Editing Proton Holdings (section)

==Sales==

===Domestic===
[[File:Sales of Proton passenger vehicles in Malaysia, 1985 - 2013 (02).png|thumbnail|600px|right|Proton's sales grew at a stable rate in the first decade, but plunged in 1998 due to the [[1997 Asian financial crisis]]. Nonetheless, Proton bounced back and recorded its highest sales volume in 2002 at 214,373 units. Sales gradually decreased in the following five years due to cheaper and more competitive offerings from [[Perodua]]. Proton's sales have recovered slightly since 2008, but their market share is in a current state of decline. Proton has sold over 3,500,000 cars in Malaysia between 1985 and 2013.]]

The first Proton, the [[Proton Saga (First generation)|Saga]] [[saloon car|saloon]] launched in July 1985 amid positive reception, but poor sales due to Proton's inability to meet the high demand.<ref name="Proton Saga Anniversary"/> However, Proton later captured a 47% Malaysian market share in the following year, with 24,148 cars sold. The company's market share later grew to 65% in 1987; 85% in the ''Under 1,600cc segment''.<ref>{{cite web |last=K.P. |first=Waran |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=YWFPAAAAIBAJ&pg=6343,2036872&dq=proton+saga+1987&hl=en |title=Impressive start to overseas recognition |publisher=[[New Straits Times]] |date=9 July 1988 |access-date=21 March 2013 |archive-date=30 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330235812/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=YWFPAAAAIBAJ&pg=6343%2C2036872&dq=proton+saga+1987&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> Proton maintained a majority market share in the following years, which peaked in 1993 at 74% with over 94,100 units sold.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=sbdOAAAAIBAJ&pg=3796,3546913&dq=proton+car+sales+1986&hl=en |title=Proton is 10 |publisher=[[New Straits Times]] |date=9 July 1995 |access-date=21 March 2013 |archive-date=31 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331000718/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=sbdOAAAAIBAJ&pg=3796%2C3546913&dq=proton+car+sales+1986&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> Car sales in Malaysia plunged from 404,000 units in 1997 to 163,851 in 1998 due to the [[1997 Asian Financial Crisis]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Abdullah |first=Zuraimi |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=UMwyAAAAIBAJ&pg=6683,124453&dq=proton+sales+1999&hl=en |title=Vehicle sales set to cross 300,000 units |publisher=[[New Straits Times]] |date=27 January 2000 |access-date=21 March 2013 |archive-date=30 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330235724/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=UMwyAAAAIBAJ&pg=6683%2C124453&dq=proton+sales+1999&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> Proton's revenue and profits were severely affected, but a majority market share was still maintained into the early 2000s.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/6471 |title=Motor industry sees modest rise amid global uncertainties |publisher=[[Malaysiakini]] / [[Agence France-Presse|AFP]] |date=30 January 2002 |access-date=21 March 2013 |archive-date=22 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522110157/https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/6471 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the mid-2000s, Proton's revenues and sales declined sharply. In 2006, Proton's market share was 32%, down from 40% in 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://malaysia-today.net/blog2006/newsncom.php?itemid=2090 |title=25/01: Malaysia's Proton loses top-selling spot for the first time |access-date=28 February 2007 |author=Petra, Raja |date=25 January 2007 |publisher=Malaysia Today |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071010051848/https://malaysia-today.net/blog2006/newsncom.php?itemid=2090 <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date=10 October 2007}}</ref> Proton lost its majority domestic market share for the first time in 20 years to [[Perodua]], the second Malaysian car manufacturer. Factors which contributed to the fall of Proton included the revision of the National Automotive Policy (NAP), Proton's newer indigenously designed models (i.e., the [[Proton Waja]], [[Gen-2]] and [[Proton Savvy|Savvy]]) which were poorly designed and manufactured compared to the former [[Mitsubishi Motors|Mitsubishi]]-based models and stronger competitors, specifically Perodua with their best-selling [[Myvi]] which launched in 2005.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://paultan.org/2005/06/14/negative-image-hurting-proton-sales/ |title=Negative Image Hurting Proton Sales |access-date=21 March 2013 |author=M. Jegathesan |date=14 June 2005 |publisher=paultan.org / Taiwan News Online |archive-date=6 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120806091829/https://paultan.org/2005/06/14/negative-image-hurting-proton-sales/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Proton's total sales volume and its market share failed to recover to its pre-2002 figures and Perodua remained the domestic market leader from 2006 onwards.{{citation needed|date=September 2022}}

[[File:Sales of Proton and Perodua passenger vehicles in Malaysia, 1985 - 2013 (l).png|thumbnail|400px|right|A comparison of Proton & Perodua sales in the domestic market. Perodua, which started out in 1994 as a complement and not a competitor to Proton has overtaken the latter to become Malaysia's best selling car manufacturer. Perodua cars manage to sell in greater numbers due to their cheaper pricing range, in which there are few competitors, as well as their inheritance of generally better designs from their parent company, [[Toyota]].]]{{citation needed|date=September 2022}}

