Proton recorded sales of 9,792 units for both domestic + export in May after the national car maker ramped up production since overcoming its parts shortage issues.
The figure marks an increase in sales of 10.8% compared to April 2022 and is 3.7% more compared to May 2021. Proton retains its position as the second most popular car brand in the country, with an estimated market share of 19.6%, while Year-To-Date market share is currently estimated at 17.1%.
The Proton X50 continues to dominate the SUV market with 2,779 units registered in May, making it the market leader for B-segment SUVs as well as the overall leader for the SUV market. The other two Proton models that continue to lead their respective segments are Proton X70 and Proton Exora with sales of 692 units and 387 units respectively.
As for the Proton Saga, the company’s perennial best-seller sold 3,996 units in May, putting it in the second position for A-segment sedans. This is a good performance as the company managed the transition from the previous version to the 2022 Proton Saga, which was launched on 12 May. The new model offers improved features, safety, and quality in a refreshed design, and market demand has been encouraging with over 12,000 bookings already placed.
The model has also been doing very well in export markets. YTD export volume for the Saga now stands at 1,482 units an increase of 71% compared to the previous year. Export sales for May was recorded as 513 units, an increase of 12.5% compared to previous month while the YTD total of 2,086 units is an increase of 47.0% compared to same period in 2021.
For the first five months this year, Pakistan continues to be the biggest export market with 1,350 units followed by Egypt and Brunei with 172 and 158 units respectively.
“The increase in sales for PROTON in May is a direct result of the company boosting its production volume to catch up to market demand. As with the rest of the automotive industry, we are continuing to try and secure sufficient parts supply to clear our backlog of orders so while that is happening, PROTON would like to express its gratitude to customers who have supported us in bearing with the long waiting period,” said Roslan Abdullah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer.
