Proton ended the first quarter (Q1 2025) with total sales of 13,918 units for the month of March, driven by domestic and export sales, including contributions from the smart and e.MAS brands.
Compared to February 2025, Proton demonstrated a performance increase of 23.9 percent in March, and sales were also up by 9.6 percent compared to the same period in 2024.
Proton is also expecting a market share of 18.9 percent for the first quarter (Q1 2025) based on a total industry volume (TIV) of 184,652 units.
As previously reported, strong sales performance in the first three months has crowned the Proton e.MAS 7 as the best-selling electric vehicle (EV).
The Proton Saga continues to dominate as Proton’s best-selling model, with total sales reaching 6,154 units (up 22.5 percent), followed by the Proton S70 with 2,125 units (up 77.5 percent), the Proton X50 (1,858 units), the Proton Persona (1,482 units), the Proton X70 (835 units), the Proton Iriz (337 units), and finally, the Proton X90 (302 units).
Meanwhile, Proton’s export operations continue to expand in Q1 2025, with export volumes increasing by 211 percent to 417 units in March compared to the previous month.
As a result, Proton’s total export sales rose by 11.4 percent compared to the same period in 2024, with the Proton Saga leading with 410 units exported to foreign markets.
Proton is also expanding its export footprint with shipments to countries like Nepal and Trinidad & Tobago.
In addition, Roslan Abdullah, CEO of Proton Edar, anticipates that Proton will launch several new models, in line with what was announced by Proton’s CEO Dr. Li Chunrong earlier last year.
One of the new models is the updated Proton Saga, which is currently undergoing extensive road testing in Malaysia. Another potential addition may be the facelifted Proton X50, a segment B SUV that is also in the testing phase.
In March, Pro-Net, a subsidiary of Proton, successfully sold 797 units of the Proton e.MAS 7 electric SUV.
This brings the total deliveries of the e.MAS 7 to 1,853 units for the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, contributing to a market share of 30 percent thus far this year, making it the number one EV in Malaysia.
According to Zhang Qiang, the CEO of Pro-Net, “We would like to extend our gratitude to customers for their unwavering support and confidence in the Proton e.MAS 7, as well as their trust in us to provide an ecosystem that allows them to enjoy an electric driving experience.”
“This achievement will motivate us to continuously improve in offering high-quality products and provide a better ownership experience for our customers,” he stated.
For the Malaysian market, the Proton e.MAS 7 is available in two variants, the Prime priced at RM105,800 and the Premium priced at RM119,800, applicable for the first 6,000 bookings.
To facilitate users, Proton has established 75 DC charging points with up to 120 kW at several dealerships.
Additionally, owners can access over 90 percent of existing charging points in Malaysia operated by Gentari, JomCharge, chargEV, DC Handal, Chargesini, Carput Zap, RExharge, and Charge+, along with a live integrated charging map through the Proton e.MAS app.
Zhang Qiang further remarked, “Our goal is not just to sell cars; we aim to develop a complete ecosystem that involves not only 36 dealerships but also the entire EV charging infrastructure in Malaysia.
“We are also working closely with charging point operators (CPOs) to facilitate easier EV ownership as we want our customers to transition smoothly from ICE to EV.”
The price war launched by a handful of Chinese automotive brands may benefit consumers, but it can have a substantial effect on the local automotive industry.
This concern was voiced by Proton’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Abdullah, during an interview with Berita Harian.
He explained that the massive discounts would create a ripple effect on local vendors who have long supplied components and parts for vehicles.
“The impact of this price war not only affects OEMs with manufacturing and assembly plants in the country, but also has repercussions for local vendors and dealers.
“This situation arises when an oversupply of stocks increases as customers prefer vehicles offered at lower prices. At the same time, some customers are adopting a wait-and-see approach, hoping prices will continue to fall,” he told BH.
Additionally, the price war will also affect the used vehicle market, where customers are likely to opt for new vehicles due to more competitive pricing.
“This will significantly impact the depreciation value of the affected vehicles. The trade-in market will also experience negative impacts,” he stated.
Due to high operating costs (including manufacturing, vendor, and supply chain costs), local OEM brands cannot lower vehicle prices to the same level as Chinese brands to sustain their business.
“We cannot reduce prices to an extremely low level; however, we can offer discounts or promotions such as cash rebates and accessory packages to balance market prices,” he said.
