by RAHIMI YUNUS/ TMR FILE PIX

Proton Holdings Bhd’s sales in January took a hit from the Movement Control Order (MCO) with volume dropping 29.9% to 5,964 units as compared to a year ago.

The carmaker’s market share was estimated at 18.5%, about 1% less from last year, to finish second in the industry.

It said Malaysia’s automotive sales for January was forecasted to be slightly above 32,000 units, corresponding with a major drop in volume for most major players.

“January was a difficult month for Malaysia’s automotive industry. Hopes were high the momentum built at the end of 2020 would be carried forward especially after the announcement of Penjana incentives remaining in place until the end of June this year.

“Unfortunately, the second MCO announcement put a damper on those hopes,” Proton Edar Sdn Bhd CEO Roslan Abdullah said in a statement today.

The company said Proton Saga led the sales in January with 2,583 units sold, the second most popular A-segment sedan in the country.

The Proton X70 and Proton X50 SUV twins continued to lead the C-segment SUV and B-segment SUV (five-seat) categories though registered units were down to 892 and 1,082 units respectively.