A woman vacationing in Phuket, Thailand faced a torrid time when her Proton X50 that she drove all the way from Malaysia suddenly experienced a system malfunction.
In a post on the Facebook group ‘X50 Owners Club Malaysia,’ Amira Murad claimed that her car key unexpectedly stopped working and could not be detected, preventing the engine from starting.
For your information, the X50 is equipped with a Remote Engine Start feature that allows the engine to be started remotely using the key fob.
Amira further explained that her X50’s engine could only be started via the Atlas app. However, the engine would immediately shut down every time she opened the door.
In her post, Amira mentioned that she managed to get assistance from Proton service technicians, but they were unable to identify the issue affecting her X50.
This is what she wrote in the post (directly translated):
“The remote battery has been changed. All methods have been tried, but still, no success.
“Proton We Care advised towing it back to Malaysia, as they only cover services within the country. We had to bear the costs for everything, even though the car had a problem due to their product. It’s only been six months since I bought the car.
“The most frustrating part is the ACC system that caused all four tyres to lock. We couldn’t just use ordinary towing. I had to sit in the car on the tow with the windows up. I was stuck in the car for seven hours without being able to open the windows.
“I requested towing service under Proton while waiting at the duty-free area in Bukit Kayu Hitam. They refused, claiming it wasn’t covered. So now we have to figure out how to tow the car to the Malaysian border, as towing services in Thailand only cover up to Thai immigration,” she wrote.
Additionally, in one of the videos she posted, Amira showed that her car door could not be opened, even though the app indicated that it was unlocked.
Some commenters suggested that Amira should have used the physical key hidden inside the key fob to manually unlock the door.
To the experts out there, what do you think happened to this poor woman’s X50? Share your thoughts.
Proton recently joined hands with the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MECD), alongside with two government agencies to bring suppliers of government-linked companies (GLC) and Proton to attend the “Market Access, Technology Transfer & Vendor Enhancement Program” in China.
This initiative was aimed towards fostering innovation, enhance commercialisation activities and support Malaysia’s transition towards sustainable mobility.
Organised by MECD and led by the Malaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) and Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Bhd (MIDF), the program was conducted in early July to accelerate the development of next-generation vehicles and battery electric vehicles through strategic partnerships and technological exchanges.
Representatives from MBSB Bank, Tenaga Nasional Bhd, PLUS Expressways Bhd, UEM Edgenta Bhd, Telekom Malaysia as well as 22 Malaysian vendors were brought to visit electric vehicle (EV) components plants, such as charger plants and stations, batteries and charger producers in seven places in China, including Shanghai, Nanjing and Hangzhou.
These stops included Geely’s subsidiaries Zeekr and EV battery and charger producer VREMT at Hangzhou Bay. As a global leader in EVs, China’s comprehensive ecosystem for EV development makes this program highly significant, offering insights into manufacturing, facilities and services within the EV industry.
To facilitate interactions between Proton suppliers and Geely EV suppliers, business matchmaking sessions were held at the Geely Research Centre (GRI) at Hangzhou Bay during the programme. 95% of the participants were satisfied with the session that helps to identify potential partnerships and collaborations for EV component supply chains.
Among all participants, 87% of local suppliers expressed the intention to collaborate with China suppliers with the top five partnership by category as distributorship, collaboration in technology transfer, joint venture partner, collaboration in skill development and investment for joint business.
The government is committed to advancing the electric vehicle (EV) and green technology. Increased collaboration and partnerships aim to build essential infrastructure and support a sustainable EV ecosystem through technology transfer. By developing the local supply chain, Malaysia hopes to cut import reliance, create jobs and stimulate economic growth, according to MECD.
In a separate trip to China a month prior, Proton previewed upcoming models and design concepts to gain more insights on the development work done by the design team in meeting local and global market needs.
“This experience has provided vendors and dealers valuable insights into the global automotive market dynamics and reinforces Proton’s leadership in delivering cutting-edge vehicles tailored to diverse consumer preferences. Some of the safety technologies and luxurious interior in the model were way beyond its market segment. With strong demand for technological advanced vehicles at competitive prices, all the models are poised to make a significant impact to the market,” said Thomas Lim, President, Proton Vendors Association.