In this regard, Proton is taking careful steps to ensure the company’s long-term profitability, considering it employs more than 7,000 workers and involves over 5,000 employees in its sales network.
“Large-scale vendors may be able to survive because they have partnerships with other brands. However, small vendors that rely on a single brand will surely be affected,” he noted.
According to him, most brands reducing prices benefit from completely built-up (CBU) or semi-knocked down (SKD) concepts, which require lower investments compared to local OEMs like PROTON.
“Their investments in Malaysia are still minimal. Therefore, they can offer substantial discounts because their operating costs are also low. However, this puts pressure on companies operating in Malaysia in the long term,” he explained.
Roslan also emphasized the importance of reassessing the impact of this price war to protect well-established brands in Malaysia.
“Foreign direct investment (FDI) is the government’s target; however, a review needs to be conducted to ensure local assembly brands (CKD) with their own factories and vendor networks can continue to be resilient,” he stated.
The automotive company Proton has announced a comprehensive support initiative for residents and victims of the gas pipeline fire incident in Putra Heights that occurred on the morning of April 1.
A total of RM250,000 has been allocated to address the immediate needs of residents who have lost their homes, including those placed in several temporary evacuation centers (PPS).
Proton has also established six service centers in the nearby area to offer a thorough free vehicle assessment program, in addition to assisting with insurance claims for all Proton brand vehicles affected by the unfortunate incident.
This service aims to assess the extent of damage in detail and provide owners with a clear pathway for the repair and recovery of affected vehicles.
Affected Proton owners can obtain a comprehensive assessment free of charge at the following six Proton service centers:
For more information, please contact Proton’s 24-hour customer service line at 1-800-88-8398 or via WhatsApp at 012-219 5426.
Edaran Otomobil Nasional Berhad (EON) has provided 62 vehicles for the use of victims of the Putra Heights incident for one month without any charges.
The donation consists of 40 vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and multipurpose vehicles from EON’s retail brands, such as Proton, Mitsubishi, and Volkswagen, as well as from EON’s vehicle rental subsidiary, Avis Malaysia.
In addition, 22 units of vehicles consisting of pickup trucks, including four units of electric vehicles (EV) from the smart brand are also provided for the use of government agencies and organizations that provide assistance to the victims.
EON’s Chief Executive Officer, Akkbar Danial, stated, “Many families not only lost their homes but also lost their primary means of transportation due to the fire incident.”
“As the largest multi-brand vehicle distributor in the country, EON feels grateful to be in a position to provide some relief during this difficult time.”
“On behalf of EON Group, I would like to express my deepest sympathy to all the affected victims. We pray for the speedy recovery of those who have been injured, and hope that all those impacted have the strength, courage, and support needed to rebuild their lives.”
He, who is also the head of the automotive distribution unit at DRB-HICOM, added, “For the time being, EON will provide vehicles to the affected victims and NGOs at no charge for one month. This assistance may be extended depending on specific needs.”
Akkbar also expressed gratitude to the Office of the Chief Minister of Selangor, the Department of Social Welfare, and the Subang Jaya Municipal Council for supporting EON in this initiative and urged various parties to take immediate action to ensure the welfare of the local community following this unfortunate incident.
Proton has made its debut in the international electric vehicle (EV) market with the launch of the Proton eMAS 7 in Nepal.
According to the automaker, the launch follows the model’s strong performance in Malaysia since its debut on December 16 and helps to pave the way of a broader international strategy.
In the Nepalese market, the eMAS 7 is distributed by the brand’s authorised distributor, Jagdamba Motors. Similar to Malaysia, it is available in Prime and Premium guises, priced at NPR 5,699,000 (RM 183k) and NPR 6,799,000 (RM 218k), respectively.
There are six colours to choose from, namely Platinum Silver, Turquoise Green, Slate Grey, Quarts Rose, Moyu Black, and Lithium White. Notably, Moyu Black is not offered in Malaysia.
Aside from the addition of the black colour, the specifications of the eMAS 7 for the Nepali market are the same as those for the Malaysian market. The Prime variant comes with a 49.52 kWh Aegis Short Blade battery that promises a WLTP range of 345 km, whereas the Premium variant, equipped with a 60.22 kWh battery, offers a range of 410 km.
