Proton sold 7,007 cars in Jan 2019

KUALA LUMPUR: Proton started the year on a strong note as total registrations climbed to 7,007 units for January 2019, buoyed by the sales of its latest model, Proton X70.

In a statement Friday, Proton said the estimated market share was 14.5%, though the final figure would only be confirmed following the publication of industry sales data by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA).

“Proton is thankful to be able to start 2019 on a positive note. We already knew we would end the month with the most 3S/4S outlets in the industry but the market leading sales growth rate figure and the record setting number of SUV registrations is due to the humbling support we have received from Malaysian car buyers,” CEO Dr Li Chunrong said in the statement. 

“There is still a long way to go for the brand to fully recover but we will strive to continue to deliver a premium experience at our outlets while improving our model offerings,” he added. 

The national carmaker said deliveries of the Proton X70 have gathered pace as more units of Proton’s first SUV following its launch on Dec 12, 2018. 

“Having set a Malaysia market record for most registrations by an SUV in its launch month, the trend continued in the new year with 2,777 units registered in January 2019. The amount means the Proton X70 sets a new record for the most C-segment SUV registrations in a single calendar month,” it said. 

Proton said the large number of SUVs registered were instrumental in Proton posting impressive sales growth figures. 

Compared to the previous month sales increased by 33.6% while year-on-year, the figure represents a 46.5% growth over January 2018, easily making Proton the market leader in growth rate for the Top-3 automotive brands.

There are currently 74 Proton 3S/4S outlets and dealers in operation as at the end of the month with more set to open throughout the year.

“For the month of February, Proton is looking to maintain its sales momentum by running an Ang Pow promotion. Buyers of Proton vehicles are eligible for savings worth up to RM4,000 dependant on the model they choose,” it said.