With over 2,500 sales in the Malaysian market since it was first introduced, the Proton X90 has now made its debut in three export markets – Brunei, South Africa, and Mauritius. Proton also reports that it saw a 79% growth in exports in 2022 with a record of 5,406 exported units, but export figures for 2023 have been slightly challenged by external factors.
While 2022 saw a large 79% growth in exports, 2023 Proton export figures have been affected by external factors that have negatively impacted global economies. Despite the challenges, Proton said that it has remained steadfast in its “determination to expand its reach beyond Malaysia’s borders”, as seen with the debut of the Proton X90 in three export markets in August this year.
Proton Director of International Sales, Steven Xu said, “2023 has been challenging for Proton’s export business as many of our export markets are experiencing economic challenges resulting in capital market controls. However, our efforts to explore opportunities in other markets are continuing with groundwork underway in Fiji, Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Iraq, among others.”
“Simultaneously, we remain focused in growing our presence in our current export markets. The debut of the Proton X90, the company’s first New Energy Vehicle (NEV), in three export markets took place just three months after its Malaysian launch on 7 May, helping to uplift PROTON’s brand image in those markets. We view this as an investment in our future as we position ourselves to take advantage of improved market conditions in the future.”
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Among the markets that have just welcomed the Proton X90 is Brunei, which saw the best-ever sales month for Proton in August. In August alone, Proton sales in Brunei finally hit the three-figure mark with 100 units registered.
Steven Xu said, “The strong sales performance of Proton cars in Brunei this year is a result of the strength of our model line-up as well as the efforts of our importers. Culturally, there are many similarities between car buyers in Brunei and Malaysia, and the brand has a long history in the country, so we are very pleased to see we can still experience sales growth in a matured market”.
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