Proton sold 9,440 units (domestic + export) last month, a reduction of 37.1% compared to April, resulting in a market share of 20.3%.
Up to the end of May, total volume stood at 57,283 units with a year-to-date market share of 23.5%, an increase of 2.4% over the previous year.
Proton models led four segments as exports reach new 98-month high. After becoming the overall market leader for April, the Saga relinquished its hold on the crown but still ended the month as the A-segment sedan sales leader with 3,786 units delivered.
The Saga is one of four Proton models that managed to lead their respective class.
As with the previous month, the X50 and X70 continue to lead their segments by a considerable margin. The smaller SUV managed to achieve 1,899 units in May while the latter posted 1,523 units for a cumulative total of 3,422 units delivered to Malaysian and overseas customers.
The company’s fourth segment leader was the Exora, which retained its customary position at the head of the C-segment MPV class.
Meanwhile, Proton’s overseas sales efforts continue to gain momentum despite international markets going through varying degrees of lockdown.
With 669 units comprising the Saga, X50 and X70 exported in May, the company’s international sales division recorded its best month since March 2013.
As a result, total export sales for 2021 are now less than 100 units behind the total for the whole of last year.
With a "full lockdown" already under way, car sales will be suspended for at least two weeks and perhaps longer if the Movement Control Order (MCO) is extended.
Unlike last year, service centres are allowed to operate so Proton would be accepting cars from customers who have prebooked an appointment.
The company will also be looking to use the break to retool its sales plan for the remainder of 2021, while also taking steps to future proof its business against regulatory changes and external factors such as the coronavirus.
“Last year proved to the world that business as usual can be disrupted without warning. To remain competitive in an unpredictable environment, Proton along with its vendors and dealers need to have the flexibility to pivot quickly to take advantage of unexpected opportunities," said Proton Edar CEO Roslan Abdullah.
"As such, we will intensify our efforts to implement a
framework to meet upcoming regulations locally and internationally which is vital for future growth.
“We are also finalising our model launch plans for the rest of this year. The current MCO will push some of these dates back, but Proton remains committed to meeting our launch targets and creating some excitement for our customers in 2021.”