Sales of Proton cars grew at a stable rate in the latter half of the 2000s and in the early 2010s. The company briefly regained the top-spot from Perodua in June 2009, after the introduction of the [[Proton Exora]] [[Multi Purpose Vehicle|MPV]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/7/24/business/4382138&sec=business |title=Proton overtakes Perodua in total sales |access-date=21 March 2013 |date=24 July 2009 |work=[[The Star (Malaysia)]] |archive-date=14 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714203105/https://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2009%2F7%2F24%2Fbusiness%2F4382138&sec=business |url-status=live }}</ref> Proton also matched Perodua's market share in the first quarter of 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/4/7/business/8428936&sec=business |title=Proton closing in on Perodua |access-date=21 March 2013 |author=Huong, Thomas |date=7 April 2011 |work=[[The Star (Malaysia)]] |archive-date=14 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714133551/https://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2011%2F4%2F7%2Fbusiness%2F8428936&sec=business |url-status=live }}</ref> Factors which contributed to the rise of Proton were well-designed cars which catered to the needs of the domestic market (i.e., the [[Proton Persona]], [[Proton Saga (second generation)|second generation Saga]] and [[Proton Exora|Exora]]) in addition to better management of the company under the then managing director, Syed Zainal Abidin. However, despite the improvements made between 2007 and 2012 in addition to improved overall sales, Proton's Malaysian market share continued to decrease. In 2011, the company had a 26.4% (158,657 units) share which plummeted further to 22.5% (141,121 units) in 2012.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gasnier |first=Matthias |url=https://bestsellingcarsblog.com/2013/03/11/malaysia-full-year-2012-record-year-but-no-more-info/ |title=Malaysia Full Year 2012: Record year – now with brands ranking |publisher=bestsellingcarsblog.com |date=11 March 2013 |access-date=21 March 2013 |archive-date=9 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130409031148/https://bestsellingcarsblog.com/2013/03/11/malaysia-full-year-2012-record-year-but-no-more-info/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In comparison, [[Perodua]] retained a majority market share of 30.1% (189,137 units) in 2012, with [[Toyota]] maintaining its third place at a 16.8% share with 105,151 units sold.{{citation needed|date=September 2022}}

Proton's decline in market share stabilised in 2013. In the first half of that year, Proton sold 64,782 cars, representing 20.7% of the market share, a decline of 1.8% over its full-year 2012 share.<ref>{{cite web |first=Matthias |last=Gasnier |url=https://bestsellingcarsblog.com/2013/07/23/malaysia-full-year-prediction-upped-to-record-638000-units/ |title=Malaysia: Full Year prediction upped to record 638,000 units |publisher=bestsellingcarsblog.com |date=23 July 2013 |access-date=27 August 2013 |archive-date=28 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728073437/https://bestsellingcarsblog.com/2013/07/23/malaysia-full-year-prediction-upped-to-record-638000-units/ |url-status=live }}</ref> However, by the end of 2013, Proton had managed to raise its market share to 21.2% with a total of 138,753 units sold.<ref>{{cite web |first=Paul |last=Tan |url=https://paultan.org/2014/01/22/maa-2013/ |title=MAA reveals vehicle production & sales data for 2013 |publisher=paultan.org |date=22 January 2014 |access-date=29 January 2014 |archive-date=29 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140129025316/https://paultan.org/2014/01/22/maa-2013/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Nonetheless, Proton's market share has still declined by an overall 1.3% between 2012 and 2013. In July 2013, Proton sold around 16,600 cars, which accounted for 25% in market share during that specific month, the company's highest ever in 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/business/2013/08/27/automotive-sector-tiv-may-dwindle-in-august/ |title=Automotive sector TIV may dwindle in August |publisher=freemalaysiatoday.com / The Malaysian Reserve |date=27 August 2013 |access-date=29 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202151053/https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/business/2013/08/27/automotive-sector-tiv-may-dwindle-in-august/ |archive-date=2 February 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Perodua on the other hand sold around 19,200 or 2,600 more cars than Proton in July 2013. The rise in Proton's sales were attributed to the launch of the [[Proton Saga (second generation)#Proton Saga SV|Proton Saga SV]], a cheaper variant of the second best-selling car in Malaysia.{{citation needed|date=September 2022}}

Another factor which continues to play a significant role in the sales of Proton cars is the National Automotive Policy (NAP), enforced by the Malaysian government in the interests of Proton, Perodua, [[Naza]] and foreign brands with manufacturing plants in Malaysia.<ref name="maa.org.my">{{cite web |url=https://www.maa.org.my/pdf/MEDIA_RELEASE_NAP_Media_281009.pdf |title=Ministry of International Trade and Industry (Malaysia) – Review of National Automotive Policy |publisher=maa.org.my |date=28 October 2009 |access-date=5 April 2013 |archive-date=10 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130210003747/https://www.maa.org.my/pdf/MEDIA_RELEASE_NAP_Media_281009.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Under the NAP, imported vehicles are subjected to varying degrees of import and excise duties depending on the vehicle's origin of manufacture and engine displacement, with excise duty imposed at 60 to 105 percent being the highest component in the duty structure. Vehicles imported from members of the [[Association of South East Asian Nations]], such as Thailand and Indonesia, are subject to the least import duties, whereas those from Europe suffer the worst.<ref name="maa.org.my"/> However, imported [[hybrid vehicles]] and cars purchased in duty-free [[Langkawi]] are exempted from the import and excise duties. The NAP ensures the survival of Proton and other Malaysian-made vehicles under a biased playing field in the Malaysian market. Nonetheless, the import duties of the NAP have been progressively revised and reduced in line with the eventual liberation of the market, but excise duties, the larger component of tariffs, continues to be high and opaquely applied, with non-tariff barriers effectively reducing the rate for Malaysian made vehicles.<ref>{{cite web |author=Hans |url=https://www.livelifedrive.com/malaysia/news/view/3802/explaining-the-mystery-behind-high-car-prices-in-malaysia---part-1 |title=Explaining The Mystery Behind High Car Prices in Malaysia |publisher=livelifedrive.com |date=1 July 2013 |access-date=25 May 2014 |archive-date=25 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525202026/https://www.livelifedrive.com/malaysia/news/view/3802/explaining-the-mystery-behind-high-car-prices-in-malaysia---part-1 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In March 2013, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (Malaysia) announced that vehicles manufactured in Australia and Japan will face a gradual reduction of import duties in stages to zero by 2016.<ref>{{cite web |author=Jonathan James Tan |url=https://paultan.org/2013/03/01/import-duties-japan-australia/ |title=Import duties on cars from Japan, Australia to be reduced in stages to zero by 2016 – MITI |publisher=paultan.org |date=1 March 2013 |access-date=5 April 2013 |archive-date=5 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180405093407/https://paultan.org/2013/03/01/import-duties-japan-australia/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Proton however responded positively to the announcement, citing their recent positive developments such as the 5-star [[Australasian New Car Assessment Program|ANCAP]] safety recognition of the [[Proton Prevé]] as part of its commitment to progress.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://corporate.proton.com/en/News-Events/2013/February/PROTONS-RESPONSE-TO-STATEMENT-BY-MITI.aspx |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130630045602/https://corporate.proton.com/en/News-Events/2013/February/PROTONS-RESPONSE-TO-STATEMENT-BY-MITI.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 June 2013 |title=Proton's response to statement by MITI |publisher=corporate.proton.com |date=28 February 2013 |access-date=5 April 2013 }}</ref>

