Two months remain for this year and Proton’s total sales volume for 2022 has passed the full year’s sales volume of 2021. Announcing its October numbers today, the Malaysian carmaker said after 10 months of sales, its cumulative volume has reached 115,362 units. In the same period in 2021, it was only 114,708 units, or a difference of 33.6%.
The 10-month sales volume, which was contributed by the addition of 13,013 units (including exported vehicles) in October, was also noteworthy as it was the company’s highest volume since 2014.
By Proton’s estimation, the Total Industry Volume (TIV) of new vehicle sales in October was over 60,000 units for a third consecutive month. Proton’s share of the market would 21.1%, and for the 10-month period, 19.9%, while its overall position remains steady in second place.
SUV market leaders
Proton’s SUVs have been the most popular in the market, with the X50 being the national sales leader. During October, 3,602 units were delivered to raise the cumulative volume to 33,193 units for the year.
The X50’s bigger brother, the X70 which has been in the market since December 2018, remains popular with 1,391 units delivered in October. Its total volume for the year has reached 15,536 units and together with the X50’s volume, Proton’s SUV sales volume (including exports) should reach 50,000 units soon.
“Proton’s fourth consecutive year of volume growth coincides with the brand’s entry into the SUV market with the Proton X70. It’s an achievement the company is proud of and despite the launch of newer rivals, it remains a class leader and was even named Best Large SUV at the 2022 Carsifu Editors’ Choice Awards. Therefore, to celebrate its upcoming fourth birthday, we are offering customers gifts comprising accessories worth RM1,499, interest rates as low as 2.52% and many other surprises from our dealerships if they purchase a Proton X70 in November,” said Roslan Abdullah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Proton.
Other popular models
The Saga remains the bestselling Proton model and last month, 5,262 units were delivered nationwide. Its cumulative volume for 10 months has reached 45,965 units, which is a 42% increase over the previous year. Although being a model that is at the right price point and value for money, its appeal was further enhanced with the introduction of an updated model in May this year.
The Persona and Iriz meanwhile have been making a steady comeback in the market while the Exora remains the leader among the C-segment MPVs.
Growing sales outside Malaysia
Aside from local market success, Proton’s total volume growth for 2022 has also been boosted by the performance of its export division. With 416 units were exported in October, the total number of vehicles sent to other markets has reached 4,741 units, the highest since 2013. As with domestic sales, the Saga is the company’s bestseller overseas (2,106 units) followed by the X70 (1,608 units).
“The growth in Proton’s export division in 2022 is in line with our intention to penetrate more overseas markets. While Malaysia will be the company’s main market for some time to come, export sales has more untapped growth potential that fits in with our long-term growth targets to be a major regional automotive brand,” added Roslan Abdullah.
