Pending official data from the Malaysian Automotive Association later in the month, Proton has announced that it has risen to No.2 position in overall sales in July 2019. The last time the carmaker was in a similar position was March 2016, while the last calendar year it finished in second was in 2015.
The ascent to the second overall position came with the delivery of 8,590 vehicles during the month, providing a positive start to the second half of the year. It is also the seventh consecutive month of growth and Proton is the only brand to have such momentum in 2019.
47% improvement in 12 months
The brand’s market share for the month is estimated at 16.5% with a Total Industry Volume (TIV) estimated at 51,960 units. Based on cumulative sales for the year, Proton’s overall market share should be around 15% on a volume of 52,269 units. This time last year, Proton’s cumulative sales had reached 35,561 units so it’s a 47% improvement.
12 months ago, automotive sales in Malaysia received a boost when a tax holiday was implemented from June to August. Proton, like all the other brands, posted its best numbers for 2018 during that 3-month period. In 2019, even without the benefit of the tax holiday, Proton’s sales have continued to show positive growth although not as spectacular as the year before.
“For the rest of 2019, we intend to consolidate our position to finish the year
ranked second for the first time in 4 years.”
Dr. Li Chunrong, Proton CEO
Ahead of schedule
“Proton’s return to second place overall in the Malaysian automotive market has happened ahead of schedule. The growth in demand for our products show we are on track to meet our long-term targets and for the rest of 2019, we intend to consolidate our position to finish the year ranked second for the first time in 4 years,” said Dr. Li Chunrong, CEO of Proton.
“With the launch of the updated 2019 Proton Saga set to take place shortly and our other product introductions in the pipeline, the company is quietly confident of even better results in the future,” he added.
On the performance of the various models, Dr. Li said the Persona is now the sales leader in a segment that is ruled by Japanese products. “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%, so the company is humbled by the trust Malaysian car buyers are putting in our brand,” he said.
Visit www.proton.com to know more about the models available and where to view, test or purchase them.