According to Proton, the eMAS 7 embarked on a tour in Nepal from February 21 to March 4, prior to its official launch. The tour covered all seven provinces and included 18 stops, such as Janakpur, Birtamod, and Itahari.
The company said its entry to the market is timely and aligns well with Nepal’s Green Mobility Vision. Over the past four years, the EV penetration rate in the country has increased from 6% of its total industry volume (TIV) in 2021 to 73% in 2024, equivalent to a nine-fold increase from 1,138 units to 10,794 units during that period.
Currently, Jagdamba Motors has three operational dealers, with plans to finalise agreements with 12 dealers nationwide by the end of 2025. It also has plans to establish charging infrastructures and build a robust service center network nationwide.
“Nepal is just the beginning. Plans are already in motion to introduce the Proton eMAS 7 to other international markets to support the brand’s global growth ambitions,” said Dr Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer, Proton.
“Going forward, we will be bringing our EV model to Trinidad & Tobago, Mauritius as well as Singapore,” he added.
Proton has announced its sales performance for February 2025, during which it sold 11,232 units of vehicles. The figure includes both the domestic market and export sales, as well as the Proton eMAS and smart electric vehicles.
The number reflects an increase of 13.2% compared to January’s record. Proton said it estimates a market share of 17.2% from a forecast total industry volume (TIV) of 65,276 units.
The national automaker also revealed that three of its models lead their respective segments for Year-To-Date (YTD) sales. The S70 remains the best-selling C-segment sedan in Malaysia with 2,340 units sold in the first two months of the year.
The X90 continues to dominate D-segment SUV sales, with 746 units sold last month, while the X50 cements its position atop the class with a sales of 1,824 units.
As for the eMAS 7, Proton noted that the popularity of the EV is surging, with over 4,500 bookings received since its launch. February saw 580 units of the eMAS 7 delivered to customers, bringing the total number of deliveries to over 1,000 units.
Aside from domestic sales, the MAS 7 is also in line to make waves in export markets. 50 units were shipped to Nepal in February ahead of its future launch while a small number of units have also been sent to Singapore and Trinidad & Tobago for evaluation purposes.
Along with increases in sales, February also brought new developments to Proton’s export operations with the roll out of the CKD version of the LHD Proton Saga at the Ezz Elarab Elsewedy Automotive Factories (ESAF) in Egypt. The new facility was built with an investment of USD50 million, with an annual production capacity of 40,000
vehicles.
“Sales for Proton recovered in February after a slow start to 2025. There is some lingering uncertainty regarding buyer liquidity but for now, our volumes are on an upward trend. Therefore, as a whole, Proton is continuing to chase sales volumes for our range of ICE products while setting the pace in the EV market.
“The Proton e.MAS 7 has proven to be an early success so our challenge now is to keep it in the spotlight while aggressively planning for our other model introductions later this year,” said Roslan Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer, Proton Edar.
Pro-Net has announced that it has delivered 1,000 units of the Proton eMAS 7 to date. The electric vehicle was officially launched on 16 December 2024.
The subsidiary of Proton stated that the overwhelming response to the eMAS 7 is a testament to the trust Malaysians have placed in the national automaker’s vision for sustainable mobility.
“The success of the eMAS 7 is a reflection of our commitment to providing a compelling EV proposition that aligns with the needs of Malaysian consumers.
“Our goal is not just to sell cars but to foster a complete ecosystem that ensures a seamless and confident transition to electric mobility,” said Zhang Qiang, Chief Executive Officer of Pro-Net.
The company says survey results indicate that 58% of buyers recognize the eMAS 7 as a value-for-money proposition, while 51% appreciate its spaciousness and practicality.
Additionally, 38% were drawn to its advanced safety features, including Level 2 ADAS and semi-autonomous driving capabilities, and 39% cited the Live Integrated Charging Map as a key factor in their decision-making process.
According to Pro-Net, they have secured over 4,500 bookings for the EV. The company is confident of reaching 6,000 bookings soon, thanks in part to the extension of the Power Package that provides exclusive pricing to early adopters.
The company added that the eMAS 7 has captured 25% share of the local EV market. As a refresher, it has also emerged as the best-selling EV in Malaysia for January 2025.
Proton recently presented a Proton S70 as the grand prize to Miss Asia (Southeast Asia) 2024 winner Janice Chian Yan Tong, during a ceremony held at the Proton Centre of Excellence (COE) headquarters.
