Proton wraps 2022 with 141,432 units sold

KUALA LUMPUR: Proton recorded sales of 14,750 vehicles in December, which pushed its total annual sales in 2022 to 141,432 units.

With the result, Proton remains the second most-sold automotive brand in the country with an estimated market share of 19.6%.

The national carmaker said its total sales grew 23.3% over the previous year despite the supply disruptions caused by floods at the start of the year and an acute shortage in the global chip industry.

There was also a 79.1% surge in sales to international markets to 5,406 unit, which places Proton top on the list of the industry's exporters.

It said the growth was owing to increasing consistency in the shipping industry, growth in key markets such as Pakistan and the addition of South Africa to the list of export markets.

"2022 was a year of achievements and missed opportunities for Proton. The effect of the floods at the end of 2021 spilled over in to the first quarter of the year and ensured we began 2022 on the back foot as we collaborated with our vendors to restore parts supply.

"Thankfully, the volume was made up over the next three quarters, but we are confident we could have achieved more and posted even better numbers if not for the disrupted start to the year," said Proton deputy CEO Roslan Abdullah in a statement.

After four consecutive years of sales growth, Roslan said the carmaker is confident of more growth as it adds to its offerings with new model launches this year.

However, he noted headwinds ahead as total industry volume is expected to recede from the record volume in 2022 as deliveries for orders placed during the sales tax exemption period will be fulfilled by end-March.

He added that interest rates are also expected to rise again, which is expected to hinder growth in the automotive industry.

According to Proton, the Proton X50 remains the best-selling SUV in Malaysia with 3,764 units sold in December, 41.4% more than in 2021, for an annual SUV sales record of 40,681 units in 2022.

The Proton X70 recorded 18,533 units sold in 2022, which was 13.1% higher than in 2021, and retained its position as the best-selling C-segment SUV for the fourth consecutive year.

Meanwhile, the Proton Exora remained the highest-selling C-segment MPV with 4,275 units sold in 2022, up 5.9% from 2021.