Proton’s cumulative volume for the first quarter of 2023 went slightly past the 40,000 level to record a year-on-year growth of 50.9%. With 14,573 units for the month of March added to the January and February volumes, the total volume came to 40,287 units.
The March numbers were 3.8% higher than what was reported for February, and 11.9% higher than the same month in 2022. Its estimated market share is 18.7% but slightly better at 21.1% when including the first two months. For the same period last year, Proton’s market share was 16.7%.
With the car market continuing its steady recovery, helped by two festive seasons that will occur during the first quarter of the year, sales for Proton have been booming. Compared to the same month in 2022, the February sales volume this year was 52% higher with 14,033 units (domestic and export) delivered.
The volume was 20.1% higher than January while for the first two months of the year, the year-to-date volume has increased to 88% to 25,714 units. Where market share is concerned, it was estimated to be 22.7% as the official market data has not been released by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) yet.
The Proton Iriz and the Persona have always only enjoyed some success in the Malaysian B-segment. Not a lot as the competition in that segment is intense and the Myvi really is king of the hill. But that much desired segment success that Proton has longed for could just be around the corner.
To achieve this, Proton has updated the Iriz and Persona for 2019, and both now offer first in-class technology features.
For starters, the cars now feature intelligent infotainment systems accessed via a 7-inch touchscreen function. What this means is that both the Iriz and Persona use an embedded eSim card that connects the car to the internet.
Through this system, the car offers applications for music streaming and online navigation. And through the eSim, the system will also receive Over The Air (OTA) updates with new apps added to the system when they become available.
It also has 16GB of internal memory and features a mirroring function for Android smart phones.
And for those who were impressed with the voice recognition which made its debut in the X70, the Iriz and the Persona too offer the same voice recognition app with the now famous catchphrase ‘Hi Proton’!
An updated car usually features aesthetic updates as well, and both the Iriz and the Persona too feature an extensive exterior redesign.
The Proton ‘Ethereal Bow’ grille design which debuted on the X70 now sets the new Iriz apart from the old. And this is completed by a new set of front and rear bumpers, a black rear garnish, new rims, as well as a shark fin antenna.
As for the Persona, Proton says it has been restyled more conservatively but also features the Ethereal Bow as well as the Infinite Weave pattern which is now a styling trademark for Proton.
The restyled Persona is topped off by a new boot spoiler, updated bumpers and new rims.
The prices of both cars have also been revised with prices for the Iriz starting from RM36,700 for the standard 1.3 up to RM50,700 for the top of the line 1.6 CVT.
The Persona on the other hand is priced at RM42,600 for the standard 1.6 manual, and up to RM54,600 for the 1.6 CVT. These prices are for Peninsular Malaysia, our readers from East Malaysia will have to pay RM2,000 more across the board and can refer to the price table below.
But it doesn’t just end there. Proton is spicing up the package even further and gives you an even better reason to buy these two cars.
Proton is offering:
1. Free two-year road tax for cars booked prior to the launch date
2. Free two-year road tax for the first 1,000 units registered
3. Free 5-year internet data with 12GB/year
4. Interest rates starting from just 2.93%
5. Free labour for 3 scheduled service appointments up until 20,000km
6. Insurance coverage package which the table below simplifies for you.
With these updates, especially with the new intelligent infotainment system, Proton is set to continue its march to the top of the market.
The company has enjoyed huge success with the X70 garnering a very healthy 25,000 bookings with 11,000 units delivered.
The first official photos of the face lifted Proton Persona, PROTON’s B-segment family sedan, have been released. Set to be launched soon the Persona, together with its sister car the Proton Iriz, are the first models in the Company’s current range to be given an extensive exterior refresh since the commencement of the collaboration with Geely in 2017. The new exterior lines portray an image of intelligent connectivity coupled with elegant aesthetics with subtle updates that make the Persona stand out from its predecessor. It also carries PROTON’s new family design elements that will be present on all future models to visually link them together.
At the front, the Persona is the recipient of a new outer grille whose shape is inspired by the “Ethereal Bow” that debuted on the Proton X70. The radiator grille meanwhile incorporates the “Infinite Weave” pattern sculpted into its design and sits on top of a redesigned front bumper. Sleek new LED daytime running lamps (DRL) are housed over a honeycomb mesh backing while a new bumper lower garnish ties together the new design elements of the front bumper and frames the lower air intake more elegantly.
Move to the rear and the most noticeable change are the PROTON name proudly spelled out on the trunk lid garnish and the removal of the brand logo. A new bumper lower garnish enhances the rear visual identity while a slimmer spoiler adds an unexpected sporting touch. Finally, the Persona name badge receives a new bolder and more flowing typeface in keeping with the overall exterior styling theme. A new 15-inch aluminium wheel design and a shark fin antenna provide the final exterior styling touches.
Touted as an intelligent family car, the Proton Persona will be equipped with a colour touch screen for access to connectivity options as well as voice command functions. A development of the system used on the Proton X70 and developed by PROTON and ECARX, the Persona will be the first B-segment family sedan to offer such an advanced system to Malaysian car buyers shopping for a new car in its price range. More information on the infotainment system and the technical specifications of the Proton Persona will be released closer to the launch date.
