Proton to make South Africa comeback; Proton X50, X70, and Saga to lead the show

• Proton appoints new South African dealer
• Proton X50 and Proton X70 first to go on sale
• Proton Saga to make South African comeback after 10 years

National car maker Proton has signed an agreement to appoint CMH Group as the distributor for Proton vehicles in South Africa.

The signing, which was held virtually, will see the first shipment of fully imported (CBU) models go on sale in September, with the Proton X50 and Proton X70 leading the charge. This will be followed by the Proton Saga, which is making a return to the nation 10-years after sales ended in 2012.

Proton is bullish about its sales prospects in South Africa, projecting strong sales this year, and targeting to more than double its volume in 2023.

For the first quarter of this year, total export sales have increased by 175 percent over the same period from 2021. That number is expected to increase as the company takes aim at growing export sales by more than 300 percent by the end of the year.

Leveraging on the brand and SUVs to grow export sales

In 2010, Proton exported 29,833 units to several overseas markets. This dwindled to only 248 units in 2017 though volumes are seeing a gradual upturn.

Last year, 3,018 Proton vehicles were sold overseas, which is more than double of the 1,508 units exported in 2020. For 2022, the company’s International Sales Department is targeting to grow export sales exponentially and are targeting 10,000 units.

Such growth is powered by not only entering new markets but also growing assembly (KD) operations overseas.

Currently, Proton has CKD operations in Pakistan, Kenya, and Bangladesh with Sri Lanka set to begin in the second half of 2022. The company currently exports cars to 13 overseas markets prior to the addition of South Africa.

Also read: As Malaysia eases MCO restrictions, Proton Pakistan’s operations can resume soon

As a percentage of Malaysia’s overall vehicle exports, Proton’s numbers are becoming increasingly prominent.

From 12.8 percent of total exports in 2019, the number grew to 30.2 percent in 2020 and hit 60.9 percent in 2021, making the brand the number one vehicle exporter and showcasing how its exports continue to grow despite difficult market conditions caused by Covid-19.

“Proton’s long-term goals require exports to play a major role to grow the company’s overall sales as TIV in Malaysia is expected to remain flat. So, we are exploiting the strength of our new products, our brand and even the links Malaysia has with other countries to establish a foothold in many new markets.

“This is then bolstered by establishing KD operations where possible, which also helps to grow local economies,” said Steven Xu, Director of International Sales, Proton.

Also read: Kenya police adds Malaysian firepower to its arsenal in the form of Proton X70 patrol cars

Another reason for the sales growth is Proton’s improved model range, which has expanded since 2018 with the addition of two SUVs jointly developed with Geely.

The sales success enjoyed in Malaysia by the Proton X50 and Proton X70 has been largely replicated in other markets, helping to establish the brand, and paving the way for more models to be exported.

“Our new model range offers advanced features that are on par with many competitors from other brands and in many of our markets, the Proton X50 and Proton X70 sit near the top of their class in terms of specifications yet are sold at prices equivalent to or less than their direct rivals.

“This helps to draw in the upper echelon of local car buyers and helps build brand equity in these markets, making it easier for our other products to then be accepted in the future,” added Steven Xu.

Also read: 2020 Proton X70 introduced in Bangladesh, gets 1.5T engine with 177 PS/255 Nm, 7-spd DCT