In the first half of 2023, Proton witnessed an impressive sales performance, and their upward trajectory continued in July, with a significant milestone achieved. Proton sold a total of 13,326 units (domestic + export) in July, marking a 16.1% improvement compared to the same month in 2022.
This success has contributed to uplifting year-to-date (YTD) sales to an impressive 90,647 units. Surpassing the 90,000-unit barrier for the first time since 2012, this represents a remarkable 26.6% increase over the previous year. Proton’s July market share is expected to stand at 20.5%, while the YTD market share has already reached 21%, reflecting the brand’s growing popularity among consumers.
The accomplishment of Proton is set against a backdrop of surging automotive sales in the industry. The total industry volume (TIV) is estimated to have reached 64,864 units in July, a staggering 29.9% surge from the same period in 2022. The YTD figure also shows a robust 12.9% increase over the previous year. In comparison, Proton’s sales performance up to July is exceeding the industry by an impressive 14%.
One of the key contributors to Proton’s success is the newly launched Proton X90, the third addition to the company’s range of SUVs. Despite being on sale for less than three months since its launch in May 2023, the Proton X90 has already taken the lead in its market segment. With 886 units sold in July and a cumulative total of 2,225 units in just 86 days, the Proton X90 has surpassed its rivals in popularity.
Additionally, three other Proton models are shining as YTD sales leaders in their respective segments. The Proton Persona, a B-segment sedan, has experienced a spectacular 107.1% increase in sales for 2023, positioning it at the top of the sales chart. With 1,953 units sold in July, the YTD sales for the Proton Persona have reached 14,533 units, well on track to exceed the total sales from the previous year by the end of August.
The Proton X50, a B-segment SUV, continues to perform exceptionally well, adding another 2,630 units to reach a YTD total of 20,192 units. Although it relinquished the overall SUV market leadership in July, its YTD total remains the highest among all SUVs, irrespective of segment. The Proton Exora, a spacious seven-seat MPV known for its performance and driving enjoyment, secured its position as the fourth segment sales leader. With 374 units sold in July and a YTD total of 2,741 units, the Proton Exora shows sustained demand among Malaysian car buyers.
The iconic Proton Saga celebrated its 38th anniversary in July and continues to be a customer favorite for its driving enjoyment. With 5,926 units sold in July, the demand for 2023 has risen by an impressive 40.2%, positioning the Proton Saga as the second most popular vehicle in the country for two consecutive months, with a cumulative sales total of 39,251 units.
The Proton Iriz, a B-segment hatchback, has also seen a surge in demand, with a remarkable 80.7% increase this year. With 676 units sold in July, the total sales for 2023 are just 1,000 units shy of last year’s figures, reaching 4,708 units so far. Finally, the Proton X70, which sold 881 units in July, continues to perform well, securing the second spot in its segment with a YTD total of 6,997 units sold in 2023.
