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Borneo Bulletin Yearbook 2021
AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Brunei
Darussalam recorded an increase in car sales
in 2020. According to the ASEAN Automotive
Federation data, Brunei sold 11,220 units from
January to October. This is an increase of 13.6
per cent compared to the same period in 2019.
With regards to the market preferences,
small cars and sports utility vehicles (SUVs)
are becoming increasingly popular among
Bruneians due to their versatility.
Many car manufacturers produce SUVs in
various sizes, Brunei Auto Traders Association
President Teng Chee Kiong said. Saloon cars of
1.6 cubic capacity are less popular nowadays,
he said.
“People are still buying cars for convenience,
especially recent university graduates,”
Teng said. He also lauded the government
in its efforts to tackle the COVID-19 outbreak
promptly.
“Bruneians usually travel abroad, but due to
COVID-19, they have to stay in the country
which has boosted the local economy including
the car industry,” said Teng.
He also added that Brunei does not produce
cars, in comparison to other countries where
production control is still ongoing and some
factories are still closed, affecting auto dealers’
orders.