KUALA LUMPUR (April 8): Proton Holdings Bhd said today car sales volume improved 20.4% to 21,757 units in the first quarter of 2020 (1Q20) from a year earlier as Malaysia’s national car manufacturer recorded higher sales for its Iriz, Persona, Saga and Exora models. 

In a statement today, Proton said that on a monthly basis, March 2020 sales volume decreased from a year earlier and against the preceding month due to Malaysia’s movement control order (MCO) to curb the Covid-19 pandemic.

"A total of 21,757 units were sold in the first three months of the year, which resulted in the company’s market share growing from 17.4% to 20.1% of total industry volume.

"In comparison to 1Q19, Proton’s volume seller, the Saga, showed an increase of 36% with a total of 8,824 units sold, while sales for the Iriz grew by 602% with 2,009 units. At the same time, the Persona recorded a 243% gain with 5,677 units and the Exora grew by 17% to 1,091 units. As for the Proton X70, despite seeing a decline of 48% with a total of 4,145 units sold, it still achieved the distinction of being the best-selling SUV in the country for 1Q,” it said.

Proton sold a total of 3,277 units in March — down 41% year-on-year and 67% month-on-month. The carmaker attributed the decline to the MCO, which has seen all sales outlets shut since March 18 and is expected to affect car sales drastically this year

Proton chief executive officer Dr Li Chunrong said in the statement that while the company’s performance in January and February 2020 was very strong and far ahead of 2019, momentum was slowed due to the MCO.

"However, the safety of Malaysia and its people is far more important than any commercial considerations, so Proton stands by the government on the measures taken,” Li said.

Looking ahead, the company said it sees 2020 as a very challenging year as the fallout from Covid-19 after the MCO ends puts businesses in uncharted territory. 

For now, Proton has continued to operate with its staff working from home while a skeletal workforce, approved by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, maintains critical equipment at its facilities.

Li said: “We are using this time to strategise and plan our next moves. Challenge is something that we embrace. In a sense, because Proton has fought to return to a much stronger position, my team and I are prepared to weather this storm. Considering our improvement over the last two years, I am quietly confident that Proton will be able to overcome this crisis as we stay focused on our long-term goals.”