Proton has announced that the company had its best export sales month since March 2013, a gap of 98 months, that saw 669 units delivered to overseas distributors in May 2021.

Proton attributed the growth in export sales to the growing demand in several key markets, some new and some having sold Protons for decades. For example, Pakistan is a new market for the company but for the first five months of 2021, it was the best performer.

On the other hand, Brunei which started selling Proton vehicles in 1987, was the third biggest export market by volume this year and in May. Importer Pad Motors had the best sales month in company history.

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Proton is also expanding overseas assembly operations. Following the commencement of local assembly for the Proton Saga in Kenya, the next market to assemble cars locally will be Pakistan.

“If everything goes to plan our partner in Pakistan, Al-Haj Automotive, will begin assembly operations with the Proton Saga by the end of July or early August at its new plant in Karachi. The Proton X70 will be added to their production line later, and we have high hopes this development will spur sales growth in the South Asian region,” said Steven Xu, Director of International Sales.

Currently, Proton’s presence in ASEAN is limited to Brunei but the company said it has plans to return to Thailand and Indonesia.

“For Proton to be the third best-selling brand in ASEAN, we need to have a major presence in Thailand and Indonesia. As the biggest automotive markets in the region they offer enormous volume potential, but the level of competition is also very high.

"For both countries, we have been busy recruiting partners to build a network that ensures a viable business model and in the short term, our target is to return to Thailand in 2022,” said Steven Xu.

Also read: Proton Saga loses out sales crown in May 2021, Myvi returns as King!