Proton blames drop in sales on lower taxi orders

The Saga, Persona and Ertiga made up 80% of total Proton car sales for 2017.

KUALA LUMPUR: Proton Holdings Bhd’s sales for 2017 was slightly lower at 70,991 units from the 72,291 sold the previous year, due to lower taxi orders.

In a statement, the national car manufacturer said the Saga, Persona and Ertiga made up 80% of total Proton car sales for 2017.

“Our best-selling car, the Saga, registered steady sales at above 30,000 units in 2017. As the most affordably-priced sedan, the Saga is still viewed as the best value-for-money car in its segment, and hence, maintained its popularity among first time Proton car-buyers or as a second car.

“The Persona, however, registered a 27% increase with 19,510 units sold compared with 15,390 units in 2016. The Ertiga also gained healthy acceptance in the market with 6,091 units sold in 2017,” it said.

Proton vice-president of sales and marketing Abdul Rashid Musa said the company would intensify efforts this year to implement activities which were aligned to the new three to 10-year business plan, which was key to its turnaround.

He said Proton was also coming up with attractive consumer campaigns, as well as an improvement of product and services quality, to enhance sales.

Meanwhile, in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration, Proton is rewarding its customers with prosperity discounts until Jan 31 for all models. -FMT