Following nearly three months of difficult market conditions due to Covid-19 prevention measures, national car maker PROTON is aiming to finish 2021 strongly. This follows a resumption in production, sales, and export activities, which is expected to contribute towards increased sales volume beginning in September.

All Proton sales outlets will gradually reopen in accordance with the benchmarks set by the government. To ensure the safety of both customers and staff, only fully vaccinated sales staff (2 doses + 2 weeks) will be allowed to work in showrooms.

Following the implementation of the second round of its PIKAS vaccination programme last week, over 86% of PROTON’s 8,486 staff members are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19. That number is expected to increase over the coming weeks as 98% have already received their first dose, in line with the company’s aim to achieve herd immunity in its chain of operations.

PROTON today announced the launch of the new 2022 Proton Iriz and Persona, offering updated design elements plus enhanced features. The latest additions to the company’s range also come in new colours, while offering improved comfort and safety for all passengers.

PROTON today added a new variant to the Proton X70 line-up, further strengthening the appeal for the best-selling C-segment SUV in Malaysia. Limited to 2,000 units, the Proton X70 Special Edition, positioned at the top of Proton’s range, has been given new luxury features and a special colour.

PROTON today began a vaccination programme for all employees. Staff from the company’s base of operations in Tanjung Malim and Shah Alam who are not yet vaccinated were notified of their appointments via the MySejahtera app, which will be spread out over several days to ensure everyone who opted-in for the vaccine receives their first dose.

With Malaysia undergoing a strict lock down to lower Covid-19 infections, retail operations of automotive companies have been curtailed with showrooms required to remain shut. This will affect Total-Industry-Volume (TIV) for the next few months, but PROTON remains optimistic due to the recent performance of its international sales division.

Following two consecutive months of strong sales, where Total Industry Volume (TIV) averaged over 60,000 units, Malaysia’s automotive industry receded by approximately 20% in May as issues such as chip shortages and a national movement control order took effect. PROTON sold 9,440 units (domestic + export) last month, a reduction of approximately 37.1% compared to April, resulting in a market share of 20.3%. Up to the end of May, total volume stands at 57,283 units with a year-to-date market share of 23.5%, an increase of 2.4% over the previous year.

PROTON continued its sales momentum 2021 by posting a third consecutive month of growth in April. The company sold 15,017 units (domestic+export) to kick off the second quarter of the year, which was an increase of 1.8% over the previous month and equivalent to an estimated market share of 26.7%. Overall, PROTON continued to strengthen its hold on second position in the sales rankings table with market share for the year estimated at 24.4% while overall volume now stands at 47,843 units after the first four months of the year.

PROTON has recorded a bright start to 2021. Cumulative sales in the first quarter of the year were the highest since March 2012, pointing towards a healthy order book and strong interest in the company’s range of offerings. This has created a knock-on effect and for Proton Commerce Sdn. Bhd. (Proton Commerce) it could lead to a record number of loan disbursements.