===Export===
Proton relies primarily on its domestic market for the majority of its sales and revenues. Nonetheless, small volumes of Proton cars are also exported to various other countries in Asia, in addition to the United Kingdom and Australia. The company held a far larger global sales network in the 1990s, spanning all six continents and over 70 countries, but intends to regain a global foothold with 500,000 annual sales by 2018.<ref name="Proton Export"/><ref name="Proton 5-year forecast"/>

On 24 January 2020, Proton announced that their goal is to export 4,000 vehicles by the end of the year or export 6,000 vehicles if they were offered government incentives.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://paultan.org/2020/01/20/proton-aiming-to-export-4000-units-in-2020-says-could-potentially-achieve-6000-units-with-govt-incentives/|title=Proton aiming to export 4,000 units in 2020, says could potentially achieve 6,000 units with gov't incentives - paultan.org|date=20 January 2020|access-date=27 January 2020|archive-date=27 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127021248/https://paultan.org/2020/01/20/proton-aiming-to-export-4000-units-in-2020-says-could-potentially-achieve-6000-units-with-govt-incentives/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===History===

{| class="wikitable" style="float:right;"
|-
! style="text-align:center;" colspan="4"| Proton cumulative sales volume in selected markets{{Update inline|date=October 2021}}
|-
! scope="col"| Country
! scope="col"| Cars sold
! scope="col"| Time frame
! scope="col"| References
|-
| {{flagicon|Malaysia}} Malaysia
! scope="col"  style="background:#df0101; color:white; text-align:center;"|{{abbr|≈|Approximated}} 3,760,000
|| 07 / 1985–present
||<ref>{{cite web |first=Paul |last=Tan |url=https://paultan.org/2008/08/03/proton-produced-3000000-cars-since-1985/ |title=Proton produced 3,000,000 cars since 1985 |publisher=paultan.org |date=3 August 2008 |access-date=26 September 2013 |archive-date=27 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927231536/https://paultan.org/2008/08/03/proton-produced-3000000-cars-since-1985/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sales_of_Proton_passenger_vehicles_in_Malaysia,_1985_-_2013_(01).png |title=Sales of Proton passenger vehicles in Malaysia, 1985 – 2013 |date=29 January 2014 |access-date=29 January 2014 }}</ref><ref name="Proton sales 1985 - 2015 paultan.org"/>
|-
| {{flagicon|United Kingdom}} United Kingdom
! scope="col"  style="background:#2e9afe; color:white; text-align:center;"| 141,209
|| 03 / 1989–2016
||<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.proton.co.uk/backgroundframe.html |title=Proton Cars U.K. Ltd. – Background |publisher=proton.co.uk |access-date=24 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980524104156/https://www.proton.co.uk/backgroundframe.html |archive-date=24 May 1998 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/10/1/business/20091001141452&sec=business |title=Proton car sales in UK exceed full year target |work=[[The Star (Malaysia)]] |date=1 October 2009 |access-date=22 March 2013 |archive-date=10 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100110064418/https://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2009%2F10%2F1%2Fbusiness%2F20091001141452&sec=business |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Proton sales U.K., Australia commons.wikimedia.org"/>
|-
| {{flagicon|Australia}} Australia
! scope="col"  style="background:#58acfa; color:white; text-align:center;"| 34,985
|| 05 / 1995–2016
||<ref name="Proton sales U.K., Australia commons.wikimedia.org"/><ref name="Proton Export Sales"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=lQhPAAAAIBAJ&pg=4135,582145&dq=proton+australia&hl=en |title=Proton to set up company in Australia |publisher=[[New Straits Times]] |date=2 August 1996 |access-date=24 September 2013 |archive-date=31 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331000234/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=lQhPAAAAIBAJ&pg=4135%2C582145&dq=proton+australia&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Neville |last=D'Cruz |url=https://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news_lite.php?id=256973 |title=Proton And Lotus Top The Aussie Vehicle Sales Growth Charts |publisher=[[Bernama]] |date=16 April 2007 |access-date=24 September 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927113057/https://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news_lite.php?id=256973 |archive-date=27 September 2013 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
|-
| {{flagicon|Singapore}} Singapore
! scope="col"  style="background:#81bef7; color:#424242; text-align:center;"| 23,951
|| 10 / 1989–2002<br />2003 – 2012
||<ref name="Proton Export Sales"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://media.straitstimes.com/coe1/annual_registration.html|title=The Straits Times infographics: Annual registration of cars|publisher=[[The Straits Times]]|access-date=24 September 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921134549/https://media.straitstimes.com/coe1/annual_registration.html|archive-date=21 September 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
|-
| {{flagicon|Thailand}} Thailand
! scope="col"  style="background:#a9d0f5; color:#424242; text-align:center;"| 19,188
|| 12 / 2007–2016
||<ref name="Proton Export Sales"/><ref>{{cite web |author=D. Arul Rajoo |url=https://www.ssig.gov.my/blog/2009/01/21/proton-among-top-10-in-thailand-car-market/ |title=Proton Among Top 10 in Thailand Car Market |publisher=[[Bernama]] |date=21 January 2009 |access-date=28 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002132601/https://www.ssig.gov.my/blog/2009/01/21/proton-among-top-10-in-thailand-car-market/ |archive-date=2 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
| {{flagicon|Germany}} Germany
! scope="col"  style="background:#cee3f6; color:#424242; text-align:center;"| 15,479
|| 03 / 1995–09 / 1999
||<ref name="Proton Export Germany"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=QJ1OAAAAIBAJ&pg=5100,117549&dq=proton+australia&hl=en |title=Proton set to unveil two new models this year |publisher=[[New Straits Times]] |date=1 January 2000 |access-date=24 September 2013 |archive-date=30 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330235322/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=QJ1OAAAAIBAJ&pg=5100%2C117549&dq=proton+australia&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|Syria}} Syria
!around 15,000
|2001–present
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2009/01/31/offering-options-in-damascus|title=Offering options in Damascus|last=ALAM|first=PURWAIZ|date=2009-01-31|website=The Star Online|language=en|access-date=2019-09-30|archive-date=30 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930052723/https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2009/01/31/offering-options-in-damascus|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|Egypt}} Egypt
! scope="col"  style="background:#cee3f6; color:#424242; text-align:center;"| around 13,000
|
2000–12 / 2015 and 2018–present 
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://paultan.org/2018/09/20/proton-resumes-exports-to-egypt-saga-and-exora-among-three-models-set-for-market-debut-in-october/|title=Proton resumes exports to Egypt – Saga and Exora among three models set for market debut in October|date=2018-09-20|work=Paul Tan's Automotive News|access-date=2018-09-21|language=en-US|archive-date=21 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921191129/https://paultan.org/2018/09/20/proton-resumes-exports-to-egypt-saga-and-exora-among-three-models-set-for-market-debut-in-october/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| {{flagicon|South Africa}} South Africa
! scope="col"  style="background:#cee3f6; color:#424242; text-align:center;"| around 5,000 
| 2004–2015<br />2022–present
|<ref name="BZPROTON">{{cite web | url=https://businesstech.co.za/news/motoring/581344/proton-cars-to-make-return-to-south-africa-later-this-year | title=Proton cars to make return to South Africa later this year }}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|Chile}} Chile
!|around 3,500
|1994–1998 and 2016–2018
|
|-
| {{flagicon|Indonesia}} Indonesia
! scope="col"  style="background:#cee3f6; color:#424242; text-align:center;"| around 580 
|
2002–2018
|
|-
|{{flagicon|Pakistan}} Pakistan
!N/A
|2006–2010 and 2019–present
|
|}

