KUALA LUMPUR: Proton Holdings Bhd is targetting for a sales recovery in the last four months of this year following a resumption in production, sales and export activities that would increase its sales volume starting from this month.

       The national carmaker said sales recovery is on track as the group’s staff, vendors and dealers were fully vaccinated.

       Proton said over 93% of its staff members and 75% of employees at its vendors and dealers have been fully vaccinated.

       As such, the group is close to being allowed to operate at 100% capacity based on the current standard operating procedures for reopening of plants and business premises.

       “By having a fully vaccinated workforce, we can reassure the market that Proton has taken every conceivable step to make it safe for fully vaccinated customers to visit our showrooms and service centres,” said Proton Edar chief executive officer Roslan Abdullah in a statement.

       Between June and August this year, Proton sold a total of 5,354 units, comprising a mix of online registrations and exports.

       Proton car assembly

       “Limited production was undertaken at the group’s plant in Tanjung Malim after Perak was declared a phase two state on July 5, but this was for a limited time due to a shortage of parts from vendors located in Selangor,” it added.

       Proton has achieved sales of 62,637 units in the first eight months of this year, which is an increase of 1.6% compared to the corresponding period a year ago.

       Roslan said this year has been challenging for the automotive industry as lockdowns, chip shortages and a number of other issues have stunted Proton’s sales growth.

       However, he is confident of an industry-wide surge in numbers over the next four months.

       StarCarSifu

       “With production at both its plants now restored, Proton is also able to resume its export activities.

       “For example, Pakistan will receive three shipments of the Proton X70 amounting to about 108 units in September along with completely-knocked down (CKD) packs of the Proton Saga ahead of its rollout, now estimated to take place at the end of October,” Roslan said.