The 24-year-old, originally from Ipoh, was crowned the prestigious title over 16 other finalists.
“Proton is proud to present the winner of Miss Asia (Southeast Asia) 2024 with a unit of the Proton S70 as the grand prize and as a reward for her victory. This prestigious pageant embodies excellence, ambition, and confidence, which are values that align perfectly with our own corporate values,” stated Roslan Abdullah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Proton.
After experiencing her new car for the first time, Janice expressed her admiration for the handling, smart features, and sleek design of the sedan.
“The Proton S70 delivers everything I could possibly want, impressive power, sophisticated style, safety, and modern technology. It is a car that truly stands out in its class,” Janice shared.
Launched in November 2023, the S70 is powered by a 1.5-litre turbo three-cylinder engine that produces 150 PS and 226 Nm of torque. Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
The selling prices start from RM73,800 for the Executive model, RM79,800 for the Premium, RM89,800 for the Flagship, and RM94,800 for the Flagship X.
National automaker Proton in a statement said that its X-Series SUV lineup remains resilient in the market despite facing stiff competition from other brands vying for the same customer base.
X50
According to the automaker, the X50 has emerged as its best-selling SUV, with total sales of 23,647 units last year. The 2024 version, launched on 4 June, received an overwhelming response with a total of 8,000 bookings in the first month. A total of 13,780 units of the 2024 X50 were sold last year, accounting for 58.3% of the model’s total sales.
Meanwhile, the X50 Sport Edition (SE) received 941 orders, with 299 units registered in less than a month after its debut.
A recent survey of over 1,300 customers revealed that X50 owners were drawn to the vehicle primarily due to its combination of features, engine performance and spacious cabin.
X70
Proton’s first SUV, the X70, recorded sales of 5,628 units for the 2025 version. This makes up 62.6% of the total 8,992 units sold in 2024.
From the same recent survey, key reasons for purchase included fuel efficiency, features and engine performance.
Launched in August last year, the 2025 X70 is a comprehensive update to its predecessor, featuring revised exterior styling, new interior equipment and upgraded ADAS level 2 safety technology.
X90
The X90, Proton’s entrant in the D-segment SUV space, ended 2024 with 3,553 units delivered, maintaining its position as a market leader since its launch two years ago.
Proton reported that buyers were drawn to the X90’s driving performance, storage capacity and value for money. About 30% of buyers preferred the car for its strong driving performance, while 27% liked it because of its large storage compartments, good value for money and number of features compared to competitors.
The automaker added that X90 owners have families with children with a similar buying profile as X50.
“Thanks to our intelligent models, we have managed to raise the overall level of sophistication in cars offered to Malaysian buyers and while the strong market response to our current model lineup is testament to the trust and loyalty we have earned from our customers. Looking ahead, we remain dedicated to delivering vehicles that offer outstanding performance, features, and value,” said Roslan Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of Proton Edar.
Launched in December last year, Malaysia’s first national EV Proton eMAS 7 has hit the mark with the market with 421 units delivered to customers for its first month.
According to Proton, this places the eMAS 7 as the best-selling EV in Malaysia with a 25% share of the overall EV market for January.
“It took just one month for the Proton e.MAS 7 to lead national EV sales, proving Malaysians will make the switch to EVs when the product and price proposition are correct,” said Zhang Qiang, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Proton Edar.
Current bookings for the eMAS 7 now exceed 4,000 units, and as a result, Proton is offering the launch package benefits to an additional 3,000 units.
The automaker said over 80% of bookings are for the Premium model and the numbers are set to go up over coming months as more units arrive and more dealerships are opened.
Meanwhile, Proton also announced its sales performance for January 2025, totalling 9,914 units for both domestic and export markets, including eMAS and smart cars.
This compares to 12,882 units (ICE cars only) reported for January 2024. Based on the estimated TIV figure, the company’s market share is therefore forecast at 19.7%, an increase from the overall figure of 18.7% last year.
Today marked the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the first phase of Proton’s electric vehicle (EV) assembly plant, which is located in the high-tech facility in Tanjung Malim.
With an investment of RM82 million, the first phase of this EV assembly plant is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, with an initial production capacity of approximately 20,000 units per year.
