PROTON Posts 52% Year-On-Year Increase In Sales For February 2023

PROTON’s February 2023 sales performance seems encouraging as it posted a 52% year-on-year increase compared to the same period in 2022. The company sold 14,033 vehicles last month (domestic and export), which was also 20.1% higher than January’s sales figures. For the first 2 months of 2023, PROTON has amassed a sales total of 25,714 vehicles, an increase of 88% compared to last year.

The company estimates its market share for the month to be 22.7%, placing it 2nd in the rankings. Overall, car sales in Malaysia continues to rise for a 2nd consecutive month as supply issues stabilise, and car makers rush to deliver before the sales tax exemption deadline of 31 March.

In terms of model breakdown, PROTON sold 6,345 units of the Proton Saga in February, retaining its position as the best-selling Proton. It had thus far sold 11,133 Sagas this year. Next up, 3,247 units of the Proton X50 were sold, allowing it to retain the lead in the B-segment SUV market and as the most popular SUV overall. With a second consecutive month of sales leadership for B-segment sedans, the Proton Persona is proving its appeal against newer rivals when supply is unaffected by component shortages. With 2,313 units sold in February, the model broke through the 2,000-unit barrier for a 3rd consecutive month, the first time it has achieved this since doing it for 5 months in a row between June – October 2020.

Meanwhile, the Proton X70 is matching its performance from the first 2 months of 2022 with 981 units delivered in February and 1,914 units year-to-date. Further, the Proton Iriz saw its best performance since August 2022 with 811 units sold, an improvement of 156% for the first 2 months of the year. The Proton Exora also enjoyed a resurgence in sales with 336 units sold, an increase of 216%. It continues to be the C-segment MPV leader.

“PROTON’s strong start to the year reflects the popularity of our current model offerings. Just like our competitors, a lot of volume is being driven by fulfilment of tax-exempt bookings, but our new booking numbers remain healthy, so we are hopeful of continuing our sales growth trajectory for the rest of the year,” said Roslan Abdullah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, PROTON.

“Over the next few months, PROTON will also be making several announcements to shape the company’s direction for 2023 and beyond. This will be a busy year as we establish our presence in new segments, enter the new energy vehicle (NEV) market and build our EV credentials when sales of the smart #1 begin,” he added.