Close to celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, local carmaker Proton is showing steady growth in the first two months of 2023. In February 2023 alone, Proton sales hit 14,033 cars (domestic and export), which is 52% higher than the same month in 2022. In the first two months of 2023, Proton sold 25,714 cars, showing an 88% growth from the same period in 2022.
February 2023 saw Proton’s sales increase by 20.1% from the previous month. The company estimates that its market share in February 2023 is 22.7% with an estimated total-industry volume (TIV) of 62,300 units. Proton’s market share in February 2023 showed a 7.3% increase from February 2022.
Of the 14,033 cars sold by Proton in February 2023, the best-selling model was the Proton Saga with 6,345 units sold. This is followed by the X50 with 3,247 units, the Persona with 2,313 units, the X70 with 981 units, the Iriz with 811 units, and the Exora with 336 units. In February 2023, the Persona, X50, and Exora lead their respective segments.
From the first two months of the year, Proton has sold a total of 25,714 cars. In terms of year-to-date numbers, Proton’s sales chart is still lead by the Proton Saga with 11,133 units sold. Following the Saga is the X50 with 6,239 units, the Persona with 4,352 units, the X70 with 1,914 units, the Iriz with 1,408 units, and the Exora with 668 units.
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Proton Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Abdullah said, “Proton’s strong start to the year reflects the popularity of our current model offerings. Just like our competitors, a lot of volume is being driven by fulfilment of tax-exempt bookings, but our new booking numbers remain healthy, so we are hopeful of continuing our sales growth trajectory for the rest of the year.”
He adds, “Over the next few months, Proton will also be making several announcements to shape the company’s direction for 2023 and beyond. This will be a busy year as we establish our presence in new segments, enter the new energy vehicle (NEV) market and build our EV credentials when sales of the smart #1 begin.”
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