It was originally established as the Federation of Malaya Motor Traders Association (FMMTA) as an association for local motor traders to discuss issues relating to the motor industry which, at that time, involved mainly the import and distribution of motor vehicles in Completely Built-up (CBU) form. In 1968, FMMTA was changed to Malaysian Motor Traders Association (FMMTA).
In 2000, MAA was formed following the merger of MMTA and the Malaysian Motor Vehicles Assemblers Association (MMVAA).
Over the years, MAA had grown and assumed a much greater role encompassing both the trade as well as the manufacturing aspects of the industry.
