Sales grew by 31% over the previous month as 8,102 Proton cars were sold to local car buyers and export customers.
While Malaysian sales were driven by customers looking to take advantage of the zero rating for GST
and before the implementation of SST in September, the resumption of export activities by the company was what delivered a boost to the overall numbers.
Proton experienced a third consecutive month of market share growth with an estimated 11.7% of Total Industry Volume (TIV) for the month. This compares to the 9.6% market share it garnered in June according to numbers published by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA).
The Saga and Persona continue to lead sales, with the former breaking through the 3,000 unit barrier for the first time in 2018. The Persona also achieved a new high point for the year as more than 2,221 sales were recorded, marking the first instance it breached the 2,000 unit barrier since May 2017.
“July was a very good month for Proton as we had achieved our highest volume not just for 2018 but also for the last 30 months," said Proton Edar CEO Abdul Rashid Musa.
"We know that a big factor in boosting sales is the current tax holiday period with zero-rated GST prior to the implementation of SST in September but the numbers also prove that Malaysians are opening their eyes to the attractive buying proposition offered by the current range of Proton cars. We are therefore hopeful of carrying over this momentum even after SST has been introduced as we gear up for the launch of our first SUV later in the year.”
Proton resumed export sales last month with 517 cars shipped in July. Currently, the most popular export market for Proton cars is the Middle East with countries like Jordan, Iraq and Iran being the main destination. Sales in Egypt are set to resume over the final quarter of the year as the country recovers from the currency crises that had hampered its car industry over the last few years.
