New vehicle sales in Malaysia increased by 2.3% to 58,919 units in March, from 57,622 units in the same month of last year, according to data released by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA).

A total of 52,122 passenger vehicles were sold in the month and 6,797 commercial vehicles.

First quarter sales were just 1% higher at 159,910 units, compared with 158,392 units sold in the same period of last year, with lower sales in January offset by a strong rebound in February.