Proton continued its impressive run in 2026 by recording its second-strongest monthly sales performance of the year in July, underpinned by robust demand for both its internal combustion engine (ICE) models and rapidly expanding electrified vehicle (xEV) range. At the same time, the national carmaker celebrated its highest monthly export volume in more than 13 years, highlighting its growing regional presence.

A total of 18,442 vehicles were delivered during July, including domestic sales, exports, Proton e.MAS and smart models. The figure represents a 14.9 percent increase over June, pushing Proton’s cumulative sales for the first seven months of the year to 118,788 units, an impressive 38.7 percent growth compared to the same period in 2025. Based on the projected Total Industry Volume (TIV), Proton is expected to maintain a healthy 25.8 percent year-to-date market share, reinforcing its position as one of Malaysia’s leading automotive brands.

Despite an increasingly competitive automotive market with new brands and models entering the country, Proton’s core lineup continued to dominate several key market segments.

The Proton Saga remained the company’s volume leader with 7,814 units delivered in July. Year-to-date deliveries have now climbed to 52,189 units, keeping the popular A-segment sedan on track for another record-breaking year.

In the C-segment sedan category, the Proton S70 maintained its leadership after registering 2,857 units during the month, increasing cumulative sales to 15,689 units.

SUV demand also remained strong. The Proton X50 continued its reign as Malaysia’s best-selling SUV, recording 2,291 units in July and lifting year-to-date sales to 17,636 units. Meanwhile, the Proton X90 led the seven-seater D-segment SUV category with 441 deliveries, marking its second-best monthly result of the year.

Proton Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Ir. Abdul Rashid Musa, attributed the strong performance to customers’ continued confidence in the brand’s products, citing the balance of technology, safety, quality and value offered across the range. He added that Proton remains committed to strengthening every aspect of vehicle ownership, from manufacturing quality and localisation to sales and aftersales services, ensuring the company remains competitive while contributing to the development of Malaysia’s automotive industry.

July also proved to be a landmark month for Proton’s electrified mobility division, with the Proton e.MAS brand recording its highest monthly sales since its introduction.

The company expanded its retail footprint with six additional Proton e.MAS outlets, bringing the nationwide network to 58 sales outlets and 45 service centres. Proton also marked another milestone by officially commencing production of the locally assembled Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV at its Tanjung Malim facility.

Combined sales of the Proton e.MAS 5, Proton e.MAS 7, and Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV reached 3,888 units in July, increasing total deliveries for 2026 to 21,808 units.

The Proton e.MAS 5 retained its status as Malaysia’s best-selling fully electric vehicle with 13,196 units sold year-to-date. The Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV also continued to lead the plug-in hybrid segment with 4,946 units, while the fully electric Proton e.MAS 7 accumulated 3,666 units.

All three electrified models are assembled at Proton’s New Energy Vehicle plant in Tanjung Malim, with key powertrain components such as the Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) and Electric Drive Unit (EDU) produced locally at the company’s Advanced Powertrain Hub.

PRO-NET Chief Executive Officer Zhang Qiang said the continued growth of the Proton e.MAS lineup reflects rising consumer confidence in electrified mobility. He added that the company remains focused on enhancing the ownership experience through initiatives including the Proton e.MAS SuperApp, expansion of its retail and service network, and continued partnerships with charging infrastructure providers.

Beyond domestic success, Proton’s export business achieved another major milestone in July by shipping 1,398 units, its highest monthly export volume since March 2013.

The increase was driven by stronger demand across international markets, alongside expanded regional production activities involving Proton-Geely collaborative models assembled at the Tanjung Malim plant for selected overseas destinations.

The growing export programme is expected to improve production efficiency while further strengthening Malaysia’s Automotive High Tech Valley (AHTV) initiative. Increased manufacturing volumes are also set to create more opportunities for local suppliers and reinforce Malaysia’s role as a regional automotive production hub.

Dato’ Ir. Abdul Rashid Musa noted that rising export demand reflects the improving quality and competitiveness of vehicles built in Malaysia. He added that as regional production activities continue to expand, they will enhance factory utilisation, strengthen the domestic supply chain, create new opportunities for Malaysian vendors, and become an increasingly important contributor to Proton’s long-term sustainable growth.