Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) expects to increase it exports to 11,000 units this year, up from the 8,000 exported last year.

Its managing director Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh said the target was part of Perodua's five-year plan to export 20,000 cars annually by 2015, equivalent to 10 per cent of the company's domestic sales.

"We have organised a series of programmes for our staff, such as sports carnivals, in order to increase productivity and reach the target," he told reporters after officiating at the 1Perodua Sports Carnival here yesterday.

"It is hoped that this carnival will reinforce team spirit and enhance cooperation among our employees," said Aminar Rashid.

He added that Perodua was still negotiating with the central bank on relaxing the tight loan conditions for hire purchase of cars, which came into effect earlier this year.

He said to date, the effect had mostly been on the Perodua Viva model, for which bookings in January dipped by 10 per cent compared with the monthly average in 2011.

"In principle, we support the central bank's decision as its main objective is to reduce the total household debt.

"However, we hope that the government will reconsider the decision as the tightening the loan conditions affects not only sales but also the production vendors, among others."

He also expressed gratitude to Bank Negara for its concern about the situation and for calling the car manufacturer to discuss the matter.

"We hope to obtain a positive outcome from the discussions," he added.