“Proton’s recent trips have demonstrated a strong commitment to product innovation and a strategic approach for introducing new models both locally and globally. This underscores the need for increased collaboration and technology exchanges to ensure the long-term resilience of the automotive sector in Malaysia and to accelerate progress towards these ambitious goals,” said Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer, Proton.
The X70 may not be a bread-and-butter model like the Saga, but it will forever be remembered as the vehicle that arguably played the most significant role in Proton’s transformation.
As you may already know, the X70 is the first vehicle conceived under the Proton-Geely partnership that started back in 2017.
Not only that, the X70 is also responsible for leading Proton into the a new battleground that is the SUV segment. Therefore, it can be said that the car holds a special place in the history of the national car manufacturer.
The X70 has been on the Malaysian market for almost six years now, during which the C-segment SUV underwent one update in 2022, where it gained the three-cylinder engine from the X50 and a handful new features to stay relevant.
Now, nearly two years after said update, the X70 has once again been given a makeover but this time around, the changes are more comprehensive as it involves both exterior and interior.
The facelifted version of the X70 showcases a new face carried over from the Geely Boyue facelift released two years ago. One might argue that it is already outdated but in the eyes of this writer, the front fascia still looks fresh.
With sharper and sleeker LED headlights and a wider grille adorned with Mercedes-Benz-style diamond-shaped chrome pins, the X70 now looks far more alluring than before.
You will have no trouble identifying the facelifted model on the road. However, it may be a bit challenging to pick it out from the rear, as aside from slight modifications to the rear bumper, the rear of the new X70 is virtually unchanged.
The interior has also received a fresher look. The first thing you’ll notice is the Stone Grey Nappa leather upholstery wrapping the seats, door panels, and armrest.
Although it’s not as luxurious as the brown leather upholstery offered previously, the lighter shade does offer a more spacious feeling.
Additionally, the X70 gains an ambient lighting system with 72 colour options and a rhythmic function that changes the colours according to the beat of the music played. Although quite unfortunately, the X70 no longer comes with the nine-speaker Kenwood audio system.
The most significant change, in my opinion, is the introduction of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making the X70 Proton’s first vehicle to offer this system.
However, the feature will not be available from launch. Proton stated that when it does become available, it will be integrated into the 12.3-inch touchscreen via over-the-air (OTA) update.
In addition to new looks and features, many other improvements have been incorporated into the new X70. According to the automaker, the SUV features 360 new components, with R&D taking a total of 290,000 man hours.
This is probably why Proton held a media test drive session in Kota Kinabalu. The diverse terrain and road conditions, which are reportedly not as good as those in Peninsular Malaysia, make KK the ideal location to test the overall performance of the X70.
First things first, comfort. I can confidently say that the X70 is a comfortable SUV. The suspension feels slightly firmer than that of the original CBU version but it soaks up bumpy roads and uneven surfaces en route to Kundasang really well.
The handling also feels more responsive compared to before, but it is somewhat disappointing that the steering remains relatively light. Strangely, switching the EPS mode from Comfort to Sport does not yield a noticeable change in feel.
Nonetheless, I was quite satisfied with the car’s NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness). Not only is the rumble of the three-cylinder engine less pronounced at low speeds, but the noise from the many trucks and lorries on the roads around KK and Kundasang is also well suppressed.
Those expecting increased performance from the new X70 may be disappointed, as the 1.5-litre three-cylinder TGDI engine still produces the same output of 177 PS at 5,500 rpm and 255 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm.
However, this does not mean the engine has been left untouched. According to Proton, several aspects such as combustion efficiency, thermal management, and friction reduction have been improved.
As a result, the engine is now capable of achieving a fuel consumption figure that is 4% lower than before, at 7.3 litres per 100 km. No matter how you slice it, a 4% reduction is minimal but for this writer, it’s certainly better than nothing.
In terms of power, the X70 successfully demonstrates that it has no trouble accelerating and overtaking other vehicles even when climbing steep hills with four adult passengers onboard.
There are still no paddle shifters available, so to shift gears manually, you need to use the gear lever. But this will take some getting used to as you will need to push the level to the left or right rather than up or down like most other cars.
In my opinion, the X70 is far from perfect but thanks to the more attractive exterior design and various new features introduced in the latest update, it has grown to be a much a better offering than before.
