Proton targets a strong ending of 2021 with sales recovery

KUALA LUMPUR: After witnessing a hard time for the last few months, the automakers in Malaysia are now buckled up for re-gaining their sales volumes. Although the previously set sales targets do not seem appropriate now, the companies are trying to end 2021 on a strong note. Last week, Perodua revised its 2021 sales target from 240,000 units to 214,000 units and now Proton aims for sales recovery in the remaining months of the year.

The brand expects an increased sales volume beginning in September due to the resumption in production, sales, as well as export activities. The production at both Proton plants has restarted along with the reopening of outlets thanks to the successful implementation of its PIKAS vaccination plan. According to Proton, 93% of its staff are fully vaccinated and more than 75% of employees at its vendors and dealers have taken their vaccinations. With this, the entire PROTON ecosystem will soon be allowed to operate with 100% capacity.

The so-far sales of the company in 2021 show an increase of 1.6% over the same period in 2020 with 62,637 units. From June to August 2021, the automaker managed to get a total volume of 5,354 units (including online registration and exports). 

“Our total sales volume up to August reflects PROTON’s strong performance over the first five months of the year. 2021 has been challenging for the automotive industry as lockdowns, chip shortages and a number of other issues have stunted sales growth, but we are confident of an industry-wide surge in numbers over the final four months of the year,” said Roslan Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer, Proton Edar.

Also, the brand’s export activities are now resumed with three shipments of the Proton X70 (108 units) to be soon received by Pakistan along with CKD packs of the Proton Saga ahead of debut in the country.

“Aside from Malaysian market customers, PROTON’s export markets have also benefited from the resumption of production activities. It’s still too early to tell how quickly we can fulfil our outstanding orders, but we are closing the gap every day, added Roslan Abdullah.

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