National automaker Proton achieved its strongest sales performance in a decade in 2023, marking five consecutive years of growth.
Proton sold 154,611 units last year, a 9.3% increase over 2022. This included 12,711 units moved in December. The company held 19.4% market share for the year.
CEO Li Chunrong credited the rebound in demand for Proton’s PIES models – the Persona, Iriz, Exora and Saga. The Persona saw sales jump 48.9% to 24,362 units, making it the number two model in its segment.
The Saga was Proton’s top seller at 70,184 units, up 25.6% and driven by first-time buyers. Proton’s SUV lineup, including the X50, X70 and X90, has sold over 200,000 units since its launch.
With its position as Malaysia’s number two automaker solidified for a fifth straight year, Proton expects to sustain momentum in 2024 with the launch of its new S70 model.
Li said, “Looking ahead to 2024, we are confident that we will sustain this momentum, supported by the introduction of our new model, the S70.”
Proton’s strong rebound caps off a record year for Malaysia’s auto industry at nearly 795,000 units sold. The company last saw sales growth on this scale back in 2012.