PROTON retains second place as Malaysia car sales dip in September

National carmaker PROTON has recorded sales of 11,269 units (domestic + export) in September to bring its year to date (YTD) total sales volume to 112,758 units. As a result, the company remains in second position in the national automotive sales rankings with a forecast market share of 20.1% for the month and a YTD figure of 19.1% for the whole of 2024.

Total sales for the automotive industry were down in September, historically a slow month, as total industry volume (TIV) is estimated to have dropped to its lowest point in 17 months. Early estimates show the number to be at just 56,067 units, which is a reduction of 22.2% from the previous month. The estimated YTD total for TIV however remains ahead of 2023 with a total volume of just under 590,000 units being 3% better than last year.

PROTON takes the lead in three SUV segments
Launched on 19 August this year, the 2025 Proton X70 is a comprehensive reworking of Proton’s first SUV that was introduced at the end of 2018. Featuring revised styling, enhanced technology and advanced safety features, hopes were high during the launch for the model to return the company back to the head of the C-segment SUV market.

With a full month of sales activities under its belt, these hopes were realised in September with 1,466 units sold, allowing the Proton X70 to retake its crown as the bestselling C-segment SUV. The achievement is the highest sales volume for the model since December 2022, nearly double the sales achieved in August this year, and is proof of the strong interest from Malaysians for the newest Proton model.

The other two Proton SUV models also ended the month as sales leaders. After being updated in June, the Proton X50 continued its strong sales performance with another 1,771 units sold. This also allowed it to retain leadership for B-segment SUV YTD sales, a position it has held since its launch in 2020. As for the Proton X90, the flagship of Proton’s range retook leadership for D-segment sales with 217 units sold to bring its YTD total to a market leading 2,724 units.

Another model leading its segment for YTD sales is the Proton S70. The C-segment sedan remains the cumulative sales leader for the segment and added 1,013 units to bring its total to 14,768 units in its first full year of sales. Though temporarily displaced from the top of the monthly sales leaderboard it will receive a boost with the unveiling of the Proton S70 R3 that is set to compete in the Sepang 1000km endurance race in November.

PROTON’s best seller continues to be the Proton Saga, which achieved 5,162 sales last month, placing it in second place for A-segment sedans. Its sedan sister, the Proton Persona, clocked up 1,295 sales while the Proton Iriz had a steady sales month with 345 units sold.

“September is traditionally a slow month for the automotive industry and 2024 was no exception. Thankfully, thereduction in PROTON’s volume was considerably less than the decrease in TIV, setting the stage for achallenging final quarter of the year for the industry.

“With two newly refreshed SUV models, and a new sedan in its first full year of sales, PROTON is confident it has the necessary products to push sales volumes higher in the next three months. This will be boosted by our promotional activities and soon, we will launch a nationwide campaign to reward our customers with lucrative gifts and prizes. At the same time, our efforts to deliver a premium brand experience at outlets and improve after sales service will continue before culminating with the launch of our first EV offering in December,” said Roslan Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer, Proton Edar.

PROTON September 2024 – Individual Model Performance (including export)

Model	No of units sold	Total Sales 2024	Sales achievement for the month
Saga	5,162	54,066	2nd highest volume A-segment sedan
Persona	1,295	14,411	3rd highest volume B-segment sedan
Iriz	345	4,064	4th highest volume B-segment hatchback
X70	1,466	5,482	Highest volume C-segment SUV
X50	1,771	17,000	Highest volume B-segment SUV
X90	217	2,724	Highest volume D-segment SUV
S70	1,013	14,768	2nd highest volume C-segment sedan
Total	11,269	112,758	2nd highest volume overall sales

*Total sales are inclusive of discontinued models that are sold in 2024