Malaysia April 2019: New X70 lifts Proton up 75.3% to highest ranking at home in over 3 years

The new X70 lifts Proton to #2 brand at home.

New vehicle sales in Malaysia are up 6.1% year-on-year in April to 49.964 units, leading to a year-to-date volume up 5.9% to 193.028. Brand leader Perodua (+11%) easily outpaces the market to deliver its 2nd highest market share ever at 44.3% below only the 51.1% reached in May 2018. But the hero of the month is the other Malaysian carmaker, Proton, lifted up a spectacular 75.3% year-on-year by the new X70 crossover (a rebadged Geely Boyue). Proton reaches its highest ranking since February 2016 at #2, its highest volume since August 2018 at 7.011 and highest share at home since last January at 14%. The X70 remains the best-selling SUV in Malaysia so far in 2019 with 11.133 units sold or 24% of the segment, but isn’t Proton’s best-seller this month, this title going to the refreshed Saga at 3.047. Proton CEO Dr Li Chunrong said Proton’s aim is “to try and end the year in second place to create a solid base for our long-term goal of leading the Malaysian car market again.” Notice also Volvo (+62.9%), Mazda (+15.5%) and Mitsubishi (+10.7%) in great shape whereas Hyundai (-39.5%), Volkswagen (-32.8%), Subaru (-32.1%), Peugeot (-25.3%), Kia (-22.7%), Ford (-21%), Honda (-19.9%) and BMW (-15.6%) all suffer.

Previous month: Malaysia March 2019: Proton (+46%), Mercedes (+43.1%) lift market up 9.6%

One year ago: Malaysia April 2018: Perodua breaks record share again at 42.3%

Full April 2019 Top 45 All-brands below.