The latest addition to the Proton lineup paints a rosy future for the Malaysian automaker.
Proton posted yet another strong month of sales in October, with 11,392 cars sold over the last month. This sales figure, which included both domestic and export sales, represents a fifth consecutive month of upward sales trajectory for the national automaker.
Though sales slightly dipped by 4.6% from last month, October’s healthy sales figure represents a staggering 20% growth from the same month last year. Total Proton sales in 2020 now stands at 84,999 units, which is a 6.2% increase from last year, and currently represents an estimated 21.3% of the total Malaysian car sales to date.
Of the 11,392 cars sold the month prior, the Proton Saga accounted for the around 45% of it with 5,069 sold. The Persona was the second biggest seller in the current lineup, selling 2,360 in October and hence maintaining its title for the best-selling B-segment sedan locally. Speaking of sales accolades, the X70 and the Exora continues to maintain their respective sales titles of best-selling C-segment SUV and MPV, with 2,216 and 580 units finding new homes last month. Rounding up the list is the Iriz, which sold a respectable 713 units.
What is perhaps more impressive about this sales figure for the month of October is that it does not yet account for the bookings of the hotly anticipated Proton X50, of which over 27,400 names have found their way onto the order books.
Despite being launched just last week however, 447 units have already left the Proton dealership into the eager arms of its new owners, and it is certain that more will soon do the same too. So it should be expected that Proton sales will continue to rise, and rise dramatically in the coming months.
After many years of languish, Proton is looking to finally return to the top of the sales chart.
PRESS RELEASE: PROTON’s sales momentum continued on an upward trajectory for a fifth consecutive month in October as the national automotive company began the final quarter of the year strongly. With 11,392 units sold (domestic and export), sales grew by 20% over the same month in 2019 but contracted by 4.6% compared to September. Total sales for the year now stand at 84,999 units, 6.2% ahead of last year and equivalent to an estimated 21.3% market share.
While sales in October were slightly down compared to the previous month, three Proton models continue to lead in their respective market segments. The Proton Persona, which has faced a raft of new competitors in 2020, continues to lead the B-segment sedan market with 2,360 units sold while the Proton X70 saw 2,216 units sold for the month, maintaining its lead in the SUV segment. The Proton Exora also retains its customary position as the best-selling C-segment MPV, proving there is still a viable market for large seven-seat people carriers despite the continued growth in SUV sales.
Strong 2nd half performance for automotive industry
“The recovery of Malaysia’s automotive market is continuing to gather pace judging by the number of new model launches and total sales in October. We estimate the Total-Industry-Volume (TIV) to be the second highest in 2020 with over 57,000 units sold, proof that the car industry is rebounding strongly. At PROTON, we are thankful for the steady growth in sales, as we have yet again beaten our monthly numbers from the previous year, but we believe we could have performed better.
“Looking at the numbers, we noticed a significant drop in East Malaysia sales while the Central region was static compared to September. Part of this was due to the implementation of the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) to limit the movement of people and thus affecting retailers but there was also a sense of customers holding back before the launch of our newest model, the Proton X50. Regardless, PROTON is confident of ending the year well and using the results as a base to aim even higher in 2021” said Roslan Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer, Proton Edar.
Bookings for Proton X50 exceed expectations
Launched on 27 October PROTON’s newest model, the Proton X50, has received a phenomenal response from Malaysian car buyers. As of the end of October, 27,400 bookings had been placed for the SUV and deliveries have begun with 447 units already in customer hands. “PROTON would like to thank all its customers for the tremendous interest shown in the Proton X50. We are pushing to ensure fulfilment over the last three months of 2020, while continuing to emphasise product quality,” added Roslan Abdullah.