Proton first ventured into export markets in December 1986, a year and a half after the launch of the company's first car, the [[Proton Saga (first generation)|Saga]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=l8VUAAAAIBAJ&pg=6749,5941681&dq=proton+saga+bangladesh&hl=en |title=Dhaka to import more Proton Sagas |publisher=[[New Straits Times]] / [[Bernama]] |date=29 June 1987 |access-date=22 March 2013 |archive-date=31 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331000212/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=l8VUAAAAIBAJ&pg=6749%2C5941681&dq=proton+saga+bangladesh&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> It was only sold in [[right-hand drive]] markets like New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Singapore because [[left-hand drive]] variants were not produced. Proton attempted to enter the American market in November 1988, but failed to meet strict US automotive regulations.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=bqomAAAAIBAJ&pg=1207,3128810&dq=proton+saga+us&hl=en |title=Proton: US pact is off |publisher=[[New Straits Times]] / [[Bernama]] |date=28 January 1989 |access-date=22 March 2013 |archive-date=31 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331000036/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=bqomAAAAIBAJ&pg=1207%2C3128810&dq=proton+saga+us&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> However, the Proton Wira, which launched in 1993 became the company's first car to be produced in both left and right-hand drive configurations, paving the way for Proton's entry into [[Continental Europe]] in October 1994 and other markets in the Middle East and Latin America.<ref name="Proton Export 2"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=mzhOAAAAIBAJ&pg=6866,2868288&dq=proton+car+europe&hl=en |title=First Proton car shipment to Europe |publisher=[[New Straits Times]] |date=8 October 1994 |access-date=22 March 2013 |archive-date=31 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331000310/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=mzhOAAAAIBAJ&pg=6866%2C2868288&dq=proton+car+europe&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Proton Export Germany"/> The company's global sales network peaked between 1994 and the early 2000s, but has since dwindled to around 25 countries as of the 2010s. Proton has commissioned [[Knock-down kit|CKD]] plants in Iran, Indonesia, the [[Philippines]], Vietnam, and China.

Proton began importing cars to the right-hand drive [[UK]] market from March 1989, and reached its 12-month sales target of 5,000 cars after just six months.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hubnut.org/category/project-proton/|title=Project Proton – HubNut – celebrating the average!|website=HubNut – celebrating the average!|date=26 June 2017 |access-date=31 October 2017|archive-date=7 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107023521/https://hubnut.org/category/project-proton/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Proton brand was initially a huge success in the UK, but sales were declining sharply by 2010 and the brand was withdrawn in 2014.{{citation needed|date=May 2020}}

{{multiple image
| style = "text-align:left;"| direction = vertical | width = 220
| image1 = 1991 Proton Saga 1.5 GL Aeroback in the United Kingdom.jpg
| caption1 = The [[Proton Saga (first generation)|Proton Saga 1.5GL Aeroback]]. Over 30,000 Protons were sold in the United Kingdom within its first 3 years. At its peak in 1992, one Proton was sold in Britain for every five sold in Malaysia.
| image2 = Proton Wira taxi in Pyongyang, North Korea.jpg
| caption2 = A [[Proton Wira]] taxi in [[Pyongyang]], North Korea. Proton cars have also been exported as diplomatic gifts to several countries and governments.
| image3 = 2003 Proton Jumbuck (C90) GLSi utility (23352098994).jpg
| caption3 = The [[Proton Jumbuck]] ute. It is the only Proton model of which export demand exceeded domestic demand.
}}

Proton's presence in Singapore was handled by Cycle & Carriage from 1989 to September 2002 due to failures to make a turn around.<ref name="PTS">{{cite web|url=https://www.stcars.sg/guides-articles/proton-returns-to-battle-in-market-here-56082|title=Proton returns to battle in market here|website=STCars|access-date=3 July 2020|archive-date=4 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704070920/https://www.stcars.sg/guides-articles/proton-returns-to-battle-in-market-here-56082|url-status=live}}</ref> It made a comeback in 2003 with Proton establishing a direct branch.<ref name="PTS"/>

