Proton continues its positive streak into 2026, as the national automaker recorded its highest quarterly sales since 2004, with 49,140 units sold in Q1 this year.
This comes after Proton delivered 15,706 units in March 2026, which marks a 15.4% increase over February and 12.8% over the same period in 2025. All in all, the 49,140 units sold in Q1 2026 are equivalent to a year-to-date (YTD) growth of 40.1%.
ICE Models Leading the Sales Chart
Most of the 49,140 units sold by P1 in this first quarter came from its array of new models, with the Saga MC3 leading the chart with 21,770 units sold, or over 7,256 units in March alone. This represents a 38% increase in volume over the previous year.
Another chart-topper for Proton is the X50, retaining its position as Malaysia’s number one B-SUV with 7,571 units sold in Q1 or 3,265 units in March—an increase of 48% over sales from 2025.
Moving on to the new models launched this year, the new S70 MC1 proved to be quite popular among younger buyers, with 2,254 units sold in March to help it retain the title of best-selling C-segment sedan. As for the new X90 MC1, this three-row SUV achieved its highest sales volume in 12 months with 323 units sold.
“Our ICE models are undergoing a sales resurgence across the board, but Proton remains mindful we also need to consider the needs of car buyers if fuel prices increase. That is why our updated models are more fuel efficient and lower maintenance, and through Proton e.MAS, we offer buyers an easy path to EV and PHEV technology should they want to make the switch,” said Dato’ Ir. Abdul Rashid Musa, CEO of Proton Edar.
e.MAS Models Helped to Propel P1’s Success
Besides the array of new models, part of P1’s success in Q1 2026 is due to the stellar performance of its new energy arm, Proton e.MAS, with a total of 3,023 units sold in March this year.
Predictably, its best performer is the Proton e.MAS 5 hatch, with 2,071 units sold, and its cumulative Q1 sales record rose to 6,701 units, which helps to retain the position as Malaysia’s most popular EV model. The small EV hatch is followed by the e.MAS 7 PHEV at 646 units and the e.MAS 7 EV at 306 units.
“We are humbled by the warm reception Malaysians have given Proton e.MAS since the brand was launched in 2024. Our community outreach programme to expose Malaysians to EV technology and our products as well as build trust in our efforts to support customers with a dealer comprehensive network and easily accessible charging infrastructure are now paying dividends,” said Zhang Qiang, CEO of PRO-NET.
