara sport utility vehicle and unveils a redesigned logo based on its P and 2 identity.
- 1994
Kancil launches
[1]Perodua launches the five-door Kancil hatchback, its first production model and an important entry into Malaysia's minicar and supermini markets.
Products and positioning
Affordable, practical, reliable and fuel-efficient compact mobility for Malaysia's mass market, supported by broad service coverage and Daihatsu-derived automotive technology.
minicar and five-door hatchback · 1994
Perodua Kancil
Launched in August 1994, the Kancil was Perodua's first production vehicle. Its small dimensions, five-door layout and low-cost positioning established the company's original focus on accessible urban transportation and helped create Perodua's early identity in Malaysia's minicar and supermini segments.
sport utility vehicle · 1998
Perodua Kembara
The Kembara was Perodua's first sport utility vehicle. Its launch in 1998 expanded the brand beyond small hatchbacks and coincided with the introduction of a redesigned corporate logo.
compact hatchback
Perodua Myvi
The Myvi is one of Perodua's most important compact hatchbacks. It moved the company into more direct competition with Proton in the super-compact segment and became a major domestic product. Since 2007, a version has also been exported to Indonesia under the Daihatsu Sirion name.
entry-level hatchback
Perodua Axia
The Axia is Perodua's entry-level hatchback. It represents the brand's core proposition of compact dimensions, accessible pricing and economical operation for mass-market buyers.
compact sedan
Perodua Bezza
The Bezza extends Perodua's compact-car range into the sedan category. It combines the brand's value-oriented positioning with the separate luggage compartment and conventional three-box format sought by some family and private buyers.
multipurpose vehicle
Perodua Alza
The Alza is Perodua's compact multipurpose vehicle. It broadens the company's offering toward customers who require additional cabin flexibility and family-oriented practicality while retaining the brand's compact-vehicle focus.
multipurpose vehicle assembly · 2004
Toyota Avanza assembly program
From 2004, Perodua assembled the Toyota Avanza at its Rawang facility for sale in Malaysia. This was an important contract and manufacturing activity involving a model outside Perodua's own badge range.
Controversies
2020
Perodua conducts targeted Myvi fuel-pump service campaign
Perodua contacted owners of affected 2018–2019 Myvi vehicles through letters and during regular servicing, and replaced affected fuel pumps. Perodua said vehicles manufactured from October 2019 onward were not affected; the company described the action as a special service campaign rather than a safety recall.
Marketing campaigns
- 202330 Years of Building Cars
Malaysia
Perodua's thirtieth-anniversary communications used the 30 Years of Building Cars theme.
- 201320 Years of Driving Value and Beyond
Malaysia
The company marked its twentieth anniversary with a theme emphasizing value and continued development.
- 200310 Years of Excellence
Malaysia
Perodua used the 10 Years of Excellence theme for its tenth-anniversary communications.
- 1997Corporate logo competition
Malaysia
Perodua organized a competition to develop a new corporate logo for use with its forthcoming model program. The winning design was created by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia architecture student Johnson Ng Weng Kuan.
Outcome. The resulting identity was officially unveiled in 1998 alongside the Kembara launch.
Brand decisions
2021
Used-vehicle export explorationStrategyBackground
Perodua's international sales were smaller than its domestic business, creating interest in additional export channels.
Action taken
The company began exploring overseas exports of used Perodua vehicles.
Aftermath
By 2024, used vehicles were reportedly being exported to selected countries including Fiji, while used-car exports to Sri Lanka had been halted.
2004
Toyota Avanza assembly agreementStrategyBackground
Perodua's manufacturing operations were primarily associated with its own compact vehicle range and Daihatsu-linked technology.
Action taken
The company began assembling the Toyota Avanza at its Rawang plant for the Malaysian market.
Aftermath
The program expanded Perodua's role as a Malaysian vehicle assembler beyond its own branded models.
2001
Daihatsu increases equity participationM&ABackground
Daihatsu had held a 20 percent stake in Perodua since the company's launch.
Action taken
Daihatsu increased its shareholding to 25 percent, with its interest later reaching 35 percent.
Aftermath
The larger Daihatsu role reinforced the technical and corporate relationship underlying Perodua's compact-vehicle manufacturing strategy.
Recent events
Perodua launches EZ MOBi fleet subscription service[4]
Reported:
Perodua introduced EZ MOBi, a vehicle subscription service for companies and government agencies in the Klang Valley that bundles vehicle registration, insurance renewal, servicing, parts replacement, a courtesy car, disposal, and replacement.
- Unconfirmed
Perodua conducts targeted Myvi fuel-pump service campaign[3]
Reported:
Perodua contacted owners of affected 2018–2019 Myvi vehicles through letters and during regular servicing, and replaced affected fuel pumps. Perodua said vehicles manufactured from October 2019 onward were not affected; the company described the action as a special service campaign rather than a safety recall.
Perodua announces cash rebates on vehicle purchases[5]
Reported:
Perodua announced cash rebates of 3% to 6% on vehicle purchases from June 10 through June 14, 2020.
Perodua offers customers discounted Sepang track-session fees[6]
Reported:
Perodua offered its customers the chance to take their cars on track at Sepang for RM20. UFirst Perodua Passport programme members could pay RM10 with a 1,000 UKoin redemption or redeem 10,000 UKoin instead of paying cash.
Sources7 sources
- 1Peroduaen.wikipedia.org
- 2Perodua official websiteperodua.com.my
- 3Perodua conducts targeted Myvi fuel-pump service campaignpaultan.org
- 4Perodua推出EZ MOBi车队订阅服务paultan.org
- 5Perodua宣布购车现金回扣thestar.com.my
- 6Perodua为客户提供Sepang赛道体验优惠费用paultan.org
- 7Perodua reduces car prices by 3-6% via cash rebates until June 14 - new prices to remain until December 31 - paultan.orgpaultan.org
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