Proton took another step towards expanding its footprint in international markets by announcing the start of CKD operations in Egypt.
The announcement was made during an event at Proton’s Centre Of Excellence headquarters, which was highlighted by a flag off ceremony to send 120 units of left hand drive (LHD) Proton Saga CKD packs to the country.
Proton’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Abdullah said the addition of CKD operations in Egypt brings the number of plants involved in CKD and SKD activities for Proton outside of Malaysia to five.
“As the Malaysian automotive market reaches a natural saturation point, future volume growth potential will come from overseas markets where consumer demand is expected to be on an upward trend in the future,” he added.
The Proton brand has been present in the Egyptian automotive market with its partner, Ezz Elarab since 2004. Overall, nearly 17,000 CBU units have been exported to the country in that time and in 2024, it is forecast that
over 1,400 units will be shipped there.
With the local assembly targeted to start in December this year at an assembly plant owned by Ezz Elarab Elsewedy Automotive Factories (ESAF), the targeted volume for 2025 is expected to grow to 5,000 units of the Proton Saga.
“Locally assembling the Proton Saga in Egypt, allows the company to meet the aim of the Egyptian government
to limit the number of CBU imports into the country while also encouraging local assembly activities.
“This in turn creates the potential for greater future capacity expansion in the country, especially after we launch new models, with the aim to make Egypt the hub for Proton vehicle exports in the North African region,” said Steven Xu, Director of International Sales, Proton.
For the first three years up to the end of 2026, revenue earned by Proton from the export of CKD packs to Egypt is forecast to be RM570 million with a further RM20 million projected as revenue from parts export activities.
At the same time, the local Egyptian economy is expected to earn up to RM180 million in duties and taxes on the assembly of Proton vehicles in the country.
Proton has announced that its sales has exceeded the 100,000-mark for the sixth year in a row with 101,489 units sold year-to-date (YTD), after achieving sales of 12,690 units (domestic and export) in August.
This has solidified the company’s second position in the overall national automotive sales ranking table with a forecast market share of 19%.
Total industry volume (TIV) for the Malaysian automotive market is estimated to have grown by 1.3% month-on-month to approximately 72,678 units in August while the YTD figure is estimated to be at 534,766 units, an increase of 6.2% over 2023.
The recently launched 2024 Proton X50 continues to find favour with buyers as 2,440 units were delivered in August, the third time volume has breached the 2,000 threshold in 2024. YTD sales now stand at 15,229 units, making the X50 the most popular SUV in Proton’s range.
Saga came in at 6,211 units in August leading to YTD sales of 48,904 units, an uptick of 6.7% over 2023. Sales for the S70 were 1,205 units for a total of 13,755 units, while the Persona saw 1,452 units change hands, bringing its YTD total to 13,116 units
The X90 retained leadership for its segment with 241 being delivered in August and a YTD figure of 2,507 units, while the Iriz, sold 403 units to bring its total sales to date to 3,719 units.
“In light of the resilient domestic economy, with GDP growth projected at 4% to 5%, Proton agrees with the
Malaysian Automotive Association’s (MAA) decision to increase the full-year TIV projection to 765,000 units
and we remain optimistic about the potential for further growth in the local automotive industry,” said Roslan Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer, Proton Edar.
As for its export performance, Proton says last month Brunei saw its highest ever monthly sales performance with 120 units sold to customers there.
Since February this year, the best-selling export model is the Saga, which again led the pack with 140 units exported in August. Other models also saw an uptick in August export shipments, bringing the cumulative export sales from Proton to its distributors to 2,110 units since January this year.
In conjunction with the Merdeka month, we would like to share an article about Proton, one of the national car manufacturers. Specifically, this sharing is about Proton racing cars from the past.
Previously, Proton had several racing machines such as Saga and Iriz under the R3 team that competed in S1K (Sepang 1000km). Most recently, Proton will be deploying the S70 R3 for the upcoming race.
There is also the Proton Iriz R5 competing in rallies abroad, but this is the result of the work of Mellors Elliot Motorsport based in the UK. Nevertheless, for a touch of nostalgia and history, let’s take a look at Proton’s past racing machines.
1. Proton Waja BTCC
The Waja BTCC was a Petronas project developed to compete in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) starting in 2002. It is understood that engineers from Petronas were involved in the development of this Waja.