The plant will serve as the assembly location for various types of new energy vehicles (NEVs) for both the domestic and export markets, based on the Global Modular Architecture (GMA) platform, starting with the Proton e.MAS7 model.
Various smart manufacturing technologies will be employed to ensure the plant is ready for NEV production, including robotics, cloud-based factory management, the Internet of Things (IoT), and technologies related to Industry 4.0.
At the same time, Proton’s new plant is expected to create over 200 new job opportunities for the local community.
Proton has also planned for a second phase of production as preparation for the increasing demand for EVs both domestically and internationally, with production capacity set to rise to 45,000 units per year.
According to Dr. Li Chunrong, CEO of Proton, “PROTON is transitioning to become an OEM that offers both Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and EV models as we established PRO-NET to sell smart vehicles before launching the Proton e.MAS 7.
“With the experience we have gained over the past few years in all aspects of these vehicles and customer needs, today we take the next step in realizing our dream of producing and developing EV models in Malaysia.
“The vehicles manufactured at this new plant will meet the needs of customers in the local and export markets and will help drive the growth of the EV market.
“Once completed, production at this new facility will focus on the Proton e.MAS 7 and future NEV offerings as PROTON expands its model range. Ultimately, we hope our success will create a modern and capable automotive ecosystem to encourage more OEMs to consider Malaysia and AHTV as a regional base for EVs,” he further stated.
Based on registration data released by the Department of Road Transport (JPJ) through the website data.gov.my, 2024 has been an excellent period for Perodua.
During this time, the brand recorded vehicle registrations totaling 358,100 units, securing the top spot once again.
In second place is Proton, with a total of 147,587 units registered, while Toyota comes in third with 127,202 units registered.
Interestingly, among the top 10 manufacturers, Chinese automotive brands have started to emerge, surpassing brands that were previously popular.
For example, Chery ranks fifth, beating out Mitsubishi and Mazda, while BYD has managed to secure the tenth position, ahead of Nissan, which ranks eleventh.
But do you know the list of the 10 most popular cars in Malaysia for 2024?
In September last year, I had the opportunity to drive the twin model of the Proton eMAS 7, the Geely Galaxy E5.
Rather than putting the Galaxy E5 through its paces at the Proton Centre of Excellence (COE) test track, we hit the roads around Puncak Alam for a more authentic experience.
As I observed, the suspension system of the Galaxy E5 is not particularly suited to the road conditions we face here. It is a tad too soft and tends to bounce and sway on undulating surfaces.
While this kind of setup may cater to customers in China, Proton needs to draw upon its expertise to ensure that the eMAS 7 is equipped to handle the more challenging roads of Malaysia.
Which is why I was quite excited when invited to test drive the eMAS 7 from Shah Alam to Melaka. I was eager not only to experience Proton’s magic firsthand but also because this was my first time getting up close with the nation’s very first EV.
Exterior Design
Many are already aware that the exterior appearance of the eMAS 7 does not differ significantly from that of the Galaxy E5. Both models feature the same headlight and taillight designs, L-shaped daytime running lights (DRLs), and identical bumpers.
Of course, the front bumper of the Proton showcases the Proton eMAS logo, which is slightly different from the traditional Proton logo. Meanwhile, the ‘PROTON’ lettering beneath the rear lights and the ‘eMAS 7’ badge on the tailgate solidify the identity of this EV at the back.
I have no complaints about this, as the eMAS 7 certainly looks sharp and robust in the metal. Its sleek headlights and wide taillights give it an air of sophistication that belies its price.
Interior Space
It comes as no surprise that the interior layout of the eMAS 7 closely resembles that of the Galaxy E5. However, Proton has opted for a darker colour scheme in the eMAS 7 instead of the lighter white found in its twin.
While light colours can create a sense of spaciousness, the darker tones lend the eMAS 7 a more sophisticated feel. This choice is also more popular among Malaysian buyers simply because it is easier to maintain.
In terms of material quality, there are no substantial differences. The leather upholstery that covers much of the dashboard, seats, and steering wheel is delightfully soft to the touch.
However, I was somewhat disappointed to find that the footrest for the front passenger seat has been omitted, likely for cost-saving reasons.
Features
Despite this, the eMAS 7 boasts all the features offered in the Galaxy E5. This includes a 15.4-inch touchscreen, a 10.2-inch driver’s instrument panel, and a Wanos audio system with 16 speakers from Flyme Sound.
