Despite a softer automotive market in February, Proton continued its strong momentum into the second month of 2026, delivering 13,566 units and reinforcing its dominant position in Malaysia’s automotive landscape.

While February sales represented a 31% dip compared to January’s 15-year high, the figure marked a significant 20.8% increase over the same month last year. This brings Proton’s cumulative sales for January and February to 33,399 units — an impressive 57.9% surge year-on-year.

The Total Industry Volume (TIV) for February is estimated to have declined by 17.6% to 52,996 units, largely due to festive season disruptions that slowed vehicle deliveries nationwide. Even so, Proton’s estimated market share for the month stands at 25.6%, while its year-to-date (YTD) share is a commanding 28.5%. These figures underscore the brand’s resilience amid broader industry headwinds.

Leading the charge is the Proton Saga, which continues to dominate the national sales charts. After recording its best-ever monthly performance in January, the model delivered another 6,047 units in February. Year-to-date sales now total 16,332 units — a 69.8% increase compared to the same period in 2025 — securing its position as Malaysia’s volume leader.

The Saga’s continued popularity reflects strong demand for practical, value-driven vehicles that balance affordability with reliability.

PROTON’s aggressive product rollout strategy has played a critical role in sustaining momentum. Over the past five months, the company has introduced five new models across EV, ICE, and PHEV segments, significantly boosting showroom traffic and brand visibility.

The refreshed Proton X50, first updated in July 2025, has carried its momentum into 2026. February sales reached 1,842 units, bringing YTD volume to 4,271 units — up 31.1% year-on-year. The B-segment SUV remains one of the brand’s core contributors.

Meanwhile, the spotlight increasingly shines on the 2026 Proton S70. Equipped with Proton’s new i-GT turbocharged engine, the sedan has garnered strong praise from media and buyers alike. With 1,940 units sold in February alone, it was Proton’s second-highest volume model for the month. YTD sales now stand at 3,544 units — a 51.5% increase over last year.

Customer response to the 2026 Proton S70 has been particularly encouraging. Less than a month after its launch, approximately 5,000 bookings have been recorded nationwide. The surge in demand is helping reinvigorate Malaysia’s C-segment sedan market, a category that has faced stiff competition from SUVs in recent years.

According to Dato’ Ir. Abdul Rashid Musa, Chief Executive Officer of Proton Edar, the company’s early 2026 performance reflects strong customer interest in its updated product lineup, which combines modern design, advanced technologies, efficiency, and competitive pricing.

He acknowledged that managing customer waiting times is now the immediate priority, with plans to increase production and delivery capacity while maintaining strict quality standards. Investments in Proton’s Tanjong Malim manufacturing facility are expected to support this ramp-up in the coming months.

Beyond product offerings, Proton is also strengthening its ownership experience. The upgraded Proton Link 2.0 app now enables customers to book service appointments directly with the brand’s nationwide 3S and 4S dealership network, enhancing aftersales convenience.

As 2026 unfolds, Proton’s strategy of combining product renewal, manufacturing investment, and improved customer engagement appears to be paying off. With strong bookings for the S70 and consistent demand for established nameplates like the Saga and X50, the brand looks well-positioned to maintain its upward trajectory in the months ahead.