Latest news with #X70
The Sun
07-06-2025
- 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.
The Citizen
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Proton responds to leave claims: ‘we are not exiting South Africa'
Despite the imminent return of its parent company Geely, the lion brand, through CMH, will not be leaving local soil for a second time. Proton has made it clear that it won't be leaving South Africa for a second time soon. Image: Proton Its future in South Africa having been in doubt ever since its high profile return three years ago, Proton importer, Combined Motor Holdings (CMH), has it back at claims this week of the Chinese-owned Malaysian brand ceasing operations due to faltering offset. Struggling Relaunched with the X50 and X70 SUVs, before the addition of the Saga entry-level sedan and flagship X90 SUV, Geely-owned Proton has struggled to a find footing in the local market with its first full year of reported sales in 2024 yielding an offset of 888 units. ALSO READ: Proton X90 helps Malaysian carmaker stand out from the crowd According to the latest sales figures by the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa), 226 Protons have so far departed from dealership floors throughout the first four months of 2025, which alluded to a possible withdrawal before year-end. Geely returning Heightening matters further is the imminent return of Geely itself to South Africa, whose products, aside from the Saga, provide the base for the majority of Proton's current range. Proton parent company, Geely, will return to South Africa before the end of 2025. Image: This includes the X50 being a rebadged version of the Geely Binyue, the X70 being based on the Boyue and the X90 derived from the Geely Haoyue. Bold claims At the time of the brand's relaunch, CMH CEO, Jebb McIntosh, said, 'luxury brands have become so unaffordable for the majority of South Africans. The purchase of the stake by Geely has transformed Proton. Now pre-facelift X70 was one of the first Geely models to receive Proton badging. Image: Proton 'When the brand became available, we jumped at the opportunity for several reasons, but mostly, we saw a gap in the market for a quality SUV within an affordable price bracket'. At the same event, Proton South Africa Managing Director, Greg Snodgrass, said the brand would be aiming at comparative Volkswagen and Mazda products rather than Chery and Great Wall Motors (GWM) Haval based on the tagline of 'affordable luxury'. 'Proton is staying' Earlier this week, an obtained annual report by CMH alleged that the importation of distribution of Proton products had become difficult and that a decision on the brand's future would likely to be made before year-end once current inventory runs out. Saga currently serves as Proton's only sedan and overall entry-level model in South Africa. Image: Proton Since January, numerous attempts by The Citizen seeking clarity on Proton's local operations have fallen on deaf ears, the most recent in February going unheard. In a statement on Wednesday (7 May), the automaker said the claims of its departure are unproven and that the annual report about the supposed sales difficulty 'was strictly in relation to stock liquidation of ageing inventory in a very difficult and competitive market— a standard industry practice to prepare for the arrival of exciting new models'. X90 currently tops Proton's local product range. Image: 'Proton is not exiting the South African market. Proton is strengthening its home market presence by preparing to launch new-generation vehicles, including compact sedans, hatchbacks, and competitive B-segment SUVs with internal combustion and hybrid powertrains,' the statement concluded. More soon At stands, no further details about the mentioned new products are unknown, however, with apparent assurance now been given in spite of the pending arrival from Geely, expect more to be revealed within the coming months. NOW READ: Proton pair passes test, but has bigger things to worry about