It was powered by a Renault 1.8-liter engine found in the Waja Premium 1.8L, but tuned to 1,996cc by Mountune and paired with a 6-speed gearbox from Xtrac. The suspension was a combination of Eibach springs and Penske dampers before being switched to Ohlins in 2004.
The Waja BTCC was once driven by local talent Fariqe Hairuman.
2. Proton Persona BTCC
Another Proton machine that competed in the prestigious touring car championship in the UK is the Persona, this time by the Welch Motorsport team. They used the Persona for five years in the BTCC.
This racing class used the same standards: a 2.0-liter turbo engine, suspension, electronics, and gearbox for all teams. It is understood that the Persona BTCC engine was capable of generating 408hp!
3. Satria Neo S2000
Perhaps the most popular Proton racing car on this list, not only because it was used in rallies abroad but also because it was featured on Top Gear.
Despite the “S2000” in its name, it did not use a Honda S2000 engine as many netizens assumed. Instead, S2000 refers to the FIA Super 2000 class of rallying it competed in. The engine came from the Waja 1.8 with internal racing components, and its displacement was increased to 1,998cc, essentially making it a 2.0-liter engine. It produced around 278hp at 7,600rpm.
The Satria Neo S2000 also received a wide aggressive body kit, a four-wheel-drive system, a ChroMo Steel Tube roll cage, a 6-speed Xtrac gearbox with LSD, and brakes from Alcon.
4. Proton Gen2 and Satria Neo MSS
The next machines we compile are the Satria Neo and Gen2 used for the Malaysian Super Series (MSS) in 2011. Both cars were from the official Proton R3 team and used a 1.6-liter engine for the 1.6 Touring Car category.
The Satria Neo R3 was driven by Faidzil Alang, and the Gen2 R3 was driven by Syafiq Ali, and they achieved outstanding results throughout the racing season.
5. Proton PERT Saga Iswara 4WD Turbo
Next on the list is a rather cool machine for us, the Proton PERT Saga Iswara 4WD Turbo. Yes, it was equipped with a turbo engine and a 4WD system, quite radical compared to the standard version.
This machine was used for Group S rallies from 1991 to 1994. It had a 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve engine with a MoTEC Engine Management System, producing 337hp. It had a sequential 6-speed gearbox with center coupling and LSD on the front and rear.
The specifications were quite impressive!
6. Proton Wira PERT AWD Turbo
Another PERT machine for rallying use, the Proton Wira was also equipped with a turbo engine, AWD system, and cool white rims.
7. Bonus: Proton Satria GTI (video game)
Finally, in our list, we have a bonus: a racing machine in a video game! The Proton Satria GTI race version in the TOCA Race Driver game, released in 2005 for the PlayStation 2, Windows, and Xbox platforms. The writer still remembers driving this Satria GTI on the Monza track in Italy in this game. Bringing back memories!
Credit: Tekan Minyak, Careta, Autobuzz, The Checkered Flag UK, Paultan, Proton Motorsports, Wapcar, Weekend Octane
After being introduced to the public on August 15, the Proton X70 2025 has been launched in Sabah and Sarawak as well. This also marks the first time Proton has held separate launches for its SUV model specifically for customers in this part of Malaysia.
The X70 2025 comes with a fresher exterior style, upgraded interior equipment, and the latest ADAS level 2 safety technology.
“We are very excited to introduce the Proton X70 2025 to Sabah and Sarawak, two states that are increasingly important for Proton,” said Dr. Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer of Proton.
“This event is more than just introducing a new vehicle; it is about strengthening our commitment to Sabah and Sarawak. The unique needs of buyers here and their strong relationship with the brand always drive us to deliver the best products and services. With updated features and enhanced style, we hope the X70 2025 will propel Proton to the top position in the premium SUV market in Sabah and Sarawak,” he added.
According to Proton, this X70 facelift has 360 new components, and the R&D process took 290,000 hours. Road testing covered a distance of 4.2 million km.
The Proton X70 2025 received a fresher look taken from the 2022 Geely Boyue facelift. In addition to new LED lights, it features a larger grille with diamond-like details, as well as a redesigned hood, bumper, and tailgate.
For the rear, there is a new bumper with horizontal reflectors. The alloy rims also have a new design, with a size of 18 inches for the Executive and 19 inches for other variants.