These include those integrated into the driver’s headrest, which serves to channel navigation instructions directly to the driver’s ears.
Unfortunately, the systems for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are still not available, though an update is expected this year via an over-the-air (OTA) release.
This is not too much of a concern, as the built-in navigation system of the eMAS 7 is user-friendly, despite the map’s appearance being in need of some refinement.
What I find most interesting about this system is its ability to locate nearby charging stations.
According to Proton, the system can identify over 1,700 charging points nationwide, thanks to partnerships with various charging point operators such as Gentari, JomCharge, chargEV, DC Handal, Carput Zap, and ChargeSini.
The system provides detailed information about the selected charging stations, including the operator, type, number, capacity and availability of chargers, rates, and much more.
Performance
Both the Prime and Premium variants of the eMAS 7 feature a single electric motor on the front axle, generating 218 PS (160 kW) and 320 Nm of torque.
The key difference between these variants lies in battery capacity: 49.52 kWh for the Prime and 60.22 kWh for the Premium. The Prime offers a WLTP driving range of 375 km, while the Premium extends this by an additional 65 km.
Driving from Shah Alam to Melaka, I had no worries about the vehicle’s range, as the distance is about 160 km, which is less than half the capacity offered by the Premium variant.
To assess the efficiency of this ‘12-in-1’ powertrain, I drove leisurely at speeds of around 90 to 100 km/h. Upon arriving at my destination, the energy consumption indicated a figure of around 10 to 11 kWh per 100 km, meaning I had used less than 30% of the battery’s energy for this journey.
Handling
Proton’s engagement in the eMAS 7/Galaxy E5 project is evident in the real-world performance of the eMAS 7’s suspension system.
The differences between the two models are notably pronounced, with the eMAS 7 demonstrating superior ride quality and handling characteristics.
The retuned dampers provide greater stability and tranquility at high speeds, while still managing to maintain comfort at lower speeds.
The steering feel is commendable for an EV, and the NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) levels are impressive, with exterior noise being effectively muted. Road noise is minimal, even though this variant is fitted with 19-inch rims.
Conclusion
Personally, I find the eMAS 7 quite intriguing. Priced between RM109,800 and RM129,800, it offers excellent value for those keen to explore the world of EVs.
While the relatively short driving range may be a concern for frequent long-distance travellers, for those who do not regularly embark on such journeys, the eMAS 7 is definitely worth considering.
To ring in the Lunar New Year and celebrate the delivery of the first Proton e.MAS 7 to our customers, Pro-Net is offering a 30% discount on public charging fees.
From January 25 to February 3, Proton e.MAS and smart owners can enjoy this special offer at over 80% of public charging stations.
Just use the Proton e.MAS or Hello smart apps to start your charging session, and the discount will be applied automatically.
Proton e.MAS is all about making EV ownership easy and enjoyable with smart features like live charging station availability and route planning based on your car’s battery level.
This would be a significant expansion of its charging map coverage as the charging network operated by Shell Recharge includes High-Performance Charging Stations along major highways, with most of the stations can deliver 180kW of charging power.
Plus, thanks to Pro-Net’s partnership with Shell Recharge, the company is adding even more charging points across highways and city hotspots, including high-speed chargers for quicker stops.
This highly anticipated addition follows the recent integration of the ChargeSini Network, which was also the first in Malaysia to be accessible via a roaming arrangement.
Currently, the charging networks accessible on both Proton e.MAS and Hello smart apps include Gentari, Jomcharge, chargEV, DC Handal, CarputZap, and ChargeSini.
Proton closed its books for 2024 with sales of 152,352 units for both domestic and export markets, allowing the company to claim second place once again in the sales ranking table.
14,601 units were sold in December last year, showing a 19.7% increase over the previous month.
According to Proton, it is the second highest sales figure for the year, following a bumper month for exports with 1,131 units shipped to overseas markets.
Aside from sales of Proton vehicles, Proton is also the importer and distributor for smart Automobile models via its subsidiary Pro-Net.
For the year 2024, 622 units of the smart #1 and #3 were sold bringing the number of total vehicles sold to 152,974 units.
