PROTON sells 10,999 units amidst softer TIV in June

National carmaker PROTON sold 10,999 units in June (domestic and export) to strengthen its hold of second place in the automotive sales table. Sales volume was affected by a planned one- week plant shutdown for scheduled operations improvement activities but overall, the company achieved a market share figure of 19.1% for the month, the same as its year-to-date (YTD) market share figure. Total sales for the first half of 2024 closed at 73,696 units.

Total industry volume (TIV) for June is forecast softer than any month this year. An estimated 57,700 units were sold last month, lower than April, the previous low point in 2024 during a period affected by the long festive holiday. Cumulatively however, the forecast TIV figure for the first six months of 2024 is approximately 386,600 units, which is nearly 20,000 units more than the same time period in 2023 when it reached a new record high.

Two Proton models rule their segments as sales rebound for new Proton X50
June was a busy month for PROTON as the company focused on strategic moves that would pay dividends for its near and long-term future. Aside from launching its e.MAS EV brand, PROTON also celebrated the roll-out of the 5 millionth vehicle from its production line and launched the 2024 Proton X50, a refreshed version of its best- selling SUV featuring more than 20 NVH improvements.

The result is an immediate improvement in sales volume with the Proton X50 returning to the top of the B- segment SUV class with 1,711 units, its best performance in three months. With production set to increase after the improvements to the plant, sales are expected to rise in the coming months. The other model to finish at the head of its segment was the Proton S70, which has lead C-segment sedan sales every month in 2024. Another 1,440 units were sold in June as the newest Proton model continues to find a growing market niche.

The evergreen Proton Saga raked in a further 5,441 units in June, bringing its YTD sales figure to 34,838 units. On average over 5,800 units have been sold each month, making it easily one of the best-selling vehicles in the country. More success was recorded by the Proton Persona as its June sales of 1,309 units was enough for it to finish second both for the month and the year in the hotly contested B-segment sedan category.

As for the remaining models, the Proton X70 and Proton X90 achieved sales of 481 units and 248 units respectively. The former is due to receive a comprehensive update later this year while the latter is building a steady following in the specialised seven-seater SUV market. The Proton Iriz meanwhile ended June with 369 units sold, finishing fourth in the B-segment hatchback category,

“The first six 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.

“We are also pleased to see our recent launch of the 2024 Proton X50 has been met with strong demand from the market. The model remains as the best option for those looking for a B-segment SUV and we expect a similar reaction from the market when we unveil the heavily revised 2025 Proton X70. With a new model launch from smart just around the corner and the impending arrival of the first EV model from e.MAS, the market can expect more positive developments from PROTON for the second half of the year,” said Roslan Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer, Proton Edar.

PROTON June 2024 – Individual Model Performance (including export)

Model	No of units sold	Total Sales 2024	Sales achievement for the month
Saga	5,441	34,838	2nd highest volume A-segment sedan
Persona	1,309	9,753	2nd highest volume B-segment sedan
Iriz	369	2,779	4th highest volume B-segment hatchback
X70	481	2,976	3rd highest volume C-segment SUV
X50	1,711	10,204	Highest volume B-segment SUV
X90	248	1,989	2nd volume D-segment SUV
S70	1,440	10,914	Highest volume C-segment sedan
Total	10,999	73,696	2nd highest volume overall sales

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