Premium automakers predict rough 2023, but new models will get them through it

Luxury and premium automakers are banking on new model launches to help them get through a predicted tough 2023.

While local automakers like Perodua predict it to be a good year for sales, premium automakers are cautious about their sales performance in 2023, especially with challenges facing the global economy. 

However, the future arrivals of their regular and electric vehicles into the local market have boosted their morale as both Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and BMW Group Malaysia are excited about this year's introductions.

"In the past months, we have introduced the new BMW 3 Series in three new variants, namely the BMW 320i, BMW 330i and the BMW 330e Plug-in Hybrid," said BMW Group Malaysia managing director Hans de Visser to The Star.

The BMW iX1 should give the Mercedes-Benz EQA some competition

"We also announced all new EVs, such as the BMW i7, while the BMW iX1 will be introduced in Malaysia in the coming months."

Seeing that BMW is also famously known for its performance cars, de Visser said the company also plans to launch the BMW XM and the all-new BMW M2 to excite the premium performance segment. 

While Mercedes-Benz Malaysia did not disclose which new vehicles they would be introducing this year, they did mention that they should be rolling out many models, even going into double figures.

Will Mercedes-Benz launch the EQS SUV this year? and will it be locally assembled?

"We are committed to the local market and will continue to drive interest and excitement with more vehicle introduction for both non-EVs and EVs," said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia chief executive officer and president Sagree Sardien to The Star.

"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia plans to roll out nearly 20 new luxury models across all its sub-brands this year. At Mercedes, we remain cautiously optimistic as we believe in the strength and resilience of the local economy," said Sagree.