KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 16): The Malaysian Automotive Association expects vehicle sales to moderate further in December, extending the decline from November where sales were lower at 48,702 units.

It said in a statement on Friday the November sales were down 4,913 units or 9% from October’s 53,615 units. However, when compared to a year ago, sales climbed 9%.

MAA said the slower sales were also due to the severe floods in Thailand which had disrupted certain makes of vehicles. Of the 48,702 units, passenger vehicles accounted for 42,754 and the remaining 5,948 were commercial vehicles.

“Sales volume for December 2011 is expected to moderate further due to the preference of customers to wait and take delivery of 2012 production year stocks and also the impact of the floods in Thailand may affect supply,” it said.

The trade body said from January-November, total vehicle sales rose marginally to 552,561 units from 550,391 in the previous corresponding period. Passenger vehicles accounted for 492,884 units and the remaining 59,677 units were commercial vehicles.

MAA data also showed that total production in November declined to 35,355 units from 36,265 units a year ago. Year-to-date, it said production fell 4.6% to 501,755 units from 526,194 units in the previous corresponding period.