KUALA LUMPUR — Proton Holdings Bhd expects its total vehicle sales to reach 200,000 units in 2026, which will mark its highest annual sales performance in 15 years, following a strong first-half (1H) performance.
Deputy chief executive officer Datuk Abdul Rashid Musa said the national carmaker sold about 100,000 vehicles in 1H 2026 and expects the strong momentum to continue for the remainder of the year.
“Yes, we have registered quite a strong 1H performance, and I believe with the strong support from Malaysians, Proton will continue to register good numbers for 2026,” he told Bernama in an interview at the Global Automotive and Technology Expo 2026 (GATE Expo 2026) here today.
Abdul Rashid said the xEV segment currently accounts for about 17 per cent of Proton’s total sales volume, with more xEV models expected to be introduced.
The term xEV is a general industrial reference for any type of electrified vehicle, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric cars.
He said the 17 per cent share puts Proton in a good position to support the government’s electrified vehicle aspirations, including achieving a 20 per cent target by 2030.
“So I believe Proton is ahead. We will be able to support the government to achieve that target for 2030,” he added.
On technology development, Abdul Rashid said Proton aims to make the latest automotive technologies accessible and affordable to the wider market, including technologies that have traditionally been available mainly in premium vehicles.
This also aligns with the government policy to reduce emissions and improve vehicle safety as automotive technology continues to evolve, he said.
“For Proton, being the car for the public and masses, these (features) are also available in all Proton cars,” he said.
Abdul Rashid said GATE Expo 2026 is an important platform for Proton to showcase technologies that consumers would not normally see beyond the exterior of a vehicle.
“At the expo, Proton is showcasing four key automotive technologies, namely its hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) powertrain, electrical and electronic architecture, integrated head unit and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
