Proton Records Strong March Sales, Achieves Highest First-Quarter Performance in 22 Years
PETALING JAYA, — Proton has delivered a strong sales performance in March, driving its first-quarter results to the highest level recorded in over two decades.
The national carmaker reported total sales of 15,706 units last month, covering internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, electric vehicles (EVs), and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models.
This marks a 15.4 per cent increase compared to February and a 12.8 per cent rise year-on-year.
Outperforming a Slowing Industry
For the first quarter of 2026, Proton achieved cumulative sales of 49,140 units, representing a 40.1 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.
The performance stands out against the broader automotive industry, where total industry volume (TIV) is estimated to have declined by 4.9 per cent.
This indicates Proton’s ability to sustain growth despite a challenging market environment.
Market Share Strengthens Further
Proton’s market share for March is estimated at 25.1 per cent, while year-to-date figures are projected to reach 27.4 per cent — the highest level since 2017.
The increase reflects strong consumer confidence in Proton’s offerings and the effectiveness of its product strategy.
Electric Vehicle Segment Drives Growth
The company’s new energy vehicle segment has emerged as a key growth driver, particularly through the Proton e.MAS brand.
Proton e.MAS ended 2025 as the second most popular EV brand in Malaysia, with the e.MAS 7 model ranking among the top-selling EVs.
In March alone, Proton sold 3,023 units in the new energy category, led by the e.MAS 5, which accounted for 2,071 units.
Cumulative sales for the first quarter reached 6,701 units, reinforcing its position as a leading EV model in the country.
New Models Boost Sales Momentum
The Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV recorded 646 units in its first full month of sales, while the EV variant of the same model saw growth for a second consecutive month, reaching 306 units.
The introduction of new models, including the e.MAS 5 and the latest e.MAS 7 PHEV, has significantly contributed to overall sales growth.
Positive Consumer Response to EV Technology
Pro-Net chief executive officer Zhang Qiang expressed appreciation for the positive response from Malaysian consumers toward the Proton e.MAS lineup since its launch in 2024.
He said ongoing efforts to promote EV technology, along with the expansion of charging infrastructure and dealership networks, have helped build consumer confidence.
“This performance demonstrates growing acceptance of new energy vehicles,” he said.
The company aims to establish Proton e.MAS as the leading EV brand in Malaysia by 2026.
Enhanced ICE Models Add Value
At the same time, Proton has introduced updated ICE models with improved engine performance and advanced technology features.
These enhancements are designed to offer better value to customers and strengthen the company’s position in the local automotive market.
The overall performance reflects Proton’s balanced strategy of innovation and product enhancement, reinforcing its competitiveness in the industry.
-wilayah.com.my
