The national carmaker said its sales volume was affected by a planned one-week plant shutdown for scheduled operations improvement activities.
Proton said it currently holds second place in automotive sales amid a softer total industry volume (TIV).
“Overall, we achieved a market share of 19.1%, the same as its year-to-date (YTD) market share figure, with total sales for the first half of 2024 closed at 73,696 units,” it said in a statement.
Proton said June’s TIV forecast was softer than any month this year, with an estimated 57,700 units sold last month, lower than April, the previous low point in 2024 during a period affected by the long festive holiday.
“Cumulatively, the forecast for the first six months of 2024 is approximately 386,600 units, which is nearly 20,000 units more than the same period in 2023 when it reached a new record high,” it said.
Proton said June was a busy month as it focussed on strategic moves that would pay dividends for its near and long-term future.
“Aside from launching the e.MAS electric vehicle (EV) brand, Proton also celebrated the roll-out of its fifth millionth vehicle from its production line and launched the 2024 Proton X50, a refreshed version of its best-selling sport utility vehicle (SUV) featuring more than 20 noise, vibration, and harshness improvements,” it said.
Proton said the result is an immediate improvement in sales volume, with the Proton X50 returning to the top of the B-segment SUV class with 1,711 units, its top performance in three months.
“With production set to increase after the improvements to the plant, sales are expected to rise in the coming months,” it said.
Meanwhile, Proton Edar CEO Roslan Abdullah said the market can expect more positive developments from Proton in the second half of the year, due to the e.Mas launch.
He said the recent launch of the 2024 Proton X50 has been met with strong demand from the market.
“The model remains the best option for those looking for a B-segment SUV, and the company expects a similar reaction from the market when Proton unveils the heavily revised 2025 Proton X70,” he added.