The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) has released vehicle sales data for the month of August 2025, reporting that a total of 73,041 vehicles were delivered to customers. This represents an increase of 4.2%, or 2,940 units, from the 70,101 units sold in July (revised from the 70.057 units originally reported last month).
Hyundai Motor (005380.KS) said on Thursday it aims to produce more than 80% of the vehicles it sells in the U.S. in America by 2030 in response to U.S. tariff policies, as the South Korean automaker ramps up capacity at its Georgia plant.
Asian stock markets remained upbeat on Friday, tracking overnight record closes on Wall Street, while Japan’s Nikkei reversed early gains after the Bank of Japan held interest rates steady but said it would sell its holdings in ETFs and REITs.
The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits fell last week, reversing the prior week's jump, but the labor market has softened as both the demand for and supply of workers have diminished.
Oil prices rose marginally in Asian trade on Friday, and were set for a muted weekly performance amid growing concerns over slowing U.S. demand and a supply glut in the coming quarters.
Most Asian stock markets advanced on Thursday, with Japan rallying to a fresh record high after the U.S. Federal Reserve reduced interest rates and signaled further cuts.