SUBANG JAYA: After 40 months, Proton has returned to second in total sales for Malaysia’s automotive market.
Proton’s overall market share for the year is now estimated to be 15%.
As of end-July, total sales now stand at 52,269 units compared to 35,561 for 2018, which equates to a 47% growth in overall year-on-year sales.
Fuelling Proton’s sales growth are models like the X70, Persona, Iriz and Saga.
The Proton X70 Premium and Executive variants continue to be the leader in their respective SUV segments with 17,023 units delivered for 2019.
The Proton Saga managed deliveries of 2,381 units in July for a year-to-date (as of end-July) total of 17,722 units.
Overall sales for the Saga are up by 14%, a remarkable achievement for a model due to be updated in August.
The updated Proton Persona was launched in April this year, and 2,720 units were delivered in July - making the model the best-selling vehicle in the B-segment sedan market, overtaking Japanese rivals that traditionally dominate the segment.
With 10,034 units delivered so far, Persona sales are up 3% year-on-year.
The updated Proton Iriz was also launched in April this year, and 974 units were delivered in July.
As of end-July, the Iriz has seen deliveries of 3,035 units.
“While the Proton X70 continues its trajectory, Proton’s other models are the staple of our performance. The Proton Persona is now the sales leader in a segment that is ruled by Japanese products while the Proton Saga is still a popular choice amongst first time car buyers looking for a safe, reliable and economical vehicle. Even the Proton Iriz has seen a surge in demand, with sales growing by over 50%,” said Dr Li Chunrong, CEO of Proton.
