Latest news with #LiChunrong
The Sun
a day ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Proton posts strong sales growth in May
PROTON Holdings Bhd recorded a robust performance in May 2025, with total sales, including domestic, export, smart, and Proton vehicles, reaching 13,328 units. This figure represents a 6.1% increase compared to May 2024, and marks the third consecutive month of sales growth for the national carmaker. Between March and May, Proton experienced a year-on-year growth of 10%, pushing year-to-date (YTD) sales to 61,087 units. Market share for the month is projected at 19.2%, with the same percentage forecasted for the YTD share, based on an estimated Total Industry Volume (TIV) of 69,495 units. Key contributors to this upward trajectory included the Proton X50 and X70, both of which have sustained strong demand following the launch of their updated variants last year. Export sales surged by 36.6% over 2024 figures, while Proton's flagship electric vehicle, the 7, continued to lead EV sales in Malaysia for a fifth straight month, achieving a new milestone by surpassing 900 units sold in May. Across Proton's model range, May emerged as the second-best sales month in 2025, bolstered by nationwide promotional campaigns that stimulated consumer interest. The Proton X70 recorded the highest growth rate among individual models, with sales increasing by 44% to 982 units. This placed the C-segment SUV 53.1% ahead of its YTD sales from the previous year, a trend Proton expects to sustain throughout the remainder of 2025. The Proton X50 also maintained its dominant position in the B-segment SUV category, contributing 2,198 units to the monthly total and pushing its YTD tally to 9,704 units—a 14.3% rise over 2024. Meanwhile, the premium D-segment Proton X90 expanded its market footprint with a 15.5% increase in sales to 224 units. Sedan models also enjoyed a steady rise in demand. The Proton Saga, the company's A-segment offering, registered 5,513 units, reflecting a 5.8% improvement over April. The B-segment Persona followed suit with 1,385 units sold, a 4.3% month-on-month increase. The C-segment Proton S70, a recent addition to the lineup, posted a modest gain of 2.7% to close at 1,763 units. Meanwhile, the Proton Iriz recorded a 14.1% increase in May, reaching 331 units and retaining its status as Malaysia's fourth most popular B-segment hatchback. Proton's EV sales continued to gain momentum, with the 7 hitting a record high of 916 units across domestic and international markets in May. This achievement pushed its YTD total to 3,632 units, reinforcing its position as the country's top-selling electric SUV in the premium C-segment category. Proton CEO Dr Li Chunrong attributed the positive sales momentum to targeted promotional activities and the appeal of the company's technologically advanced product range. He emphasised the strength of Proton's retail network, comprising 3S and 4S centres, as instrumental in enhancing customer experience and driving conversions. Looking ahead, Dr Li expressed confidence that Proton would maintain its momentum into the second half of 2025, with several new model launches and events lined up under the next phase of the company's business strategy. With the Malaysian car market approaching saturation, Proton has increasingly focused on expanding its international footprint. In 2025, the company launched several overseas initiatives, including the introduction of the CKD Proton Saga in left-hand-drive configuration for Egypt and EV-centred events featuring the 7 in Nepal and Singapore. June will see the company's electric SUV enter the Trinidad and Tobago market, marking its second export destination for the EV after Nepal. To date, 233 units of the 7 have been exported, a number that is expected to climb with the latest market entry. Leading Proton's export sales is the Saga, with 710 units, followed closely by the X50, which posted a staggering 360% increase in YTD exports, reaching 694 units. Proton's renewed export strategy is showing early success, with sales volumes already on the rise. Dr Li stated that while short-term gains are promising, the company remains committed to a long-term plan for overseas market development. He noted that achieving sustainable success in international markets demands consistent effort and structured planning, both of which Proton is prepared to deliver.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Proton sales up 6pct in May, marking third straight month of growth
KUALA LUMPUR: Proton Holdings Bhd sold 13,328 vehicles in May, comprising domestic and export sales as well as units from its smart and Proton ranges. In a statement today, the national carmaker said the figure represents a 6.1 per cent increase from May 2024 and marks the third straight month of sales growth. For the March-to-May period, year-on-year (YoY) sales rose 10 per cent, bringing year-to-date (YTD) sales to 61,087 units. Proton estimates a 19.2 per cent market share for May, based on a projected total industry volume (TIV) of 69,495 units. The YTD market share is also forecast at 19.2 per cent. According to Proton, individual volume drivers this year include the Proton X50 and Proton X70, which have sold strongly since the introduction of their updated variants last year. Export sales have also been strong, now 36.6 per cent ahead of 2024, while the Proton 7 led EV sales for a fifth consecutive month in May while breaking through the 900-unit sales barrier for the very first time. Proton chief executive officer Dr Li Chunrong said after a slow start to 2025, sales of Proton vehicles have shown an upward trend over the last three months. He added that this is a direct result of the group's promotion efforts as well as the strong attraction car buyers have to our range that offers stylish, technology driven products sold via an industry leading network of 3S/4S outlets. "Going into the second half of 2025, Proton is confident we can maintain our momentum as we initiate a flurry of events and model introductions in line with the next phase of our overall business plan," he said. With new vehicle sales in Malaysia nearing saturation, Proton said it is ramping up efforts to strengthen its presence in overseas markets. It added that 2025 has seen multiple events promoting its overseas presence, kicking off with the launch of the CKD Proton Saga in LHD form for the Egyptian market and two 7 focussed activities in Nepal and Singapore. The carmaker noted that June will see the introduction of the company's EV in Trinidad & Tobago, its second export market after Nepal, which is expected to increase its numbers beyond the 233 units exported thus far. The top export model is the Proton Saga with 710 units followed by the Proton X50, which has grown its YTD export sales by 360 per cent to 694 units. "The increased focus placed on growing export sales is paying short term dividends as we see an immediate uptick in volume. "Penetrating and being successful in overseas markets requires long-term commitment and Proton is confident we can achieve our goals with a structured plan to manage our expansion," Li Chunrong said.
