In a statement, Proton projected its market share at 20.1% for the month.

Total sales for the automotive industry were down in September, as total industry volume (TIV) is estimated to have dropped to a 17-month low of 56,067 units, a reduction of 22.2% from the previous month.

The estimated YTD total for TIV however remained ahead of 2023 with a total volume of just under 590,000 units, 3% better than last year.

Meanwhile, the 2025 Proton X70 model reclaimed its crown as the best-selling C-segment sports utility vehicle (SUV) with 1,466 units sold in September.

Proton’s best seller continues to be the Proton Saga, which achieved sales of 5,162 last month, placing it in second place for A-segment sedans.

Its sedan sister, the Proton Persona, clocked up 1,295 in sales while the Proton Iriz had a steady sales month with 345 units sold.

“September is traditionally a slow month for the automotive industry and last month was no exception.

“The reduction in Proton’s volume was considerably less than the decrease in TIV, setting the stage for a challenging final quarter of the year for the industry,” said Proton Edar CEO Roslan Abdullah.

Nonetheless, he is confident that Proton has the necessary products to push sales volumes higher in the next three months, with two newly refreshed SUV models and a new sedan in its first full year of sales.