SHAH ALAM: Proton is optimistic of recording higher sales of about 130,000 units this year compared with 115,000 units in 2014, amid lower car prices following the goods and services tax (GST).

Chief executive officer Datuk Abdul Harith Abdullah said that the target was also driven by positive sales record for the Iriz and Saga models as well as the higher industry growth projection of 2% t0 3%.

“Currently, Iriz contributes about 50% to our sales and Saga about 40%,” he told the media after the site visit by Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan to Proton Centre of Excellence here on Friday.

Abdul Harith said the national carmaker was on its way to recovery after hitting its lowest sales last year with fewer than 10,000 units per month.

“I am confident that we can surpass sales of 10,000 units for March,” he said, adding that the sentiment for the export market also remained positive with about 5,000 units sold last year.

He said the highest demand was from the Middle East with the Persona being the most popular model in the region.

“Obviously, Asean remained the most important market for us,” he added.

On Wednesday, Proton announced new prices for its models with the implementation of the GST. Its car prices saw a reduction of up to RM1,475, or 3.25% per unit, on selected variants.

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