After a slightly disappointing September, Proton’s sales have bounced back in October 2024 to 12,799 units. This figure, which as always also includes exports, represents a 13.6% jump over the previous month as the total industry volume (TIV) also rebounded to an estimated 70,668 units (up from 56,067 units in September).
The TIV growth has outpaced Proton’s own sales, so its forecast market share has shrunk slightly to 18.1% in October and 18.9% for the year to date. Speaking of YTD figures, the company said it has sold 125,557 units so far in 2024, which is still lower than last year’s 129,604 units, although the gap has narrowed slightly to 3.1% from 3.5% in September. Its sights are set on a sixth consecutive year of growth, and there’s still time for it surpass its 2023 total, but not much.
As expected, the Saga continues to lead the lineup with a healthy 6,112 units sold, contributing to a YTD total of 60,178 units and making it Malaysia’s third best-selling vehicle of 2024. Total sales are expected to hit 72,000 units this year, which would make it the second successive time the sedan surpasses 70,000 units sold over 12 months.
Three other models led their respective segments, with the X50 remaining the best-selling B-segment SUV with sales reaching 2,122 units last month. The S70 also regained its C-segment sedan (disputed) crown with 1,432 units sold, resulting in 16,200 in overall sales since deliveries began early this year; visibility will be boosted further by the car’s appearance at the Sepang 1,000 km race later this month. Meanwhile, 245 units of the X90 reached buyers’ hands last month, topping the D-segment SUV market.
Elsewhere, Proton registered sales of 1,520 units for the Persona, 989 units for the newly-facelifted X70 and 379 units of the Iriz, the latter making it the fourth best-selling B-segment hatchback. The company is now looking ahead to the launch of its first electric vehicle, the eMas 7 (stylised as e.MAS 7) at the end of the year.
“Proton remains focused on ensuring we preserve the value of our customers’ cars by raising product quality and delivering a class-leading sales and service experience via our 157 3S/4S outlets nationwide. Heading into the new year, the company will build the foundation to become a major presence in the EV market. The Proton eMas 7 has already been previewed to thousands of potential buyers and will have its grand launch in December, with 36 dealers representing the brand.
“At the same time, work is continuing to offer more value to current Proton owners via OTA [over-the-air] updates that improve the user experience in all our intelligent models,” said Proton Edar CEO Roslan Abdullah.
The post Proton Oct 2024 sales up 13.6% to 12,799 units, YTD of 125,557 is 3.1% down vs 2023, 18.9% market share appeared first on Paul Tan’s Automotive News.