In the Philippines, Proton was formerly represented by Proton Pilipinas Corp from 1992 with an assembly plant in Alaminos, Pangasinan<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/business/2001/03/09/96354/proton-continue-operations-rp|title=Proton to continue operations in RP|website=philstar.com|access-date=4 February 2020|archive-date=31 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331000950/https://www.philstar.com/business/2001/03/09/96354/proton-continue-operations-rp|url-status=live}}</ref> that manufactured the Proton Wira.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1995/01/29/Malaysia-Philippines-open-car-plant/8929791355600/|title=Malaysia, Philippines open car plant|website=UPI|access-date=4 February 2020|archive-date=16 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716000206/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1995/01/29/Malaysia-Philippines-open-car-plant/8929791355600/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Proton exported 164,153 cars between December 1986 and December 1997.<ref>{{cite web |author=Long Hui Ching |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=R_xOAAAAIBAJ&pg=4056,2696605&dq=proton+1997&hl=en |title=Proton expects weak demand for all cars to affect earnings |publisher=[[New Straits Times]] |date=8 January 1998 |access-date=22 March 2013 |archive-date=30 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330235512/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=R_xOAAAAIBAJ&pg=4056%2C2696605&dq=proton+1997&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> The United Kingdom is by far the company's most successful export market in terms of cumulative sales volume, and at one point Proton set the record for ''Fastest Selling Make of New Car Ever to Enter the United Kingdom''.<ref name="Proton Saga history"/> In 1992, the Saga was ranked among the Top 20 best-selling cars in the UK, outselling its primary competitors from Hyundai and SEAT.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=L7BUAAAAIBAJ&pg=1756,2687280&dq=proton+saga+1995&hl=en |title=Sales of Proton Saga in Britain to double |publisher=[[New Straits Times]] / [[Bernama]] |date=18 February 1992 |access-date=22 March 2013 |archive-date=30 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330235211/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=L7BUAAAAIBAJ&pg=1756%2C2687280&dq=proton+saga+1995&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Ahmad |first=Baidura |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=jc1OAAAAIBAJ&pg=6816,1838317&dq=proton+car+europe&hl=en |title=Proton still fastest selling car in UK |publisher=[[New Straits Times]] |date=5 September 1994 |access-date=22 March 2013 |archive-date=31 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331000152/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=jc1OAAAAIBAJ&pg=6816%2C1838317&dq=proton+car+europe&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> 100,000 Protons were sold in the UK by 1997.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/7437918.100000th-proton-car-arrives-in-britain/ | title=100,000th Proton Car Arrives in Britain | date=23 October 1997 }}</ref>

Additionally, a 1999 survey by the [[Which?|United Kingdom Consumers' Association]] ranked Proton as among the most reliable and recommended in Britain.<ref name="Proton UKCA award news.google.com"/> The response from 27,000 members of the association revealed that Proton was ranked third in terms of fewer breakdowns, faults and other mechanical problems, placing Proton behind [[Honda]] and [[Mazda]], and ahead of [[Toyota]] and [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]].<ref name="Proton UKCA award news.google.com"/> Furthermore, 80% of the surveyed Consumers' Association members said they would recommend Proton cars to friends and family, compared to 90% for [[Subaru]], 79% for Toyota, 78% for Honda and [[Mitsubishi Motors|Mitsubishi]], 63% for Hyundai and 47% for [[Rover (marque)|Rover]] respectively.<ref name="Proton UKCA award news.google.com"/> The 1999 award is Proton's second consecutive, having received similar appraisal in 1998.<ref name="Proton UKCA award news.google.com"/>

However, sales in the UK have since collapsed, with just 208 Protons sold in 2012.<ref name="Proton Export Sales UK 2012"/> Proton cars were once popular in Singapore, at one time the company's second-largest export destination despite its relatively small market size.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=_6FUAAAAIBAJ&pg=2516,3513989&dq=proton+saga+1990&hl=en |title=Proton a hit in Singapore |publisher=[[New Straits Times]] / [[Bernama]] |date=19 May 1992 |access-date=22 March 2013 |archive-date=30 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330235907/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=_6FUAAAAIBAJ&pg=2516%2C3513989&dq=proton+saga+1990&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> Sales were also modest in Germany and Belgium during the late 90s, prior to Proton's withdrawal from [[Continental Europe]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qJxOAAAAIBAJ&pg=6686,3202113&dq=proton+1995&hl=en |title=21,900 Proton cars exported last year |publisher=[[New Straits Times]] |date=14 August 1997 |access-date=22 March 2013 |archive-date=31 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331000655/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qJxOAAAAIBAJ&pg=6686%2C3202113&dq=proton+1995&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Kuwait]] was once a top [[Middle East]]ern export destination for Proton cars in the late 90s and early 2000s, with an average market share of 8% or 1,000 units sold each year, ten times greater than any other [[Gulf Cooperation Council]] state.<ref name="Proton Kuwait 2003 aaerda.net"/> The Kuwaiti dealer, Bahrah Trading Company had focused on the niche fleet market, selling Proton Wiras to fast food delivery services and taxi operators.<ref name="Proton Kuwait 2003 aaerda.net"/>

By the first half of the 2010s, the Chinese market had become the largest contributor to Proton's export revenues. Although Proton cars sold in China carried different names and badges under the local [[Jinhua Youngman Vehicle|Youngman EuropeStar]] brand, Proton nonetheless received royalties for the use of their platforms and [[Campro engine]]s.<ref>{{cite web|author=Mikhail Raj Abdullah |url=https://web10.bernama.com/auto/newsDetail.php?id=275810&vo=28 |title=Proton on Track To Chalk Up Billions in Revenue From China Deal |publisher=[[Bernama]] |access-date=3 September 2013 }}</ref> Proton's six-year contract with [[Youngman]] expired in 2012, but the [[Zhejiang]]-based company continued to unofficially produce Proton's cars and engines up until early 2015.<ref name="Youngman 2015"/> In February 2015, Proton announced that they would revive their joint venture with [[Fujian]]-based Goldstar, and would not renew their contract with Youngman.<ref name="Proton Goldstar JV paultan.org"/><ref name="Proton Goldstar JV 2 paultan.org"/>

