Proton has kicked off the second half of 2025 on a strong note as the Malaysian automotive market rebounded from a slower June. The company registered 13,518 units in July, marking a 22.1% month-on-month increase and pushing its year-to-date (YTD) tally to 85,674 units. This cements Proton’s position as the second best-selling car brand in Malaysia.
The brand’s estimated market share stood at 19.2% for July, with YTD market share at 19.3%—a 0.6% improvement over 2024’s full-year figure of 18.7%. The overall Total Industry Volume (TIV) for July is projected at 70,545 units, up 28.7% from June, making it the second-highest monthly total this year.
The highlight of the month was the launch of the all-new Proton X50 on 24 July. Despite having only one week of deliveries, the SUV accounted for 2,068 units in July, crossing the 2,000-unit mark for the third time in 2025.
Featuring refreshed styling, an upgraded cabin, new intelligent technologies, and a youth-oriented marketing campaign, the X50 has generated significant buzz both online and in showrooms. Production is expected to reach 5,000 units in August, with bookings already approaching five figures.
Meanwhile, the Proton X90 and Proton S70 continued their solid performances, leading the D-segment SUV and C-segment sedan markets respectively. The X90 contributed 229 units in July, while the S70 added 1,404 units, lifting its YTD total to 10,750 units.
The Proton Saga also had a standout month, selling 6,638 units in July—the model’s best monthly result this year. The surge came just weeks after the Saga’s 40th anniversary on 9 July and coincided with the release of its Hot Wheels collectible edition. YTD sales now stand at 38,345 units, reaffirming the Saga’s appeal among entry-level sedan buyers.
The Proton X70 also showed impressive growth, with sales rising 51.7% year-on-year. The SUV added 617 units in July, bringing its YTD total to 4,971 units despite intensifying competition. Other models, such as the Proton Persona and Proton Iriz, also performed well, with the Persona recording its best sales month of 2025 at 1,499 units.
On the international front, Proton has strengthened its export push with the creation of Proton International Corporation Sdn Bhd (PICSB). Export volumes for the year have reached 2,258 units, a 44.1% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The X50 has now overtaken the Saga as the company’s top export model.
The Proton e.MAS 7 also continues to gain traction, with 706 units (including exports) sold in July, bringing its YTD sales to 4,959 units—making it Malaysia’s most popular EV. Export sales of the model now stand at 270 units.
“The strong reception for the e.MAS 7 validates our approach of combining product development with investments in charging infrastructure and brand building,” said Zhang Qiang, Deputy CEO of Proton Edar. “With the Proton e.MAS 5 on the horizon and rising interest from overseas markets, both EV and export sales are expected to play a larger role in our growth moving forward.”
Looking ahead, Proton plans to sustain momentum with additional model launches and a major technology showcase at the Global Automotive and Technology Expo (GATE) 2025 later this year.
