Proton performance report for Jan 2021

KUALA LUMPUR: The year 2020 has been one of the most difficult 365 days for the entire world. It effected every nook and cranny of our lives and businesses. The automobile industry suffered too with auto shows being cancelled, car launches delayed, and more. But it soon got back on the track by adapting new means of doing business (online, of course). The effects of the pandemic aren't limited to the previous year, as the January 2021 sales report shows a rather COVID-19 affected image - at least that's what evident from Proton's sales report.

The automaker delivers 5,864 cars in total, ranking second in the local car sales. The major contributor was the underrated sedan,  Saga of which 2,583 units were sold, making it the second highest volume A-segment sedan. Next was Persona with 970 units, followed by Exora, Iriz, X70, and X50. The table mentioned below reveals Proton's individual model performance and their respective achievements.

Model	Units Sold	Sales Achievement
Saga	2,583	2nd Highest volume A-segment sedan
Persona	970	2nd highest volume B-segment sedan
Exora	153	Highest volume C-segment MPV
Iriz	283	3rd highest volume B-segment hatchback
X70	892	Highest volume C-segment SUV
X50	1,082	Highest volume B-segment (five-seater) SUV

 

Roslan Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer at Proton Edar commented that, “January was a difficult month for Malaysia’s automotive industry. Hopes were high the momentum built at the end of 2020 would be carried forward especially after the announcement of PENJANA incentives remaining in place until the end of June this year. Unfortunately, the second MCO announcement put a damper on those hopes." He further added “Still, PROTON as well as the rest of the industry is in full support of all measures the government has in place to control the rate of infection. The safety of all Malaysians needs to remain as the main priority and companies need to pivot in order to achieve their goals in a changed market environment."

The pandemic has also affected the brand's supply chain, as over the last few months it make highly difficult to ensure a steady flow to raw materials - parts needed to built a car. Also, measures the Movement Order Control has impacted the showroom footfall with major bookings coming via online medium.

Despite the delays and sourcing issues, Proton intends to go forward with its 2021 product launch plans. Abdullah said, “For now, PROTON will stick to its 2021 product launch schedule. We have an exciting series of improved products in the pipeline while the Proton X50 will now be able to establish its standing in the market by benefitting from a full year of sales. There will undoubtedly be more challenges ahead until the world is able to control the spread of the virus but we are aware this is now the new norm for doing business and the onus is on us to innovate our operations to better serve our customers.”

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