KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 1): Proton Holdings Bhd said year-to-date (YTD) vehicle sales volume rose 12.5% to 56,297 units from 50,091 a year earlier contributed mainly by its Saga and Persona models.

In a statement yesterday, Proton said its YTD sales volume rose despite the large decline in overall car sales in September 2017. Proton said it achieved its YTD 12.5% sales volume rise amid a 1.7% on-year YTD increase in Malaysia's total industry volume.

Proton vice president of sales and marketing Abdul Rashid Musa said in the statement: “Proton is fortunate for the planning of its Saga and Persona launches in August and September 2016 respectively. With the upgrades done on both cars, we have gained traction in car sales, largely contributed by both Saga and Persona, making up 42.7% (24,061 units) and 27.4% (15,448 units) respectively for Proton’s overall car sales, year-to-date. Both these cars also performed much better than 2016 with an increase of 9,661 units. Persona itself saw a 90% increase year-to-date compared with the same period last year."

“Our efforts to bring Proton cars closer to consumers are beginning to show results. We have been doing our roadshows more aggressively, going into busier areas especially during weekends and the display of the key safety features of our cars had generated a lot of interest among the public. This shows a positive sign for Proton and this is why we need a good partner with us to ensure that we can continue to remain competitive in the market. We are aware there will be constant challenges coming our way and with our partner, we shall continuously work together for better outcomes,” Rashid said.