Total industry volume (TIV) for 2024 is estimated to be 813,521 units, marking a second consecutive record-setting year of automotive sales for Malaysia. Proton’s market share for this year is estimated to be 18.7%.
This marks the sixth year in a row the company has achieved second position in the standings, giving it a solid foundation from which to take on the competition in 2025.
As expected, the Saga emerged as Proton’s best-selling model last year with 72,769 units sold – an increase of 3.7% compared to 2023.
As the model heads towards its 40th anniversary, it has an impressive list of accolades to its name including being the first Malaysian vehicle with over 2 million sales, which was achieved in June last year.
The S70 ended its first full year of production and sales with a total of 19,182 units delivered in 2024 to easily become the most popular C-segment sedan in the country.
Meanwhile, the 2024 Proton X50 received an overwhelming response with a total of 8,000 bookings within the first month after its debut.
Sales in December were 36.8% higher month-on-month at 2,614 units while for the year, total sales were 23,647 units making it the best-selling B-segment SUV for the fourth year in a row.
The 2025 X70 continues to find favour with buyers, with 8,992 units delivered throughout the past year. Notably, its December sales increased by 36.7% to 1,456 units, compared to 1,065 units in November, driven by year-end promotions.
As for the Proton X90, the flagship SUV completed its first full year of sales as the sales leader for D-segment SUVs with 3,553 units sold.
Finally, sales of the Persona and Iriz also increased, with 18,853 units and 5,113 units sold in 2024, respectively.
The just-launched Proton eMAS 7 will be entering the Singaporean market through VinCar Group as the EV’s the official distributor.
In a Facebook post, VinCar Pte Ltd confirmed that the e.MAS 7 will be launched in the republic in early 2025. The company also stated that it will open a flagship showroom located at Leng Kee Automotive Belt.
For its home market, the eMAS 7 is offered in two variants, namely Prime and Premium. Both are powered by a “12-in-1” electric motor at the front axle, producing 218 PS (160 kW) and 320 Nm of torque, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 175 km/h.
The main difference between the Prime and Premium variants lies in their battery capacity. The Prime variant comes with a 49.52 kWh battery, promising a driving range of 345 km on a full charge, while the Premium variant can travel up to 410 km thanks to its 60.22 kWh battery.
The eMAS 7 is equipped with Geely’s new Aegis short blade LFP battery, which is said to offer higher energy density, improved safety, and longer lifespan.
The battery supports DC fast charging with up to 80 kW for the Prime variant and 100 kW for the Premium variant, with both requiring 20 minutes to charge from 30% to 80%.
Prices start at RM109,800 for the Prime variant and RM123,800 for the Premium variant. However, in conjunction with the launch, Proton is offering a rebate of RM4,000 to the first 3,000 customers.
Protoon has rolled out a new prepaid service package, which customers can choose to purchase for their new and existing Proton cars.
Known as the ProCare Smart Plan (PSP), the package helps owners to manage their vehicle maintenance costs by offering savings of up to 15% or RM670.
At the moment, the PSP is available for the Saga, X90, and 2025 X70. If the vehicle is sold with the balance of the PSP still to run, the new owner enjoys the benefits as long as it is within the validity period.
New car buyers can opt for either three or five years packages. The package is also available to current owners who purchased their vehicles without a PSP, though it will be capped to two-year intervals, with savings of up to RM350.
According to Proton, while the PSP is currently limited to the three models mentioned, there are plans to eventually roll it out to all Proton models in the near future.
Customers who wish to register for the PSP after purchasing their vehicles can use the Fixed Payment Plan (FPP) for up to 24 months through the Affin Avance Proton credit card.
Alternatively, there’s also an instalment payment plan via Direct Lending, a Shariah-compliant digital lending platform, with monthly payment terms of up to 12 months.
“Proton remains focused on making improvements to the product and services offering to our customers and the ProCare Smart Plan is the latest example of these efforts,” said Edmund Lim, Vice President Sales and After Sales, Proton Edar.
Proton recorded sales of 12,194 units (domestic and export) in November, reflecting a slight decrease of 4.7% compared to October.
The company stated that the decline is in line with the contraction in total industry volume (TIV) of 4.1% for Malaysian automotive sales.
This brought Proton’s year to date (YTD) total sales volume to 137,751 units, allowing the automaker to maintain its position as the second most popular brand in the national sales ranking.
