1.8 million units of Saga sold in last 35 years - Proton

Around 1.8 million units of Proton Saga cars have been sold in the last 35 years in the country making it the most popular model of the Malaysian automotive brand.

In a statement today, Proton Holdings Bhd said with more gradual improvements in the pipeline, a commitment to excellence and the company’s dedication to keeping the Saga ahead of its rivals, the popular marque will carry on for at least another 35 years.

“Today, the Saga retains its position as the mainstay of Proton’s range of offerings. Since the launch of the upgraded 2019 model, booking volumes have nearly matched those of the original, which were sold during a time when consumers had fewer options to choose from.

“In fact, for the month of May this year, it was the best-selling car in Malaysia while in June it reached its highest monthly sales volume in 70 months. Reliable, affordable and blessed with a ride and handling balance that showcases the skill of the company’s engineers, it received a major upgrade last August that was well received by customers,” said Proton.

The first Proton Saga was based on a Mitsubishi model after the Japanese car manufacturer agreed to a joint venture with HICOM to produce Malaysia’s first car, and quickly established itself as a favourite amongst Malaysian car buyers.

July 9, 1985 was just another day for many people, but for Malaysia it marked the date of entry to a select group of nations with the capability to build their own cars, and that was the day the Proton Saga started rolling off production lines, a little over two years after the establishment of Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional (PROTON).

“The history of Proton the brand and the Proton Saga are inseparable. Starting from a clean sheet of paper Proton was the brainchild of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who had conceived the idea of a national carmaker in 1979 to help push forward the industrialisation of the nation,” said Proton.