Proton records a 6.5% year-on-year growth in April 2023

KUALA LUMPUR: Proton has continued to grab positive sales growth in the month of April. The automaker sold a total of 9,415 cars last month which comprises both domestic and export sales. This represents a hike of 6.5% over April 2022. With this, Proton’s year-to-date sales have come to 49,702 units, which is 39.8% more as compared to the first four months of the previous year.

Compared to March 2023, Proton sales in April saw a dip due to the holiday period and the ending of deliveries for orders placed during the PENJANA tax-free incentive scheme. However, the brand has managed to retain its second place in the national automotive sales table with an estimated 20.4% of the market share.

“Due to the Hari Raya holidays affecting production and sales activities for the entire automotive industry as well as the expiry of the grace period for orders received during the tax-free period, we had forecast April to close with lower sales numbers. Therefore, we are extremely thankful to our customers for helping us become the only brand to achieve sales growth compared to April 2022,” said Roslan Abdullah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, PROTON.

With the Proton X90 launch, the company now has a three-model SUV range to strengthen its position in the segment as well as its first model in the New Energy Vehicle (NEV) market. “This will help form a good base for our future model offerings and give Proton’s network of outlets invaluable experience in selling and servicing these vehicles,” added Roslan Abdullah.

Here’s a quick look at the individual performance of each Proton model in April 2023

Model	Units
Saga	3,949
Persona	1,263
Exora	465
Iriz	338
X70	756
X50	2,644
Total	9,415

Speaking about the Proton export numbers, the company delivered 187 units in the last month. The total exports of the first four months stand at 603 units with the  Saga being the best-selling model followed by the X50 and X70.

“Proton’s export volume for 2023 has been slow to reach the expected volume due to several external global economic factors. However, we remain positive about our overseas sales prospects this year and are actively working with our partners to raise the profile of the brand as well as promote our intelligent products,” added Roslan Abdullah.

Also read: 2023 Proton Rahmah Campaign launched, offers discount on servicing