KUALA LUMPUR: Proton Holdings Bhd’s (Proton) sales in the first-seven month of 2019 rose 47 per cent year-on-year (YoY) to 52,269 units from 35,561 units recorded in 2018, marking its return to second position in the local automotive sector.
The national carmaker sales performance in July 2019 was a good momentum for the year, recording 8,590 units with a market share of 16.5 per cent in total industry volume (TIV).
Proton in a statement said sales have continued to show positive growth this year even without the tax holiday.
Proton chief executive officer Dr Li Chunrong said the company’s return to second place overall in the Malaysian automotive market was 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 four years,” he said.
Dr Li said the launch of the updated 2019 Proton Saga and other product introductions would post better results in the future.
Fuelling Proton’s growth in sales (January - July) include Proton X70 (17,023 units), new Proton Persona (10,034 units), Proton Iriz (3,035 units) and the new Proton Saga (17,722 units).
“While the Proton X70 continues its trajectory, Proton’s other models are the staple of our performance. The Proton Persona is now the sales leader in a segment that is ruled by Japanese products while 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 per cent, so the company is humbled by the trust Malaysian car buyers are putting in our brand,” added Dr Li Chunrong.