It seems Geely Auto’s partnership has really produced results for Proton. The deal was struck about a year ago and the results are in: Proton have sold more cars in the first 9 months of 2019 than they did all of 2018.
But this is especially impressive given these facts:
- The margin is huge! Domestic and export sales for Proton in 2019 already amount to some 70,330 units while they close 2018 with just 64,744 units sold
- Proton (and the rest of the automotive industry had GST + SST-free months of sales in 2018, which saw sticker prices drop by 6%. Proton extended their discounts beyond the stipulated time to clear selected models as well
- Geely hasn’t even started locally-assembling cars like the X50 and X70 yet
- Proton dropped models like the Suprima S and Ertiga completely from sale in 2019
For more on Proton’s recent turnaround, check out the details and deals in the press release they have provided us below.
PRESS RELEASE
PROTON’s sales surge in 2019 is bringing the carmaker back to the forefront of Malaysia’s automotive market. Another major milestone was achieved at the end of September when the Company exceeded its total sales for 2018 in just three quarters. With 70,330 units (domestic + export) registered so far this year, compared to 64,744 for the whole of last year, the Malaysian carmaker is on track to post a substantial growth figure for the whole year.
PROTON achieves highest market share percentage in 66 months
With 8,934 units (domestic + export) registered in September 2019, PROTON achieved a growth rate of 97% over the 4,524 units in the same month last year. PROTON’s exceptional performance equates to an estimated market share of 20.2%, pointing towards the Company growing sales at a higher rate than competitor brands. The figure is a 66 month high-point for the brand and helps to increase its year-to-date market share to an estimated 15.8%.
Proton Saga is the number one A-segment sedan in Malaysia
PROTON’s sales star for September was the Proton Saga. 3,994 units were delivered last month, the highest number of monthly deliveries for a PROTON model in 2019. The figure also means the Saga was the best-selling A-segment sedan in Malaysia, reclaiming the position after a hiatus of nearly over three years.
Proton X70 customers to receive additional benefits
The Proton X70 has maintained its position as the leading SUV in its class. As a celebration for its performance this year, PROTON is now offering additional benefits for customers who purchase a unit in October. On top of the standard 5-year free labour service, 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and 5-year Internet data packages already included with every unit, there will also be a subsidised insurance package and overtrade incentive worth up to RM2,000.
New 3S/4S outlet openings and improved SSI/CSI remain a priority
As of the end of September, PROTON has 104 3S/4S outlets in Malaysia, making it by far the market leader for such outlets. To ensure the level of service offered is in line with its premium image, PROTON is continuing to invest heavily in training programmes for sales and service staff. The effectiveness of these programmes are measured by the Sales Service Index (SSI) and Customer Service Index (CSI) scores of each outlet, which count towards the overall score achieved by the Company.
