KUALA LUMPUR: Proton retained its position as the second most popular car brand by market share with recorded sales of 5,676 vehicles in May amid the challenges of the conditional movement control order (CMCO).

In a statement, Proton said its market share in May stood at 21.1%, which was in line with its targets for the year, on the back of four best-selling models.

While the Proton was the overall best-selling vehicle in the country in May, the  X70,  Persona and Exora each topped their respective market segments.

The May sales figure represented a 46.5% decline from 10,611 units sold in the same month last year, owing to the need to comply with the standard operating procedures set out during the CMCO.

Year-to-date, Proton's sales volume shrunk 23.3% year-on-year, which was better than the estimated 48.7% decline in total industry volume over the five months.

"The automotive industry is now moving towards recovery but as expected, the first month has been a period of adjustment as we adapt to the ‘new normal’ regarding all aspects of our operations.

“Proton is thankful our sales have not contracted as much as expected and we also need to say thank you to our vendors who worked tirelessly to ensure we could regain our footing as quickly as possible.

"It will take a few more months to get an accurate reading of market conditions but we are quietly confident from this point onwards, we will see steady growth for the rest of the year,” said Proton CEO Li Chunrong.

For June, Proton is offering customers 0% financing for the first year when buying the X70.

The car maker will also offer Malaysian frontliners such as nurses, doctors, members of the police and army and Ministry of Health and Ministry of Home Affairs staff free personal insurance coverage of up to RM50,000 for five years covering death, accidental death and permanent disability.