In an outstanding kickoff to the new year, Proton, the national carmaker, experienced its most successful start since 2013, boasting sales of 12,882 units (both domestic and export) in January. Surpassing all other automotive brands, Proton achieved a remarkable 1.3% increase in sales compared to December 2023 and an impressive 10.3% surge compared to January of the previous year. This exceptional performance secured Proton’s second-place position in the sales table.
With an estimated market share of 19.5% for the month, Proton outperformed the previous month by 3.3%. In contrast, the Total-Industry-Volume for January is projected at 66,134 units, indicating a 15.6% decline from the inflated figures of December, driven by the traditional year-end push for higher vehicle sales.
Noteworthy is the successful debut of Proton’s latest addition, the Proton S70, with 1,442 units delivered in January. The model has already garnered an impressive order book with over 8,000 bookings, underscoring its positive reception among eager customers. The S70 has even made its mark in the international market, with 15 units delivered to Brunei ahead of its official launch in February.
Maintaining its dominance, the Proton X50, Malaysia’s most popular SUV, continued to lead the B-segment SUV category with 2,002 units sold in January, showcasing its enduring popularity three years after its initial launch. The Proton Persona also had a strong start to the year, leading sales for B-segment sedans with 1,846 units sold.
In the D-segment SUV market, the range-topping Proton X90 had an exceptional month, securing its leadership position with a total of 365 units sold in January. The Proton Exora, despite the end of production, remained relevant with 203 units sold in the C-segment MPV category.
Building on its impressive performance in 2023, the Proton Saga started 2024 robustly with 6,129 units sold, reaffirming its enduring popularity and significance within Proton’s portfolio. The strong start solidifies the Saga’s role as a cornerstone in Proton’s legacy, emphasizing its unwavering influence in Malaysia’s automotive industry.
Additionally, Proton witnessed a 7% increase in sales for the Proton Iriz, with 523 units sold, while the Proton X70 recorded 372 units sold in the same period, further contributing to the overall success of Proton’s diverse model lineup.