[[File:Sales of Proton cars in the United Kingdom and Australia, 1989 - 2015.png|thumbnail|400px|right|Proton cars were first exported to the United Kingdom in 1989, and later Australia in 1995. British Proton sales peaked at 14,957 units in 1992, above rivals such as [[Hyundai Motor Company|Hyundai]] (9,337), [[Kia]] (3,519), [[Škoda Auto|Škoda]] (9,365), [[SEAT]] (8,198), [[Lada]] (11,907) and even [[Mitsubishi Motors|Mitsubishi]] (11,077).<ref name="Proton sales U.K. 1990-94 raycee1234.blogspot.my"/> Proton's best performance in Australia was in 1998, with 3,182 units sold. Since the late 90s, sales in the U.K have decreased significantly.]]

Proton cars were also exported to several countries in Latin America, most notably Chile. Exports to Chile commenced in 1994, and almost 3,000 Protons were sold prior to the company's departure in 1998.<ref name="Proton Prevé Chile send-off nst.com.my"/> However, Proton later expressed intentions of returning to Chile following the ratification of the Malaysia-Chile Free Trade Agreement in 2012.<ref name="Proton Prevé Chile send-off nst.com.my"/> In July 2015, Proton signed a distributor agreement with Andes Motor, and the first official shipment of 50 left-hand drive Prevé units commenced on 1 March 2016.<ref name="Proton Prevé Chile send-off nst.com.my"/> The Chilean launch of the [[Proton Prevé]] took place in May 2016, and formally marked Proton's return to Chile after an 18-year absence.<ref name="Proton Prevé Chile 2016 protonchile.cl"/><ref name="Proton Prevé Chile media drive tacometro.cl"/>

Proton announced that they closed Proton Motor Pars, established in August 2011, since it was dormant and no longer in the company's interest to revive it in any way.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://paultan.org/2017/09/21/proton-leaves-iran-dissolves-its-dormant-subsidiary/|title=Proton leaves Iran, dissolves its dormant subsidiary - paultan.org|date=21 September 2017|access-date=6 February 2018|archive-date=7 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207005109/https://paultan.org/2017/09/21/proton-leaves-iran-dissolves-its-dormant-subsidiary/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 12 July 2018, Proton resumes exports to the Middle East beginning with 440 units of Proton Gen•2 and 15 units of first-generation Proton Persona in Jordan to be distributed to Iraq as well as neighboring countries.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2018/07/12/proton-resumes-export-with-first-shipment-to-jordan/|title=Proton resumes export with first shipment to Jordan – Business News {{!}} The Star Online|website=www.thestar.com.my|date=12 July 2018 |access-date=2018-07-19|archive-date=13 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713232052/https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2018/07/12/proton-resumes-export-with-first-shipment-to-jordan/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://paultan.org/2018/07/12/proton-resumes-exports-to-middle-east-gen2-persona/|title=Proton resumes exports to Middle East; Gen2, Persona|date=2018-07-12|work=Paul Tan's Automotive News|access-date=2018-07-19|language=en-US|archive-date=12 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712153402/https://paultan.org/2018/07/12/proton-resumes-exports-to-middle-east-gen2-persona/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Proton had also entered Pakistan market in 2006 with a local automotive importing company named [[Royal Automobiles (Pvt) Ltd. Pakistan]], the line-up from Proton Pakistan were the Proton Saga, Wira, Waja, Gen 2 and the Proton Impian, but unfortunate sale volume due to tough competition from veteran competitor brands and used imported cars in the market had to force them for early departure in 2010.
On 21 March 2019, Proton had announced their plans that they will re-enter Pakistan after their departure in 2010 with a new plant be built in Pakistan in collaboration with Alhaj Automotive.
<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/proton-malaysia-to-build-assembly-plant-in-pakistan-11365428|title=Malaysia's Proton to build assembly plant in Pakistan|website=CNA|access-date=1 January 2020|archive-date=31 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331112013/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/proton-malaysia-to-build-assembly-plant-in-pakistan-11365428|url-status=live}}</ref> Proton has already booked CBU versions of Proton X70 in Pakistan. The orders for CKD versions of X70 are also being booked by Proton in Pakistan which are expected to be delivered in Q3 of 2021 after the completion of the local assembly plant there.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pakwheels.com/new-cars/proton/x70/|title=X70 Launched in Pakistan|website=pakwheels|access-date=9 January 2021|archive-date=11 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111152621/https://www.pakwheels.com/new-cars/proton/x70/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Proton Saga is also expected to re-launch after 2006 in Pakistan in January 2021.

On 21 August 2020, it was announced that the Proton Saga will be exported to Kenya, most built under CKDs shipped to Simba Corp.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nst.com.my/business/2020/08/618687/proton-exports-30-units-ckd-kits-saga-kenya|title=Proton exports 30 units of CKD kits of Saga to Kenya &#124; New Straits Times|first=Ayisy|last=Yusof|date=23 August 2020|website=NST Online|access-date=24 August 2020|archive-date=31 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331001153/https://www.nst.com.my/business/2020/08/618687/proton-exports-30-units-ckd-kits-saga-kenya|url-status=live}}</ref>

It was announced on 13 November 2020 that Proton vehicles will be sold in Nepal by Jagadamba Motors.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.aarthiknews.com/malaysia-proton-formally-enter-in-nepali-market|title=Malaysia Proton formally enter in Nepali Market|date=13 November 2020|website=Aarthik News|access-date=7 January 2021|archive-date=9 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109054206/https://english.aarthiknews.com/malaysia-proton-formally-enter-in-nepali-market|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newbusinessage.com/Articles/view/12775|title=Jagadamba Mortors to Bring Int'l Car Brand Proton to Nepal|website=www.newbusinessage.com|date=8 December 2020 |access-date=27 February 2021|archive-date=16 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116033207/https://www.newbusinessage.com/Articles/view/12775|url-status=live}}</ref> The company will formally launch retail operations by January 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://techlekh.com/proton-saga-price-nepal/|title=Proton Saga: Proton's First Sedan Officially Launched in Nepal|date=14 January 2021|access-date=7 January 2021|archive-date=9 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109031626/https://techlekh.com/proton-saga-price-nepal/|url-status=live}}</ref> Proton previously had a presence in Nepal.