Five colors are available for this new X70: Snow White, Armous Silver, Jet Grey, Ruby Red, and the new Marine Blue.
The dashboard has been redesigned, now featuring piano black trim and ambient lighting with 72 color options that change according to music. At the center of the dashboard is the new 12.3-inch infotainment screen.
For the first time for Proton, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included. In addition, the X70 2025 has a new steering wheel, a new display on the LCD meter panel, and Nappa leather upholstery in Stone Grey.
In terms of features, the X70 now comes with Walk Away Auto Lock, while its power tailgate now has a Nearby Auto Open function for hands-free operation.
The ADAS is available on the Premium and Premium X variants. It includes several new features such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Lane Centering Control, Traffic Sign Information, and Rear Collision Warning.
All variants are powered by a 1.5-liter TGDI three-cylinder engine producing 175hp at 5,500rpm and 255Nm from 1,500-4,000 rpm. It is paired with a seven-speed DCT transmission.
Here are the prices for the Proton X70 2025 in Sabah and Sarawak:
PROTON says it has expanded its geographical reach in the Caribbean by partnering with ANSA Motors Limited in Trinidad and Tobago since March this year.
Year-to-date, the national carmaker has shipped 261 units to the country in 2024, achieving 101% of its target volume and bringing the total number of Proton vehicles shipped there to 366 units since CY2023.
To recap, Proton launched the X90 and X50 in the dual-island Caribbean nation on 13 March this year. As local demand grew, ANSA Motors decided to up its ante with an increased target to sell 300 units in 2024.
ANSA Motors has a century’s worth of experience in the automotive industry, and was picked by Proton on the back of an impressive record and strong automotive background.
Despite its population of merely 1.5 million, Trinidad and Tobago’s automotive industry mirrors that of more developed countries, with car buyers increasingly gravitating towards the new “bells and whistles” such as hybrids and electric vehicles (EVs).
As there is more wealth creation in that part of the world, luxury vehicles are growing more desirable and the emergence of new and exciting brands such as Proton is finding unprecedented acceptance.
The ANSA McAL Group of Companies is one of Trinidad and Tobago’s largest conglomerates, with over 25 subsidiaries across the Caribbean.
Founded in 1919, its subsidiary ANSA Motors has been a pioneering force in the automotive industry, introducing leading global automotive brands to the country.
Notably, the century-old dealer was the first Ford dealer in the Caribbean and has played a pivotal role in transforming the automobile industry over decades, making it a subject of study in local schools today.
“The technology and pricing of Proton vehicles are a strength we hope to exploit so we are very enthusiastic about the future. We needed a value for money brand for segments we had no presence in, and the Proton brand certainly filled those spots,” said Jerome Borde, Head of Regional Business, ANSA Motors.
Since launch, Proton has exported 6,501 X series vehicles to 18 other countries, including Trinidad and Tobago, Brunei, Egypt, Nepal, and Ghana, paving the way for future expansion into more export markets.
In a recent statement, Proton has confirmed that it is working closely with Geely to explore model enhancement activities for the existing Saga.
According to the national car manufacturer, the collaborative efforts with Geely, which have been conducted for several years, have been accelerated after the establishment of the Proton R&D Centre (China) in April this year.
Detailed information and a timeline for the launch of the new Saga were not disclosed; however, Proton stated that the upgrading of the Proton’s homegrown models involves leveraging joint resources with Geely and is led by Proton R&D engineers in Malaysia.
“The ability to conceptualise, design, develop and manufacture new vehicles from the ground up is unique for Proton as a national brand. These abilities have now been strengthened by enhancing the synergies of Proton’s existing in-house competencies with the resources and know-how of Geely,” the company said.
In the same statement, Proton informed that the Saga, which is now in its 39th year of production, recorded remarkable sales of 7,855 units last month. This marks the best single-month achievement for the model since October 2013.
Cumulatively, year-to-date (YTD) sales for the model have grown 8.8% year-on-year to 42,693 units, setting the stage for a stellar sales year ahead.
Since the first Proton Saga began rolling off the production lines on 9 July 1985, its sales have surpassed the 2 million mark this year, solidifying its status as the most popular model from a Malaysian automotive brand.
