Proton registers 40.9% m-o-m sales growth in May

KUALA LUMPUR:  After a slow start in the second quarter of 2023, Proton’s sales rebounded in May. The national automaker sold a total of 13,268 units (including export) during the month, which represents a growth of 40.9% over April 2023. Compared to May 2022, a hike of 35.5% was recorded.

Another remarkable achievement for the brand is the year-on-year sales increase of 38.9% with a total of 62,970 deliveries made in the first five months of the year. This y-o-y growth is the highest among all brands in the Malaysian automotive sales table.

“May was memorable for PROTON not just in terms of sales achievement but also because we launched the Proton X90 and celebrated our 40th anniversary in the same month. We are humbled by the numbers posted and a 40% increase in sales is a just reward for our efforts, but there are still seven months left in 2023 and the company is hungry for more”, said Roslan Abdullah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, PROTON.

Breakdown of Proton May 2023 sales

• Proton Saga remains the brand’s best-selling model and second most popular A-segment sedan with 5,819 deliveries 
• Proton Persona grabbed the second position in the B-segment sedan category with 2,290 units
• Proton X50 led the B-segment SUV category with 2,801 units
• Proton Exora led the C-segment MPV market with 440 deliveries
• Proton X70 chipped in 929 units to the total sales with the third spot in the C-segment SUV market 
• Proton Iriz observed 732 deliveries with the fourth position in the B-segment hatchback market
• The newly-launched Proton X90 successfully grabbed the second spot in the D-segment SUV category with 257 units

Also read: Proton X90: Variants explained

“As for the performance of our newest model, demand for the Proton X90 has been strong as customers take advantage of our early bird package that offered accessories, a Proton X-Watch, a data package with 4GB free for five years, and enhanced insurance benefits. The company will also have more new product launches and introduce updates to our existing range while making our debut in the EV market via our subsidiary, Pro-Net so there are a lot of activities on the horizon for the rest of 2023,” added Roslan Abdullah.

The Total Industry Volume for the month was calculated at 61,600 units with an estimated growth of 32.2%. As a result, Proton’s market share in May remains at 21.5%, and for the year is 20.9%.

Proton Export Milestone in May 

Proton expanded its global presence in May 2023 with the launch of its models in Mozambique. It is the brand’s 12th export market. Initially, the automaker is offering the Proton X70 and Proton X50 models in Mozambique.

Also, May proved to be the best month for Proton's export sales in 2023, with a total of 217 units sold. The Proton Saga remains the best-selling internationally as well.

Also read: Pro-net appoints EON as dealer for selling smart EVs in Malaysia