KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 3): Proton Holdings Bhd announced it has now exceeded its year-to-date (YTD) sales volume from last year, following a successful October when sales grew by 28.7% compared to the previous month. 

In a statement on Wednesday, the national carmaker said by selling 13,362 units, cumulative sales now stand at 86,379 units, which is a 1.6% improvement over sales from the first ten months of 2020 (84,999 units).

Proton said the achievement means the company has outperformed the total industry volume (TIV) for the Malaysian automotive market, which has fallen by an estimated 4.7%, despite selling more than 65,000 total units for the first time in 2021 in October. 

In addition, the carmaker noted its forecast market share for the month is estimated at 20.5%, however the YTD market share figure now stands at 22.7%.

As was the case for every previous month in 2021, Proton said the Proton Saga continues to lead the way in sales achievement for the company, with 5,107 units sold in October, markingit  the third time the model has breached the 5,000-unit barrier this year. 

“Year-to-date, the Saga also remains as the undisputed A-segment sedan volume leader and a favourite for buyers wanting an affordable car with up-to-date features and a race-proven dynamics,” it said.

Two other volume leaders for Proton are its sport-utility vehicles SUVs, the Proton X50 and Proton X70, with the B-segment Proton X50 managing to achieve its best month since its launch with 3,839 units sold. 

Meanwhile, the larger Proton X70 kept pace with 2,165 units in October, its best achievement since March this year. 

“With only two months left in 2021, both the Proton X50 and Proton X70 are comfortably the best-selling models in their respective segments and offer yet more proof that buyer preferences are continuing to shift towards SUVs,” Proton added.

As for the rest of the model range, Proton said the Proton Exora continued to dominate the C-segment MPV market with 359 units sold. 

However, Proton said the 2022 Proton Iriz and Persona were badly affected by microchip shortages that limited their production volumes, as 1,393 units of the Persona were sold in October, while the Iriz chipped in just 497 units.

“Proton’s sales in October can be summarised as a story of strong buyer demand and unrealised sales potential. 

“While we are happy with the continued popularity of the Proton Saga and our achievement with the two SUVs, we missed out on adding more units to our final tally, as we continue ramping up our supply of components. 

“Market demand however is expected to remain strong towards the end of the year, so we are working diligently towards closing 2021 on a high note,” said Proton Edar chief executive officer Roslan Abdullah. 

On a related note, Proton said the recent tabling of Budget 2022 saw the announcement that Sales and Service Tax (SST) exemptions for the car industry would be extended to June 30, 2022, which is good news not only for industry players but also their customers. 

For Proton, it means buyers who have been patiently waiting for their vehicles no longer need to worry about missing out on the incentives if their cars are delivered next year.

“Proton would like to thank the government for extending the SST exemption. By doing so, it gives us a chance to fulfil the bookings we have already received and does not unfairly penalise customers who are waiting due to circumstances beyond their control. 

“We predict the extension will also help spur sales through the first half of next year, when there could be more new models introduced to the market,” added Roslan.

See more Budget 2022 highlights here.