Proton has continued its upward trajectory in 2025, closing the third quarter with a sales performance that not only outpaced industry trends but also surpassed its own results from 2024. Despite the Total Industry Volume (TIV) contracting by 21.7% in September to an estimated 57,169 units, Proton delivered 13,395 vehicles domestically and abroad, bringing its year-to-date (YTD) total to 114,297 units. This represents a 0.9% increase over the previous year and secures a 23.4% market share for September — the company’s strongest showing of the year.

At the heart of Proton’s success is the new Proton X50, which has quickly become a consumer favourite. With 3,438 units delivered in September, the model not only retained its title as Malaysia’s best-selling SUV but also captured the attention of a new wave of buyers. Sales data revealed that 88% of X50 owners are upgrading from previous vehicles, while 33% are first-time Proton customers, demonstrating the brand’s growing appeal among those seeking a premium yet sporty SUV. So far, the X50 has recorded 21,154 YTD sales, a 24.4% increase over last year.

Other Proton models also delivered robust numbers in September.

• The Proton X70 posted 6,033 YTD sales, a 10.1% increase from 2024.
• The larger X90 maintained its lead as the best-selling D-segment SUV with 194 units sold.
• The Proton S70 remained the segment leader among C-segment sedans, adding 979 units to its tally.
• The Proton Saga continued its remarkable run with 6,058 units sold, marking the third consecutive month of surpassing 6,000 units and holding firm as Malaysia’s fourth best-selling car.
• The Persona and Iriz contributed with 1,161 and 278 units respectively, keeping Proton competitive across all categories.

“Proton’s sales performance in September shows we continue to excite the market with our offerings. Q3 of 2025 has been exceptionally good for the company and we plan to carry this momentum into the final three months of the year to both meet our volume target and act as a springboard for 2026,” said Zhang Qiang, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Proton Edar.

Proton’s export division, Proton International Sales Corporation, also achieved its best month of 2025 with 815 units shipped, lifting YTD exports to 3,959 — a 56% jump compared to 2024. The X50 led this surge with a remarkable 220% growth in overseas markets, while the Saga posted a 14% rise. The Proton e.MAS 7, the brand’s first electric vehicle (EV), is also gaining ground internationally with 443 units exported to date, now reaching markets such as Singapore, with Mauritius next in line.

Domestically, the e.MAS 7 has cemented its position as Malaysia’s best-selling EV, with 845 units sold in September and 6,656 YTD. With the upcoming launch of the more affordable e.MAS 5 and the start of local EV assembly at Proton’s new Tanjung Malim plant, the company is gearing up for a major expansion of its electrified lineup in 2026.

By outperforming an industry downturn and setting benchmarks in both internal combustion and electric vehicle sales, Proton has positioned itself as one of the strongest contenders in Malaysia’s automotive market. With exports growing, EV adoption accelerating, and a solid product mix driving demand, the brand appears well on course to achieve its goal of securing over 20% of the national automotive market share in 2025 while laying the groundwork for an even stronger 2026.