In celebration of Malaysia’s National Day and as a gesture of giving back to the rakyat, Proton has launched the “Saga-Merdeka Easy to Own” campaign, offering various incentives and exclusive deals throughout the month of August.
During the month-long period, the company is offering RM500 cash rebate on the purchase of any Proton Saga model. On top of that, Maybank customers are eligible for an additional RM200 rebate when the promotional message from Maybank is presented by the customer in any participating Proton dealers.
Each purchase of the X70 2025 comes with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, a 5-year data package with a capacity of 1GB/month, six free services, financing benefits as low as 2.4 per cent, and the Proton Insurance program.
Additionally, there are Early Birds packages with a cash rebate of RM7,000, trade-in overtrade support worth RM2,800, and an upgraded Proton Insurance program.
All of these are valid for the first 3,000 customers who register their vehicles. According to Proton, this X70 facelift features 360 new components, with the R&D process taking 290,000 hours. Road tests have covered a distance of 4.2 million km.
The Proton X70 2025 showcases a fresher look inspired by the Geely Boyue facelift 2022. In addition to new LED lights, it sports a larger grille with diamond-cut details, as well as a redesigned hood, bumper, and tailgate.
At the rear, there is a new bumper with horizontal reflectors. The alloy rims also feature a modern design, with sizes of 18 inches for the Executive and 19 inches. Five colors are available for this new X70: Snow White, Amour Silver, Jet Grey, Ruby Red, and the new Marine Blue.
The dashboard has been redesigned, now featuring piano black trims and ambient lighting with 72 color options that change according to music. In the middle of the dashboard is a new 12.3-inch infotainment screen. For the first time for Proton, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included.
Furthermore, the X70 2025 features a new steering wheel, a new display on the LCD meter panel, and Nappa leather upholstery in Stone Grey color.
In terms of features, the X70 now comes with Walk Away Auto Lock, while the power tailgate now has a Nearby Auto Open function for hands-free operation. ADAS is available on the Premium and Premium X variants.
It includes several new features such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Lane Centering Control, Traffic Sign Information, and Rear Collision Warning.
All variants are powered by a 1.5-liter TGDI three-cylinder engine producing 175hp at 5,500rpm and 255Nm from 1,500-4,000 rpm. It is paired with a 7-speed DCT transmission.
With improvements involving combustion efficiency, thermal management, and friction reduction, this engine achieves a fuel consumption of 7.3 liters/100 km, which is 4 percent better than the X70 2022.
PROTON has announced the launch of its regional parts centre (RPC) at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, following the establishment of a similar facility in Sarawak last year.
It is capable of reducing lead for spare parts time by 30% on the back of increased output capacity from Proton Parts Centre Sdn Bhd (PPCSB) in West Malaysia and direct overseas shipment.
Proton says the new RPC is to meet the growing demand in Sabah, which is its third highest state for vehicle sales in Malaysia.
Tucked away in a commercial area in Inanam, the new facility boasts a built-up floor space of approximately 28,000 sq ft, which is 2.5 times bigger than its previous location. It can receive up to six containers of parts on site simultaneously, up from two containers previously.
It is currently processing an average of 26 containers per month to fully utilise its capability to store up to three months of stock. With more storage spaces for parts, lead times to deliver to dealerships and customers could be reduced.
The company adds that its RPCs in East Malaysia can handle up to 28 containers from West Malaysia and overseas per month, an increase in capacity from the previous limit of 24 containers per month.
PPCSB also deployed a new warehouse management system (WMS) at all its locations earlier this year, enabling the daily delivery capacity at the new RPC to jump 66% to 300 lines in July from 180 lines previously, with a maximum capacity of 400 lines slated to be achieved by September.
The added space also allows the allocation of 8,500 bins to store parts, up from 5,000 bins in the previous facilities. As a result, the stock value is expected to increase 1.5 times to RM9 million by December 2024, up from RM5.8 million a year earlier.
On the sales front, Proton’s market share in Sabah has ascended steadily from 10% in 2018 to 25.9% in 2023 and currently stands at 27.4% year-to-date for 2024.
In 2023, sales of Proton vehicles in East Malaysia contributed 15.8% to the company’s total sales volume. The top three Proton models sold were the Saga with 13,700 units followed by the Persona with 4,264 and the X50 with 2,955 units, respectively.
