Proton is on an impressive trajectory toward its fifth consecutive year of increasing sales, thanks to the ongoing surge in vehicle sales in the country. In October, the company recorded sales of 12,772 units, bringing its year-to-date (YTD) figure for the first ten months of 2023 to 129,604 units, which includes both domestic and export sales. This represents a remarkable 12.3% increase compared to the previous year.
Compared to the previous month, Proton’s October sales grew by 4.4%, contributing to the industry’s forecast that total industry volume (TIV) is likely to surpass 70,000 units for the third time in 2023. Proton’s overall market share is now estimated at 20.1%, as YTD volume for the entire automotive industry exceeds 645,000 units, positioning it to break the all-time record set in 2022.
With only two months left in 2023, four Proton models continue to lead their respective market segments. The Proton X50, for instance, emerged as the market leader in October with 2,021 units sold, bringing its cumulative sales since its launch on October 27, 2020, to an impressive 100,210 units. This achievement is noteworthy as it’s the shortest time any SUV in Malaysia has taken to reach this milestone, underscoring its popularity among SUV buyers.
The Proton Persona maintained its position as the third most popular B-segment sedan in October, with 2,041 units sold, exceeding the 2,000-unit mark for the eighth time this year. It continues to lead the market with YTD total sales of 20,655 units, a substantial 65.5% increase compared to 2022, signalling a strong sales year for the model.
Proton’s D-segment SUV, the Proton X90, remains in high demand, with 479 units sold in October. As Proton nears completion of its product update initiative for the model, the cumulative sales for 2023 now stand at 3,914 units. Anticipated increased demand from export markets is expected to follow the overseas rollout of Proton’s first mild hybrid offering.
In contrast, the Proton Exora is concluding its tenure as the undisputed C-segment MPV sales champion, as production has ceased after the construction of 196,583 units at PROTON’s Shah Alam plant. Despite being in its final year of production, the Proton Exora saw an 11.5% increase in demand in 2023, underlining its enduring appeal with customers who value its practical features and performance.
The Proton Saga continues to be the company’s most popular model, with 6,322 units sold in October, pushing YTD sales to 57,806 units. This marks a 26% increase in demand for the popular A-segment sedan compared to the entirety of 2022.
Additionally, the Proton Iriz has sustained its strong performance in 2023, with 589 units sold in October, bringing cumulative sales to 6,633 units, a significant 37.2% improvement over the previous year. Similarly, the Proton X70 is maintaining steady sales, with 927 units sold in October, representing an 18.9% increase compared to the previous month and securing its position as the second most popular C-segment SUV. Proton’s continued success in 2023 is a testament to its ability to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of the Malaysian automotive market.