The company estimates that its market share for November stands at 18.2%, leading to a YTD figure of 18.8% for the whole of 2024.
Sales of the X70 2025 model increased by 7.7% compared to October, with 1,065 units delivered, bringing its YTD total to 7,536 units.
Meanwhile, the X50, X90, and S70 ended November leading their respective segment for YTD sales.
The X50 continued to lead the B-segment SUV sales with 1,911 units delivered, bringing its total sales to 21,033 units to date.
The X90 retained its position as market leader for D-segment SUVs with a 13.1% month-on-month growth to 277 units, contributing to a YTD sales total of 3,246 units.
The S70, which made its maiden race outing in the 2024 Sepang 1000km and celebrated its anniversary on November 28, recorded sales of 1,312 units, bringing its YTD total to 17,512 units.
Meanwhile, the Saga recorded 5,916 units sold (YTD 66,094 units), while the Persona and Iriz recorded 1,394 units (YTD 17,325 units) and 319 units (YTD 4,762 units), respectively.
In addition to Malaysia, the Saga is also performing well in international markets. A total of 480 units of the left hand drive (LHD) Saga were exported to Egypt last month, a remarkable 300% growth compared with the 120 units shipped to the country a month prior.
To-date, 2,203 units of the Proton Saga have been exported this year, leading to total exports volume for 2024 already exceeding the number for the whole of 2023.
In case you missed it, the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) 2024 is set to open its curtains from December 5 to 11, 2024 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).
According to organiser Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), the event, themed ‘Beyond Mobility’, will feature nearly 70 exhibitors, with an exhibition area covering almost 30,000 square feet across two floors of the MITEC building.
For those planning to attend, here are some of the exciting cars that will make their appearance at the event:
Perodua EMO-II
Undoubtedly, Perodua is set to capture visitors’ attention with their electric concept model, the EMO-II (Electric Mobility Online). The concept car previews the production version of Perodua’s first electric vehicle, which is expected to be launched in the market later this year.
Proton e.MAS 7
Although not officially announced, Proton’s first electric vehicle, the e.MAS 7, is highly likely to make its debut at KLIMS 2024. It will be available with two battery pack options, with an estimated price of RM120,000.
Honda Prelude Concept
Another brand that will undoubtedly attract attention at KLIMS 2024 is Honda. In addition to its latest model lineup, Honda Malaysia has announced that it will also showcase the Prelude Concept, making Malaysia the first country in Asia, besides Japan, to exhibit the hybrid coupe.
Mazda CX-60
For devoted Mazda fans, Bermaz Motor will be showcasing two upcoming SUVs, the CX-60 and CX-80. Built on the SkyActiv Multi Solution Scalable Architecture platform, the former offers petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain options, with rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive capabilities.
Mazda CX-80
Like the CX-60, the CX-80 also belongs to Mazda’s Large Product group but offers three rows of seating. The powertrain options are similar to the CX-60, featuring inline six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, PHEV, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and AWD or RWD systems.
Toyota Camry
Following its launch in Thailand last October, the ninth-generation Toyota Camry (XV80) will make its debut in Malaysia this week. The D-segment sedan is powered by a 2.5-litre hybrid engine combined with an e-CVT transmission, producing a total system output of 227 PS.
Toyota Corolla Cross
In addition to the Camry, UMW Toyota Motor will also introduce the facelifted version of the Corolla Cross, which has already been open for orders since November. Along with a refreshed exterior design, the SUV will also feature several new enhancements, including an electronic parking brake, Auto Hold, and improved driver-assistance systems.
Nissan Kicks e-Power
As previously reported, the Nissan Kicks e-Power will be available as a fully imported version (CBU) from Thailand, with two variants: VL and VLT. It features a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that acts as a generator to charge the battery pack, which in return powers the electric motor on the front axle.
MG Cyberster
Without a doubt, among the standout cars at KLIMS 2024 will be the MG Cyberster, an electric roadster powered by two electric motors, delivering a combined output of 503 PS and 725 Nm. This allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds.
GWM Wey 80
Wey is a luxury sub-brand under Great Wall Motor (GWM). While it is still uncertain whether the luxury marque will be officially launched in the local market, it is certainly a possibility if the Wey 80 MPV receives a positive response at the show.
Malaysia’s Leading Automotive News | ENGEAR ENGLISH
