Proton Records 116,832 Vehicle Sales In September

Proton reported its total sales for the first nine months of the year were up 14.1% to 116,832 units compared to the same period last year, with four Proton models continuing to lead their respective segments.

The national automaker said in a statement on Wednesday that sales fell by 1,725 units in September, while total industry volume (TIV) fell below the 70,000-unit mark.

Proton's sales growth, on the other hand, remains more than 3.7% ahead of total industry growth, while its market share also remains ahead of 2022 figures, currently standing at 20.5%, or 0.7% higher than the previous year, it said.

With 12,230 units sold in September alone, the Persona finished the month as the second-most popular B-segment sedan with 2,053 units sold. With total sales of 18,614 units, it continues to dominate the market so far this year.

“The company’s newest model, the Proton X90, is also proving to be attractive to buyers looking for a premium family SUV that uses mild-hybrid technology.

“A service update was recently issued for the model and as a result, all units on the production line and in customer hands are in the process of being updated.

“This caused a minor delay in production and 491 units were delivered in September, but the situation is expected to return to normal this month,” the company said.
The X50 and Exora are two additional segment leaders from Proton. The X50 sold 2,210 units in September, and despite losing the title of most popular SUV in the nation to a less expensive competitor, it is still the most popular SUV in the B-segment.

In terms of the Exora, the MPV continues to dominate its market as it nears the end of its production cycle. 367 units were sold in September, bringing the year's total sales of Exoras to 3,517, the company reported.

“September was a quiet month for the automotive industry leading to a downturn in sales compared to August. Many buyers are adopting a wait and see approach in anticipation of the tabling of the 2024 national budget on October 13 and this led to some short-term effects.

“The overall mood of the market however remains buoyant with new introductions continuing at a record pace,” according to Proton Edar CEO Roslan Abdullah.

Roslan also noted that the combination of technology and value provided by its models has kept sales brisk.

“As an example, the Proton X50 has been the best-selling B-segment SUV for nearly three full years and with production now meeting demand, we are able to deliver units to customers with minimal waiting time.

“Another example is the Proton Persona, that is undergoing a sales recovery in 2023 and sits atop the B-segment sedan market.

“Such achievements will give the company a strong baseline going into 2024 and with updates and new model introductions in the pipeline, we are hopeful of being able to continue our ascent to be amongst the leading automotive brands in the region,” he said.