On 28 April 2022, an agreement was signed for Proton to re-enter the South African auto market.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://paultan.org/2022/04/28/proton-signs-agreement-to-re-enter-south-africa-aims-to-grow-export-sales-by-more-than-300-by-end-2022/|title=Proton signs agreement to re-enter South Africa, aims to grow export sales by more than 300% by end-2022 - paultan.org|date=28 April 2022}}</ref> On 31 May 2022, Proton announced shipments of Proton X50s, X70s and Sagas in an effort to resume a presence in South Africa with CMH Group as the official distributor.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://paultan.org/2022/05/31/proton-resumes-exports-to-south-africa-first-batch-shipment-of-x50-x70-and-saga-is-the-first-since-2012/|title=Proton resumes exports to South Africa - first batch of X50, X70 and Saga is the first shipment since 2012 - paultan.org|date=31 May 2022}}</ref> In 2015, Proton left South Africa due to bad market conditions.<ref name="BZPROTON"/>

Proton announced in May 2023 that they have entered Mozambique in partnership with local automobile distributor Entreposto.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://mznews.co.mz/en/entreposto-lanca-proton-a-nova-marca-automovel-em-mocambique/ | title=Entreposto lança ?Proton?, a nova marca automóvel em Moçambique | date=26 May 2023 }}</ref> In March 2024, Proton has a partnership with ANSA Motors to market/distribute Proton vehicles in Trinidad & Tobago with the X50 and X90 being marketed.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://en.engear.tv/news/2024/08/23/proton-shipped-261-units-of-x-series-models-to-trinidad-tobago-in-2024/514375/ | title=Proton shipped 261 units of X Series models to Trinidad & Tobago in 2024, exceeding target volume | date=23 August 2024 }}</ref>

On 13 November 2024, Proton announced the opening of a CKD plant in Egypt owned by Ezz Elarab Elsewedy Automotive Factories (ESAF), the third one overseas after Kenya and Pakistan.<ref>https://paultan.org/2024/11/13/proton-opens-egypt-ckd-plant-with-pm-anwar-ibrahim-12k-units-of-saga-by-end-2026-exports-to-africa/</ref>

===Future===
[[File:2014 Proton Iriz 1.6L Premium in Shah Alam, Malaysia (02).jpg|thumbnail|right|The [[Proton Iriz]] may receive a new 1.3-litre turbo, 6MT option in the near future.<ref name="Proton Iriz 1.3 Turbo 6MT prototype paultan.org"/> A fully electric Iriz EV was also studied.<ref name="Proton Iriz EV prototype paultan.org"/>]]

The United Kingdom has been a key export market for Proton since the late 1980s. However, by the late 2000s, British Proton sales had declined considerably as a result of ageing models and depleting stock.<ref name="Proton UK 2013">{{cite web |first=James |last=Batchelor |url=https://cardealermagazine.co.uk/publish/proton-whats-gone-wrong |title=Proton: What's gone wrong? |work=cardealermagazine.co.uk |date=24 October 2013 |access-date=6 November 2013 |archive-date=5 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105182459/https://cardealermagazine.co.uk/publish/proton-whats-gone-wrong |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2013, Proton Cars UK had attempted to relaunch the brand with four all-new models.<ref name="Proton UK 2013"/> However, the relaunch was instead postponed indefinitely in view of more stringent European Union emissions and safety regulations. It was announced on 7 August 2024 that Proton wil return to the UK "later this decade".<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/proton-return-uk-geely-backed-expansion | title=Proton to return to UK in Geely-backed expansion &#124; Autocar }}</ref> This plan was also mentioned again, alongside a planned return to Australia and New Zealand.<ref>https://paultan.org/2024/08/08/proton-set-to-return-to-uk-later-this-decade-as-part-of-ahtv-investment-australia-new-zealand-also-planned/</ref> Proton was formerly seen in New Zealand in the 1980s.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/350394954/malaysian-carmaker-plotting-return-new-zealand | title=Stuff }}</ref>

Proton is currently developing a range of all-new petrol engines in collaboration with [[Ricardo plc|Ricardo]] and [[Lotus Engineering]].<ref name="Proton GDI/TGDI engine announcement carlist.my"/> The engines will feature more advanced technology such as [[Gasoline direct injection|direct injection]], [[cylinder deactivation]] and [[Start-stop system|stop-start idling]], and will meet the highest [[European emission standards|Euro 6c]] emissions regulations.<ref name="Proton GDI/TGDI engine announcement carlist.my"/> On 18 January 2016, Proton fired up a prototype in a live broadcast from Ricardo's facility in [[Shoreham-by-Sea|Shoreham]], England.<ref name="Proton GDI/TGDI engine announcement carlist.my"/> Mass production of the all-new Proton engines will commence in late 2017.<ref name="Proton GDI/TGDI engine announcement carlist.my"/>

Additionally, Proton has announced their partnership with [[LG Electronics]] in the development of autonomous safety technology.<ref name="Proton Iriz ADAS prototype paultan.org"/> In September 2014, Proton previewed an [[Proton Iriz|Iriz]] prototype with LG's Advanced Drive Assistance System ([[Advanced driver-assistance systems|ADAS]]).<ref name="Proton Iriz ADAS prototype paultan.org"/> With the LG ADAS implementation, new autonomous safety features like Autonomous Emergency Braking ([[Collision avoidance system|AEB]]), Forward Collision Warning ([[Collision avoidance system|FCW]]), Adaptive Cruise Control ([[Autonomous cruise control system|ACC]]), Cross Traffic Assist ([[Intersection assistant|CTA]]), Lane Departure Warning ([[Lane departure warning system|LDW]]), Traffic Sign Recognition ([[Traffic sign recognition|TSR]]) and High Beam Assist (HBA) can be incorporated into Proton's future offerings.<ref name="Proton Iriz ADAS prototype paultan.org"/> The inclusion of autonomous safety features has become a necessary prerequisite for a full 5-Star [[Euro NCAP]] and [[Australasian New Car Assessment Program|ANCAP]] rating.

