SUBANG JAYA: Proton recorded its best first half of the year results since 2012.
With 14,351 units sold in June (domestic + export), total sales now stand at 77,321 units, equivalent to an increase of 28.6% over the previous year and outpacing total sales growth for the industry by more than three times.
For June, total industry volume (TIV) is estimated to be 61,900 units and as a result, market share for Proton is estimated at 23.2% while the year-to-date market share figure has increased again to 21.3%, an improvement
of 3.2% over the corresponding period of 2022.
This is the highest growth figure among the top five brands in Malaysia’s automotive market, which also grew by 9.4% in the first half of the year.
Proton models performed outstandingly in June with five models leading sales in their individual market segments.
The Saga retook the lead for A-segment sedans by going over the 6,000-unit threshold for the third time this year and ending the month with 6,111 units.
Cumulatively, 33,325 units have been sold thus far, which is the model’s best performance since 2012.
The newest addition to Proton’s range performed even better in percentage terms.
Deliveries of the X90 have now begun in earnest and increased more than four times in June.
Some 1,082 units of Proton’s first new energy vehicle (NEV) were delivered, which vaulted the model straight to the top of the D-segment SUV category.
Another model to finish at the top of its market segment in June is the Persona.
With 2,254 units sold in June, it retook the lead for B-segment sedans while also retaining its position as the overall segment leader after six months.
The Persona is Proton’s best performer in terms of individual sales growth, posting an impressive increase of 79.4% despite the introduction of newer and more expensive rivals from other brands.
The X50 meanwhile retains not only its overall lead for B-segment SUVs but also its position as the most popular SUV in Malaysia, a distinction held since its market launch in October 2020.
Proton sold 2,449 units in June while cumulatively, 17,562 units have been delivered this year, an increase of 9.9% over 2022.
Proton’s fifth overall segment leader is the Exora, which remains unchallenged in the C-segment MPV market.
The company sold 368 units in June, leading to a cumulative 21.5% increase in sales.
The Iriz meanwhile achieved 842 units in June, third best in its segment, but overall sales have mirrored the performance of the Persona with a 58.6% jump this year.
Finally, the X70 posted its second-best performance for the year with 1,245 units sold last month.
Proton Edar chief executive officer Roslan Abdullah said the company’s performance in the first half of 2023 was noteworthy as it had achieved its best start to a year since 2012 and is also on track for a fifth consecutive year of sales growth.
“The numbers show demand for our products remains strong despite projections of a reduction in liquidity for consumers, and this is proven by our growth rate outpacing the overall market by over three times.
“It also shows that our strategy of offering high-quality products with connectivity technology at varying price points allows us to cover a large portion of Malaysian car buyers.
“For the second half of the year, Proton is confident we have the products and promotional strategies in place to continue our growth trajectory.
“We will also execute our plans to update our range, launch our entry into the Malaysian EV market with PRO-NET and further improve the quality of our products via investments announced this year to improve our production capabilities,” said Roslan.
Keyword: Proton achieves best first half result in 11 years