KUALA LUMPUR: Proton Holdings Bhd sold 16,995 vehicles in May, up from a year earlier despite an estimated 15.4% decline in Malaysia's total industry volume (TIV) from the previous month.
The national carmaker, in a statement, said year-to-date sales for the first five months of 2026 reached 84,294 units, representing growth of 38% compared with the corresponding period last year. Its estimated market share stood at 26.7%.
In contrast, overall industry volume is estimated to have declined 1.4% over the same period.
The Proton Saga was the company's top-selling model in May, with 7,398 units delivered. Cumulative sales for the model reached 37,375 units in the first five months of the year, up 41% year-on-year (y-o-y).
The Proton S70 recorded sales of 2,350 units during the month, bringing its year-to-date total to 10,525 units, an increase of 32.5% from a year earlier.
Sales of the Proton X50 reached 2,793 units in May, lifting cumulative deliveries to 12,967 units, up 33.6% y-o-y.
Meanwhile, the Proton X90 registered 402 units in May. Year-to-date sales for the model were 38.6% higher than in the same period of 2025.
Proton e.MAS recorded combined domestic and export deliveries of 3,022 units in May, bringing cumulative sales to 14,687 units for the first five months of the year.
Deputy CEO Datuk Ir. Abdul Rashid Musa said Proton's performance in 2026 indicates continued consumer demand for vehicles offering value, advanced technology and ownership benefits.
“What is especially encouraging is the breadth of our success. The Proton Saga remains Malaysia's favourite car, the Proton X50 continues to lead the SUV market, while our e.MAS range is establishing itself as the benchmark for electrified mobility in Malaysia.
“As we continue to invest in new products, our retail network and after-sales capabilities, our focus remains on delivering vehicles and services that exceed customer expectations while strengthening Proton's position a leading automotive brand in Malaysia,” he said.
Meanwhile, Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV sold 1,181 units during the month, raising cumulative sales since its launch in February to 2,936 units.
The Proton e.MAS 7 electric vehicle (EV) recorded 958 units in May, with year-to-date sales reaching 2,394 units.
The Proton e.MAS 5 delivered 883 units in May and remained the company's highest-selling EV model year-to-date, with cumulative sales of 9,357 units.
Proton attributed the performance to continued demand across its internal combustion engine, EV and plug-in hybrid vehicle line-ups.
PRO-NET CEO Zhang Qiang said strong demand for the Proton e.MAS range reflected growing consumer confidence in electrified vehicles, with local assembly of the e.MAS 7 and e.MAS 5 expected to support supply and meet demand.