New Straits Times
30-05-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Proton names Ainol Azmi as covering deputy CEO, Roslan Abdullah stepping down
KUALA LUMPUR: Proton has appointed Ainol Azmi as its covering deputy chief executive officer (CEO) effective June 10, 2025. He will take over the responsibilities of Roslan Abdullah, who is stepping down after serving five years as deputy CEO. Proton said Roslan was instrumental in reinforcing Proton's position as a top automotive brand in Malaysia and leading its entry into the electric vehicle (EV) market with the Proton 7. Ainol will report directly to Proton CEO Dr Li Chunrong. At the same time, he will continue to manage his current responsibilities in corporate strategy and group technical procurement. "Proton welcomes Ainol Azmil to the role of covering deputy CEO. We are confident in his ability to take on this temporary appointment. "At the same time, Proton would like to convey utmost gratitude to Roslan Abdullah for his contribution to the company and we wish him well in his future undertakings," Li Chunrong said.
Malaysian Reserve
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Malaysian Reserve
Proton trades old vehicles for new under RM4.8m Xchange Programme
KUALA LUMPUR — Owners of old vehicles are encouraged to exchange them for new Proton models under a RM4.8 million 'Proton Xchange Programme' the national car maker launched today in partnership with Car Medic Sdn Bhd. In a statement today, Proton Holdings Bhd said the campaign underscores its support for the government's initiative to enhance road safety and promote sustainable mobility. 'This programme is open to owners of all cars, regardless of brand. To ensure the programme meets its objectives, Proton and Car Medic have created a holistic solution that incentivises participants while ensuring the safe disposal of older vehicles. 'Proton will offer RM2,000 of overtrade support towards the registration of a new Proton vehicle, including the Proton 7, the best-selling EV model in Malaysia. The pilot programme will run until the end of December 2025,' it said. To qualify for the incentive, vehicles must be 15 years or older and deemed uneconomical to repair for continued safe usage. The new Proton vehicle or Proten must also be registered before the end of the year, Proton said in the statement. 'Any sedan cars, multi-purpose vehicles, vans, four-wheel drive, lorries, and buses meeting the abovementioned requirements are eligible for the programme, subject to meeting terms and conditions such as proof of ownership,' it said. 'Vehicle owners will need to provide a vehicle ownership certificate (VOC) for their new vehicle, together with a JPJK1KD form to prove their old vehicle has been officially deregistered by the Road Transport Department (RTD), and a certificate of destruction (COD) from Car Medic,' it said. Speaking during the event, Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said the ministry supports the initiative and encourages more original equipment manufacturers to follow suit, applauding Proton for leading the way to promote safer, greener mobility. Meanwhile, Proton chief executive officer Dr Li Chunrong hope that the initiative can incentivise owners of older vehicles to replace them with new ones equipped with advanced safety features to minimise hazards on the road. — BERNAMA
The Star
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
Proton launches RM4.8mil Xchange Programme to replace old vehicles with new models
KUALA LUMPUR: Proton Holdings Bhd has launched the Proton Xchange Programme to encourage owners of old, unroadworthy vehicles to trade them in for a new Proton model. In a statement, the carmaker said the programme was carried out in collaboration with Car Medic Sdn Bhd, an authorised automotive treatment facility (AATF), and was open to owners of all car brands. A total of RM4.8mil has been allocated for the pilot phase, which will run until the end of December 2025. Under the initiative, Proton will offer RM2,000 in overtrade support towards the registration of a new Proton vehicle, including the Proton 7, Malaysia's best-selling electric vehicle. According to Proton, vehicles must be at least 15 years old and in a condition deemed uneconomical to repair for continued safe use in order to qualify for the incentive. Eligible vehicles include sedans, multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs), vans, 4x4s, lorries, and buses that meet the stated criteria, subject to terms and conditions such as proof of ownership. Meanwhile, to qualify for the overtrade incentive, the new Proton or Proton vehicle must be registered by the end of the year. Owners are also required to submit a vehicle ownership certificate for the new vehicle, along with a JPJK1KD form confirming the old vehicle has been officially deregistered by the JPJ, and a Certificate of Destruction (COD) issued by Car Medic. Car Medic, a Department of Environment (DOE)-certified and JPJ-appointed authorised automotive treatment facility (AATF) since 2020, provides convenient e-Dereg services—either door-to-door or at its facility—as part of the programme. The company manages restriction checks, deregistration, towing, safe disposal, and the issuance of COD. The e-Dereg service enables MyKad holders in selected areas to complete JPJ deregistration digitally at their vehicle's location, while also supporting group e-Deregistration for more than five vehicles within two working days. Proton chief executive officer Dr Li Chunrong said the Proton Xchange Programme marked a significant step towards a safer and greener automotive future for Malaysia, reflecting the company's commitment to both its customers and the nation. 'We also hope that this initiative can help to incentivise the replacement of older vehicles to new cars, which are equipped with advanced safety features that can minimise safety hazards on the road.'
