The Edge described the new Proton Saga (BLM) as the car that will disrupt automotive industry in Malaysia. A car that likely to change the equilibrium in the local entry-level car segment, which is currently dominated by second national car manufacturer Perodua, the ever famous Perodua MyVi. The model’s disruptive force comes from its price factor and product offering. This was the news a week before it’s launching and that time, only received around 6000 units pre booking.

Barely a week after official launching, Proton received a whopping 23,000 units booking of Proton Saga. This figure easily beat previous “fastest selling model” by Proton, the Persona. The Persona received 14,000 bookings after about a month of its launching (news date on Aug 15). Until today, I haven’t see any BLM on the road, even here at Proton City. But I’m pretty sure it will fill our road soon. Proton promise to deliver the booking as fast as possible by working double shift targeting to produce 5,500 units BLM a month. DSZ asked the customer to be patient and promised that they will deliver a quality car (thus they need time). Well, lets hope Proton keeps their promise. If not, I afraid it will disrupt people perception of Proton, which is on the rise right now.

The government so confidence with the new management, sales rate and new models, they canceled the talks with Volkswagon AG. Proton is currently readying its upcoming model, the facelifted Gen 2 and Waja with the new power plant under the hood, the CPS. If Proton retain and continue to improve its quality and offering, and all models continue to sell well, including their upcoming MPV, I’ve no doubt that Proton will recover.

August last year Proton’s share of the market is about 23 per cent, what’s current market share of Proton. Can it regain its market share before 2002, a massive 60% of total market share?

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