In April 2024, Proton showcased robust growth, marking a 17.1% increase in sales compared to the same period in 2023. The company sold 11,025 units, including both domestic and export sales, surpassing the 9,415 units sold in April of the previous year. This momentum continued to bolster Proton’s performance for the first four months of 2024, with a total of 50,175 units sold, reflecting a notable rise from the 49,702 units sold during the same period in 2023. Concurrently, the total industry volume (TIV) for the Malaysian automotive market saw growth, reaching an estimated 59,100 units for the period, with a cumulative total of 261,345 units for the year.
Proton maintained its stronghold in the market, holding an estimated 18.7% market share in April alone and a projected year-to-date market share of 19.2%, securing its position as the second-highest seller in the national automotive sales ranking. Noteworthy was the surge in export sales, which soared by 38.5% year-to-date in April, rising from 603 units to 835 units.
The Proton X50 reclaimed its position as Malaysia’s preferred SUV in the B-segment, with 1,642 units sold in April, despite facing increased competition. Similarly, the Proton S70 led C-segment sedan sales since the year’s outset, with 1,635 units sold in April and a cumulative total of 7,463 units for 2024. The popularity of the newest sedan model, characterized by its modern design, seamless connectivity, and advanced safety features, contributed significantly to Proton’s success.
The Proton Saga, the company’s best-selling model, remained a top choice for buyers, registering 5,031 units in April and showing an 8.8% increase in year-to-date sales, reaching 23,278 units. Other models, including the Proton X70, Proton Persona, Proton X90, and Proton Iriz, also contributed to Proton’s sales figures, with varying degrees of success.
Roslan Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of Proton Edar, attributed the slight slowdown in automotive sales in April to the extended holiday period surrounding Hari Raya Aidilfitri. However, he emphasized Proton’s sustained demand, driven by ongoing quality improvements and higher Global Customer Product Audit (GCPA) scores since 2019, which instilled greater confidence among consumers.
Regarding export sales, Proton witnessed a significant surge, with a 38.5% increase compared to the same period last year, demonstrating the company’s commitment to expanding its global footprint. With plans to strengthen export sales further, including entering new markets like Trinidad and Tobago and reestablishing presence in Bangladesh, Proton remains optimistic about its long-term growth prospects.
