KUALA LUMPUR, April 2 — National carmaker Proton said its total sales for the first quarter of 2026 reached their highest level since 2004, supported by strong demand across both internal combustion engine (ICE) and new energy vehicle segments.

In a statement today, the company said it sold 15,706 units in March, bringing total sales for the first three months of the year to 49,140 units.

This represents a 40.1 per cent year-to-date increase, despite an estimated 4.9 per cent contraction in Malaysia’s total industry volume (TIV) over the same period.

Proton said March sales rose 15.4 per cent from February and were 12.8 per cent higher compared to the same month last year. Its market share for March is expected to reach 25.1 per cent, with year-to-date share forecast at 27.4 per cent — its highest level since 2017.

Proton e.MAS leads EV segment

The company said its new energy brand, Proton e.MAS, continued to gain traction, emerging as Malaysia’s top electric vehicle (EV) brand.

A total of 3,023 units were sold in March, led by the Proton e.MAS 5 with 2,071 units. Year-to-date sales for the model reached 6,701 units.

The Proton e.MAS 7 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) recorded 646 units in its first full month of sales, while the fully electric variant posted 306 units, marking its second consecutive month of growth.

PRO-NET chief executive officer Zhang Qiang said the brand’s performance reflected growing consumer acceptance of EV technology.

“We are humbled by the warm reception Malaysians have given Proton e.MAS since the brand was launched in 2024,” he said.

“Our community outreach programme to expose Malaysians to EV technology and our products as well as build trust in our efforts to support customers with a dealer comprehensive network and easily accessible charging infrastructure are now paying dividends.

“The proof is in the sales numbers achieved and our target is to make Proton e.MAS the number one new energy vehicle brand in 2026.”

ICE models see renewed demand

Proton said its ICE models also recorded strong growth following several new launches in the first quarter.

The Proton S70 registered 2,254 units in March, maintaining its position as the best-selling C-segment sedan. The company noted that its sales also surpassed some B-segment rivals during the month.

The Proton X90, launched during Ramadan, recorded 323 units despite not having a full month of sales, making it the best-selling seven-seater D-segment SUV.

Meanwhile, the Proton Saga remained the company’s top-selling model, with 5,438 units sold in March and 21,770 units for the quarter, reflecting a 38 per cent increase year-on-year.

The Proton X50 continued to lead the B-segment SUV category, with 3,265 units sold in March, bringing its year-to-date total to 7,571 units, up 48 per cent from the previous year.

Proton Edar chief executive officer Abdul Rashid Musa said the company’s performance was driven by continued investment in product development and customer support.

“Proton’s Q1 sales performance is the result of the investments the company has put into its technology, dealer network and after sales service, which in turn has built customer confidence in our products and services,” he said.

“Our ICE models are undergoing a sales resurgence across the board, but Proton remains mindful we also need to consider the needs of car buyers if fuel prices increase.

“That is why our updated models are more fuel efficient and lower maintenance, and through Proton e.MAS, we offer buyers an easy path to EV and PHEV technology should they want to make the switch.”

 Malay Mail – Money