KUALA LUMPUR: Proton Holdings Bhd recorded a 20.4% increase in sales in the first quarter of 2020 compared to last year’s corresponding period.
In a statement today, the national carmaker said 21,757 units were sold in the first three months of the year, raising its market share from 17.4% to 20.1% of the total industry volume (TIV).
In comparison to 1Q19, Proton’s volume seller, the Saga, showed an increase of 36% with a total of 8,824 units sold, while sales for the Iriz grew by a whopping 602% with 2,009 units.
“At the same time, the Persona recorded a 243% gain with 5,677 units and the Exora grew by 17% to 1,091 units.
“As for the Proton X70, despite seeing a decline of 48% with a total of 4,145 units sold, it still achieved the distinction of being the best-selling SUV in the country for 1Q,” Proton said.
For March, Proton sold 3,277 units, a drop of 41% from the same month in 2019 and a 67% fall from February 2020.
The company attributed its showing to the Movement Control Order (MCO), which has seen all sales outlets shut since March 18 and is expected to affect car sales drastically this year.
CEO Dr Li Chunrong said while its performance in January and February was very strong and far ahead of 2019, Proton’s momentum was slowed due to the MCO.
“However, the safety of Malaysia and its people is far more important than any commercial considerations, so we stand by the government on the measures taken,” he said.
Looking ahead, Proton sees 2020 as a very challenging year as the fallout from Covid-19 after the MCO ends puts businesses in uncharted territory.
For now, Proton has continued to operate with its staff working from home while a skeletal workforce, approved by the International Trade and Industry Ministry, maintains critical equipment at its facilities.
“We are using this time to strategise and plan our next moves. Challenge is something that we embrace,” Li said, adding that he and his team are prepared to weather this storm.
“Considering our improvement over the last two years, I am quietly confident that Proton will be able to overcome this crisis as we stay focused on our long-term goals,” he added. – April 8, 2020, Bernama
