NATIONAL carmaker Proton Holdings Bhd reported a sales volume of 10,999 units in June, down from the 12,522 units sold in May. The decline was attributed to a planned one-week plant shutdown for scheduled operations improvement activities.
Despite the dip in sales, Proton maintained a market share of 19.1% for June, consistent with its year-to-date (YTD) market share. The company’s total sales for the first half of 2024 (1H24) reached 73,696 units.
Proton noted that the total industry volume (TIV) for June is expected to be the lowest of the year, with around 57,700 units sold. This figure is lower than April’s sales, which were affected by an extended festive holiday period.
However, the TIV for 1H24 is projected to be about 386,600 units, nearly 20,000 units higher than the same period in 2023, which set a record high.
Proton Edar CEO Roslan Abdullah stated that the first six months of 2024 have been a period of consolidation for the brand, focusing on strategic investments to benefit future performance.
“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 2H24.
“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,” he said in a statement.
In addition to introducing the e.MAS EV brand, Proton celebrated the production of its five millionth vehicle and launched the refreshed 2024 Proton X50, featuring over 20 NVH improvements.
The Proton S70 continued to lead C-segment sedan sales, while the Proton Saga sold 5,441 units in June, bringing its YTD sales to 34,838 units.
Other notable performances include the Proton Persona, which sold 1,309 units in June, securing the second spot in the B-segment sedan category for both the month and the year.
The Proton X70 and Proton X90 achieved sales of 481 units and 248 units respectively, while the Proton Iriz ended June with 369 units sold, finishing fourth in the B-segment hatchback category. – July 3, 2024
