KUALA LUMPUR: Proton Holdings Bhd’s (Proton) sales in the first 10 months of 2019 grew 46 per cent to 79,833 vehicles including domestic and export units, despite a 1.3 per cent lower total industry volume (TIV).
In a statement released today, the national carmaker recorded 9,503 sales in October with its current market share of about 16 per cent, recording a 5.2 per cent increase over the previous year.
The achievement has placed Proton in the second position in the overall local automotive sales market. Proton said it was also confident of maintaining its position till the end of 2019.
“We are humbled by the response our products have received from Malaysian car buyers. In the space of just eight months we launched our firstsport utility vehicle (SUV) and updated all our other models, giving Proton the youngest model range for any car brand in Malaysia.
“The hard work has paid off with increased sales and we are now confident of being able to sell 100,000 units this year, providing us with a solid base to move forward in 2020 and beyond,” said Proton chief executive officer Dr Li Chunrong.
Proton’s first SUV, the X70 has continued to be the best-selling premium and executive model for a tenth consecutive month.
It added over 24,000 units have been delivered thus far, making it Malaysia’s fastest-selling C-segment SUV with healthy demand from consumers.
Meanwhile, Proton Saga achieved 51-month sales high with over 28,000 bookings have been received thus far.
The Saga recorded 4,273 units sales in October this year with a total of 30,331 units delivered in the first 10 months, a 26 per cent increase over the same period a year ago.
Similarly, the Exora, Iriz and Persona have also shown an increase in sales. Sales for the trio along with the Saga have increased 21 per cent this year, accounting for 78 per cent of Proton’s total sales in October.
Proton currently has 108 3S/4S outlets with four more joining the network this month.
The company said it would match the commitment of its dealers by continuing to invest in training programmes for sales and service staff, ensuring the level of service delivered matches the premium image the brand aspires to.
“As we grow the number of 3S/4S outlets, we can then deliver an improved brand experience to more Malaysian car buyers.
“Proton will continue to focus on improving customer service levels as we know it is one of the keys to building long-term brand loyalty,” added Dr Li Chunrong.