Proton sold 11,681 units in January; the Persona returns to the top

KUALA LUMPUR: After a remarkable performance in 2022, Proton is maintaining its momentum by achieving record-breaking sales numbers in the first month of 2023. The national automaker made 11,681 deliveries (including exports) in January with a year-on-year growth of 162.3%. 

Also read: Proton targets to export 10k units in 2023

This is observed as the brand's best start to a year since 2013, helping it retain its position in the market. Proton’s share remained at 22.9% in January with the total volume of the industry (TIV) estimated to be 51,000 units. It represents a year-on-year improvement of 12% and almost 3% growth compared to the whole market share the company grabbed in 2022.

Here are the model-wise sales numbers- 

• Proton X50 continues to be the top-selling B-segment SUV last month with 2,992 deliveries
• Proton Persona reclaimed its top spot in the B-segment sedan category with 2,039 units sold during the month. The shortage of chips badly impacted the Persona sales last year, but now with the stable supply of the parts the sedan has made a strong comeback

• Proton Exora led the C-segment MPV category with 332 deliveries 
• Proton Saga was the brand’s best-selling model with sales of 4,788 units 
• Proton X70 chipped in 993 units to the total sales while retaining its second position in the segment
• Proton Iriz grabbed 597 registrations with an astonishing year-on-year jump of 111%

“PROTON has enjoyed a good start to 2023 and while the growth over January 2022 is exaggerated by the poor opening month number last year, it should not be overlooked this is our best January since 2013. We expect this trend to continue for the first quarter of the year as we must fulfil outstanding orders exempt from SST by 31 March. 

“Looking ahead to the rest of 2023, while the market outlook is for TIV to recede from the record numbers last year, PROTON remains optimistic of a fifth consecutive year of growth. With new facilities due to come online at our plant in Tanjung Malim, continued expansion of our dealer network, investments in the EV charging infrastructure as well as the addition of new conventional and EV models to our range, we are confident of being able to end the year with a positive result ” said Roslan Abdullah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, PROTON. 

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