Malaysians registered more Geely-based Protons than homegrown models during the first ten months of 2026, according to an analysis by paultan.org.
But there's a twist. Without Proton's e.MAS models, the Geely-based lineup would still be behind. And the Saga remains the brand's strongest individual model.
01. Geely-based Protons lead: 90,881 registrations versus 81,441 for homegrown models between January and October 2026.
02. e.MAS changed the result: Without its 34,630 registrations, Geely-based models would still trail the homegrown group.
03. The Saga is still strong: With 75,350 registrations, it remains Proton's leading individual nameplate.
Geely-Based Vs Homegrown Proton Sales: The 2026 Numbers
Based on paultan.org's analysis of Road Transport Department (JPJ) registration data, the two Proton model groups recorded a combined 172,322 registrations from January to October 2026.
Geely-based models now account for slightly more than half of the reported registrations. For comparison, paultan.org placed their share at 41.1% in 2025.
However, the reason behind this change is more interesting than the overall percentages.
Without e.MAS, Geely-Based Protons Would Still Be Behind
Proton's expanding electrified lineup played a major role in tipping the balance.
According to paultan.org's breakdown, the e.MAS 5, e.MAS 7 and e.MAS 7 PHEV contributed 34,630 registrations during the ten-month period. The e.MAS 5 alone accounted for 22,589 units.
Why it matters: The three e.MAS models added enough registrations to put the Geely-based group ahead. Without their contribution, homegrown models would still lead this comparison.
That makes this more than a story about buyers choosing Geely-derived SUVs and sedans. It's also about how electrification is changing Proton's sales mix.
For more context, Carz previously explored the significance of the brand's electrified-vehicle performance in Proton Sold 40,000 e.MAS Cars. But That's Not Even The Most Interesting Number.
The Proton Saga Is Still The Brand's Strongest Model
Here's another detail worth remembering: the Saga remains Proton's leading individual nameplate, despite the Geely-based lineup's collective advantage.
That's an important distinction. The Geely-based total combines several nameplates, while the homegrown category is overwhelmingly supported by the Saga.
So, the latest figures don't show Malaysians abandoning the Saga. They show how much Proton's broader lineup has changed around it.
Is Proton Becoming Less Malaysian?
Proton's product mix is certainly changing. But growing sales of Geely-based vehicles don't mean the company has stopped developing Malaysian models.
In its official announcement for the latest Saga, Proton said the car was designed, engineered and validated in Malaysia, with technical collaboration from Geely. It also says it holds the intellectual property rights to its Advanced Modular Architecture (AMA).
As explored in our earlier feature, Malaysia Has More Car Brands Than Ever. So Why Do We Still Choose Proton And Perodua?, Proton's Malaysian identity isn't defined solely by where its cars' technology comes from. Local engineering, manufacturing and development matter too.
What Comes Next For Proton's Homegrown Cars?
The Saga may dominate Proton's homegrown registrations today, but future development plans extend beyond one model.
Paultan.org's report discusses additional AMA projects, including AMA02, AMA05 and AMA06. Their final specifications and launch arrangements still require official confirmation.
The real test will be whether these future vehicles can help Proton build another successful homegrown nameplate.
A closer look at Proton's potential next homegrown model and what remains unknown.
Ultimately, Proton's latest registration figures don't tell us that Malaysians have stopped supporting homegrown cars. They show a national carmaker whose product range is expanding in different directions.
The bigger question now is whether Proton's next generation of homegrown models can become as important to its future as its Geely-based lineup.
