Cumulative sales of Proton vehicles after the first 6 months of this year reached 73,696 units with the addition of 10,999 units in June (inclusive of export sales).
The month’s volume was 21% lower than the same month in 2023 due to a scheduled plant shutdown for a period of 1 week.
The shutdown was necessary for operations improvement activities. With production set to increase after the improvements to the plant, sales are expected to rise in the coming months.
Nevertheless, the brand captured a share of 19.1% for the month, a similar number as the overall share after 6 months.
June was a ‘soft’ month
Industry sources expect that when the data is released by the Malaysian Automotive Association, it will be seen that June was a ‘softer’ month that any other this year.
Proton estimates that the total volume of new vehicle sales would be 57,000 units, which would be lower than in April, the lowest month to date.
Improved X50 in high demand
The improved X50 showed better sales numbers, returning the model to leadership in the SUV B-segment with 1,711 units delivered in June.
The S70, likewise, continued to lead the C-segment with 1,440 units delivered during the month. It has been segment leader for every month since the year started.
Evergreen Saga still No. 1
While there are younger and newer models in Proton’s range, it is still the evergreen Saga that tops the chart in the brand’s sales.
With 5,441 units delivered in June, the cumulative volume after 6 months has reached 34,838 units. On average, over 5,800 units have been sold each month, making it one of the best-selling vehicles in the country.
Period of consolidation
“The first 6 months of 2024 have been a period of consolidation for Proton as we invested in strategic moves that will benefit our future. So, while the plant shutdown resulted in a short-term effect on our sales numbers, the efficiencies gained as a result of the work performed will help us to catch up in the second half of the year,” said Roslan Abdullah, CEO of Proton Edar.
“With a new model launch from smart just around the corner and the impending arrival of the first EV model from e.MAS (Proton’s brand name for its EVs), Malaysians can expect more positive developments from Proton in the second half of the year,” he said.
Click here to know more about the improved X50