On 3 December 2014, Proton announced plans to construct a new car factory in Bangladesh.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/foreign-affairs/2014/dec/03/malaysia%E2%80%99s-proton-eyes-car-plant-bangladesh|title=Malaysia's Proton eyes car plant in Bangladesh – Dhaka Tribune|access-date=11 August 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707083254/https://www.dhakatribune.com/foreign-affairs/2014/dec/03/malaysia%E2%80%99s-proton-eyes-car-plant-bangladesh|archive-date=7 July 2015|df=dmy-all}}</ref> A deal was made public on 6 February 2015 between Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta to help the latter develop the way for their own national car.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2015/02/09/why-proton-asks-indonesians-stunned-by-national-car-deal/|title=Why Proton? asks Indonesians "stunned" by national car deal|work=Free Malaysia Today|access-date=11 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717124223/https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2015/02/09/why-proton-asks-indonesians-stunned-by-national-car-deal/|archive-date=17 July 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/02/06/proton-mou-indonesian-car/|title=Proton signs MoU to develop Indonesian national car – Nation – The Star Online|date=6 February 2015 |access-date=11 August 2015|archive-date=8 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150808235912/https://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/02/06/proton-mou-indonesian-car/|url-status=live}}</ref> There are allegations that President Jokowi Widodo is appointing Abdullah Mahmud Hendropriyono as the representative of PT Adiperkasa Citra Lestari, who was known to be associated with ex-President Megawati Soekarnoputri.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/indonesians-up-in-arms-over-jokowi-crony-firm-proton-deal|title=Indonesians up in arms over Jokowi crony firm, Proton deal|access-date=11 August 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724142919/https://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/indonesians-up-in-arms-over-jokowi-crony-firm-proton-deal|archive-date=24 July 2015|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

According to Steven Xu of Proton's International Sales, the company is still in the process of establishing more distributors to increase its presence in Indonesia as of 10 April 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.carlist.my/news/proton-x70-indonesia-debut-postponed-65527/65527/|title=Proton X70 Indonesia Debut Postponed – Auto News – Carlist.my|website=Carlist.my – Malaysia's No.1 Car Site|access-date=22 October 2019|archive-date=22 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022021419/https://www.carlist.my/news/proton-x70-indonesia-debut-postponed-65527/65527/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 24 April 2019, Proton announced that they'll relaunch again in Australia since sales have declined in 2015<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/proton-gears-up-for-australian-relaunch-74301|title=Proton gears up for Australian relaunch|website=CarsGuide|access-date=27 August 2019|archive-date=27 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827122955/https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/proton-gears-up-for-australian-relaunch-74301|url-status=live}}</ref> after the company established its presence in 1995.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.anyauto.com.au/is-proton-coming-back-to-australia-radio-segment/|title=Is Proton coming back to Australia – Radio Segment|date=8 May 2019|website=AnyAuto|access-date=2 September 2019|archive-date=2 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190902042513/https://www.anyauto.com.au/is-proton-coming-back-to-australia-radio-segment/|url-status=live}}</ref>

According to Li Churong, the company will expand its presence in the ASEAN countries, such as Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://paultan.org/2020/01/30/geely-asks-proton-to-expand-into-southeast-asia-initial-focus-on-thailand-indonesia-and-singapore/|title=Geely asks Proton to expand into Southeast Asia - initial focus on Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore - paultan.org|date=30 January 2020|access-date=4 February 2020|archive-date=4 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204015033/https://paultan.org/2020/01/30/geely-asks-proton-to-expand-into-southeast-asia-initial-focus-on-thailand-indonesia-and-singapore/|url-status=live}}</ref> The company announced on 16 June 2021 that its Indonesian and Thai operations will resume in the near future with plans to be the third biggest automobile manufacturer in the ASEAN region.<ref name="Resuming">{{Cite web|url=https://paultan.org/2021/06/16/proton-thailand-indonesia-return-in-very-near-future/|title=Proton Thailand, Indonesia return in "very near future" - paultan.org|date=16 June 2021}}</ref> It was reported that Proton's Thai operations could resume by 2022.<ref name="Resuming"/> But in February 2023, it's reported that Indonesian and Thai operations have yet to resume, including Fiji.<ref name="Report"/>

The presence of a Proton X50 being driven in India for road tests indicate the possible presence of a future Proton branch in India.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.rushlane.com/proton-x50-suv-spied-in-pune-geely-plotting-india-entry-12424061.html | title=Proton X50 SUV Spied in Pune – Geely plotting India Entry? | date=24 January 2022 }}</ref>

On 29 November 2024, Geely announced that they will enter the Australian and Thai auto markets, potentially putting any dampers for Proton to market their vehicles in those two countries.<ref>https://paultan.org/2024/11/29/geely-enters-thailand-indonesia-australia-what-happened-to-using-proton-for-rhd-asean-markets/</ref> On 17 December 2024, Proton announced that Vincar Group will be the Singaporean distributor/retailer for Proton vehicles in Singapore with the Proton e.MAS 7 being the first vehicle to be retailed in 2025.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.carz.com.my/2024/12/proton-emas-7-set-to-enter-singapore-under-vincar-group | title=Proton e.MAS 7 Set to Enter Singapore Under Vincar Group | date=18 December 2024 }}</ref>

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