Proton: Quality improved threefold, CNY 'prosperity discounts'

PROTON has announced that it managed to stabilise its sales numbers for 2017 with an overall sales of 70,991 units of cars in 2017, compared to the 72,291 units sold in the previous year.
Retail sales increased 2.5% to 68,184 units in 2017 from 66,513 units in 2016. A healthy growth was seen from the Central, South, East Coast regions and East Malaysia, each recorded between 1% to 10% increase in units of cars sold. The overall number was affected by poorer fleet sales with 2,807 units sold in 2017 due to lower taxi orders.
The Saga, Persona and Ertiga make up 80% of total Proton car sales for 2017. Its best-selling car, the Saga, registered steady sales at above 30,000 units in 2017. As the most affordably-priced sedan, the Saga is still viewed as the most value-for-money car in its segment and hence, maintained its popularity among first time Proton car-buyers or as a second car. Persona, however, registered a 27% increase with 19,510 units sold compared to 15,390 units last year. The Ertiga also gained healthy acceptance in the market with 6,091 units sold in 2017.
Proton stated that the sales number was stabilised due to the aggressive quality improvement exercise done internally. Its counterpart from Geely Auto performed a stringent quality audit of its cars and within three months, Proton was able to improve its quality points threefold.
“The audit was measured using a stringent system, which is aligned to the international standard of Volvo cars, as practiced by Geely. As we also already know, Proton cars have proven that they are durable and reliable, having gone through rigorous testing when we participated in the Sepang 1,000km endurance race in November 2017 and won Overall Champion. All these can only be achieved with the strong teamwork between the management team and employees,” said Proton vice-president of sales and marketing, Abdul Rashid Musa.
“We are looking at 2018 more positively and we hope to intensify our efforts to do better this year. This year will be a critical year for PROTON as we shall be implementing activities aligned to the new three-to-10-years Business Plan, key to the turnaround of the Company. In order for us to pick up our sales numbers, we shall be taking further steps for more attractive consumer campaigns, and improvement of product and service quality,” Rashid added.
For the Chinese New Year promotion, Proton is rewarding its customers prosperity discounts* for all Proton models, up to RM3,500* for a Saga, up to RM4,500* for a Persona, up to RM5,000* for an Iriz, up to RM5,500* for an Exora and up to RM13,888* for a Perdana.
“Our Saga is the most affordable saloon in Malaysia. It offers great drivability, performs much more smoothly and has modern and practical convenient features. Eventually, the Persona is also a popular choice among our customers due to its excellent value for money propositions with significant safety features and providing a pleasurable drive in every journey,” Rashid added further.
Also, in conjunction with the festive season and in anticipation to the long journeys that our customers will be making for the festive holidays, Proton owners are also invited to a free 20-point safety inspection at any authorised Proton service outlets.