Proton has carried its momentum from August into September, once again posting strong results despite a weaker market. The national carmaker delivered 13,395 units (domestic and export) last month, lifting its third-quarter total to 42,141 units. Year-to-date sales now stand at 114,297 units, a 0.9% improvement over the same period in 2024.
What makes the achievement stand out is the wider industry backdrop. The Total Industry Volume (TIV) dropped by nearly 21.7% in September to an estimated 57,169 units, just one month after reaching its 2025 peak. Against that, Proton’s market share rose to 23.4% for the month and 19.9% year-to-date — the brand’s highest figure this year as it continues to push towards a 20% target for 2025.
The Proton X50 remains the company’s star performer, cementing its place as the nation’s best-selling SUV. In September, 3,438 units were delivered, marking its second full month on sale and placing it at the top of its segment as well as the overall SUV market.
Sales data shows that 88% of buyers are upgraders, while a third of them are completely new to Proton, highlighting the model’s strong appeal as a premium yet sporty option. By the end of September, the X50 had registered 21,154 units year-to-date, an impressive 24.4% increase over last year.
The larger Proton X70 also contributed to the growth, with year-to-date sales of 6,033 units, up 10.1% compared to 2024. Meanwhile, the flagship Proton X90 recorded 194 units in September, securing its position as the best-selling D-segment SUV.
While attention has been shifting towards electrification, Proton’s internal combustion line-up is holding its ground. The Proton S70 remains the leader in the C-segment sedan category, adding 979 units in September to stay ahead of rivals. The Saga continues its remarkable run as one of the country’s top choices, recording more than 6,000 sales for the third consecutive month with 6,058 units, making it the fourth best-selling vehicle in Malaysia.
Elsewhere, the Proton Persona and Iriz maintained their segment presence with 1,161 and 278 units sold respectively. Together, the ICE models have reinforced Proton’s position as a brand capable of competing across multiple categories.
Exports have also provided a boost, with Proton International Sales Corporation achieving its highest monthly export volume in 2025. A total of 815 units were shipped in September, bringing year-to-date exports to 3,959 units — 56% ahead of last year. This makes Proton the top automotive export brand from Malaysia.
Much of this growth has been powered by the X50, which saw export volume surge by 220% this year. The Saga also played its part with a 14% increase, while the e.MAS 7 EV has begun making its mark abroad with 443 units exported to date. Singapore recently became the third export market for the e.MAS 7, with Mauritius set to follow this month.
Back home, the e.MAS 7 continues to dominate as Malaysia’s best-selling EV, with 845 units delivered in September, taking total sales to 6,656 units in just nine months. With the smaller e.MAS 5 on the way and local EV assembly starting at Proton’s new Tanjong Malim plant, expectations are high for an even stronger EV push in 2026.
