Proton has carried its impressive 2026 momentum into the second quarter, delivering a robust performance in April that reinforces its position as one of Malaysia’s leading automotive brands. With 18,156 units sold during the month, the national carmaker has pushed its year-to-date (YTD) total to 67,298 units—marking a substantial 40.9% increase compared to the same period last year. This surge keeps the company firmly on track toward its ambitious target of 200,000 units for the year.

While Malaysia’s overall automotive market recorded a modest YTD growth of 1.8%, Proton has significantly outpaced the industry. Its stronger performance has translated into an estimated 26.4% market share for the year so far, with April alone expected to contribute around 25%. This gap highlights Proton’s ability to capture demand even as competition intensifies.

A key driver behind this success is the continued popularity of Proton’s internal combustion engine (ICE) lineup. The Proton Saga, a long-standing favourite among Malaysians, saw a remarkable rebound in April. After facing supply constraints earlier in the year, deliveries surged by over 50% month-on-month to 8,207 units. This brings its cumulative total to nearly 30,000 units in just four months—an impressive 42.8% increase year-on-year.

Another standout performer is the Proton S70, which has quickly gained traction in the C-segment sedan category. Following its February update, the model achieved its best-ever monthly sales in April with 2,377 units delivered. Its appeal lies in a compelling mix of refreshed styling, improved performance from a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, and a strong suite of connectivity features. As a result, its YTD sales have climbed to 8,175 units, reflecting growing consumer confidence in the model.

Proton’s SUV lineup has also played a significant role in sustaining its upward trajectory. The Proton X50 continues to dominate its segment, with 2,603 units sold in April and a YTD total exceeding 10,000 units. Meanwhile, the Proton X90 is regaining momentum, recording a 43% jump in April sales to reach its best monthly performance since late 2023. Overall, demand for the seven-seater SUV has risen by more than 28% compared to last year.

Beyond conventional vehicles, Proton’s electrified division, Proton e.MAS, is rapidly establishing itself as a leader in Malaysia’s EV and PHEV space. April marked a new milestone, with 3,420 electrified vehicles sold, bringing the YTD total to 11,664 units. The Proton e.MAS 5 continues to lead the charge as the country’s most popular EV, contributing 1,771 units in April alone. Its cumulative sales now stand at 8,473 units, setting the benchmark in the segment.

The Proton e.MAS 7 is also gaining traction, posting its third consecutive month of growth with 636 units delivered in April. However, the biggest surge came from the Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV, which recorded 1,013 units in just its second full month on the market. This strong showing cements its position as Malaysia’s top-selling plug-in hybrid, with demand expected to rise further as supply improves.

Proton attributes its sustained growth to a combination of strategic product planning, technological investment, and a strengthened dealer network. According to company leadership, maintaining customer trust through product quality and ownership experience remains a top priority as new competitors enter the market.

With additional model launches and initiatives planned for the coming months, Proton appears well-positioned not only to meet its 2026 targets but also to expand its influence in both domestic and export markets. As the automotive landscape evolves, the brand’s balanced focus on traditional and electrified vehicles is proving to be a winning formula.