Proton Exora announced as group returns to profit

Proton has returned to the black with a pre-tax profit of almost A$25 million for the first quarter of the Malaysian financial year – a 9.7 per cent gain on the same quarter last year.

The group says its improved performance was the result of a better product blend which also helped to minimise the impact of a decline in Malaysian car sales during the period.
Total industry volume (TIV) in Malaysia was down almost 11 per cent during the period while Proton sales were down just 2 per cent.

The strong sales from the newly launched Proton Exora people mover (pictured above) also helped the group to increase its market share to 31 per cent in Malaysia in June.

For the six-months to June 30, Proton sold 69,977 units, which accounted for 27 per cent of TIV.

“Our prospect for acquiring more domestic sales volume and market share is encouraging, driven largely by the sales of Exora,” Proton’s managing director Dato’ Syed Zainal said.

“Internationally, the group will focus on introducing the Exora in the Asean region which will further increase its sales volume.”

Despite the improved sentiment Proton was still cautious of the sustainability of the global economic recovery and would continue to expand into key markets, improve quality and intensify branding as well as invest in research and development for products refreshers and new models.