The word “rebadge” has quite a negative connotation among car enthusiasts in Malaysia. For them, rebadging is considered a somewhat shameful practice that should not be done by any aspiring car manufacturer.
But little do they know that rebadging has certain advantages that can help a company grow in the early stages of its business.
The main upside of rebadging is that it helps companies save on R&D costs. Developing a vehicle from scratch requires massive investment, and not all brands, especially new ones, are willing to break the bank as they do not want to face the risk of heavy losses.
So thanks to the magic of rebadging, companies not only can reduce R&D expenses but they are also able to sell their products at a much more affordable price to entice their target market.
For Proton, this has been the path taken since its inception in 1983. With Mitsubishi as a technical partner at that time, the national car manufacturer finally launched its first car, the Proton Saga, just two years after it was founded.
Fast forward today after nearly 40 years since the first Proton car was introduced, Proton is still in the business of rebadging cars but its involvement in the entire process is more profound, with the company taking part not only in design but vehicle tuning as well.
So without further ado, let’s take a walk down memory lane and look at the seven most iconic rebadged Proton models ever offered:
Saga
The car that started it all for Proton. Launched by Tun Mahathir, the Saga was based on the Mitsubishi Lancer Fiore and sold until 1992 before being replaced by the Saga Iswara. It is currently in its third generation but now uses Proton’s very own platform.
Wira
The second rebadged model from Proton, which was produced for 16 years from 1993 to 2009. Based on the 1991 Lancer, it was available as a four-door sedan or a five-door hatchback known as the Aeroback. It had several notable versions like 1.8 EXI Limited (C99) and the ultra-rare Sembilu, which sadly never saw the light of day.
Satria
The first-generation Satria was produced from 1994 to 2006 using the Mitsubishi Mirage Cyborg as its base. This hatchback spawned two highly sought-after, performance-oriented versions co-developed with Lotus, namely the Satria GTi and Satria R3. It was later replaced by the Satria Neo, which was sold until 2015.
Putra
Photo: Wikipedia
The Putra was a surprise addition to Proton’s lineup because at that time nobody thought a newcomer like Proton had the cojones to offer a coupe. It was based on the Mitsubishi Mirage Asti and was only available with the 1.8-litre 4G93P engine that was also used in the Wira 1.8 EXI Limited and Satria GTi.
Arena
Photo: wheel-size.my
Also known as Jumbuck in international markets, the Arena was essentially a Wira that was cut in half and joined by a pickup truck cargo bed. In Malaysia, the Arena was offered in three variants – Freestyle, Sportdeck, and Fastback, each with different specifications to meet various customer needs.
Juara
Photo: ProtonPro Facebook
Another rebadged model produced in collaboration with Mitsubishi, the Juara was a microvan based on the Mitsubishi Town Box Wide. Marketed as a lifestyle vehicle, it received a lukewarm reception leading Proton to halt sales in 2004, just three years after its launch.
X70
Launched at the end of 2018, the X70 is a crucial model in Proton’s history as it is the first product to emerge after the merger with Geely, and also the first-ever SUV for Proton. Fair to say that the X70 is single-handedly responsible for restoring customer confidence in the national car manufacturer.
PROTON is now actively developing its export market and is said to be returning to the United Kingdom (UK), according to CEO Li Chunrong.
According to the UK media report, Autocar, this development also includes new right-hand drive (RHD) markets across Asia and South Africa, in addition to returning to Australia and New Zealand.
Photo by: Autocar
This is aimed at increasing Proton’s global sales following the opening of a new headquarters and production center currently under construction in Tanjung Malim, Perak.
Known as the Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (AHTV), this billion Ringgit investment facility is the result of Geely and DRB-Hicom Berhad.
The increase in production capacity will be a decisive factor in Proton’s long-term plan to expand their global sales.
“With the existing investment, Proton will have the capacity to return to markets that have been left, while penetrating new markets,” Autocar sources reported.
Photo by: Autocar
No timeline has been disclosed for Proton’s return to the UK, but it is reported to be expected “by the end of this decade.” Proton previously sold vehicles in the UK from 1989 to 2014.
In 2023, Geely announced plans to invest in the development of AHTV.
At present, Proton is selling Geely-based models such as the X50, X70, and S70, as well as self-developed models like the Saga, Persona, and Iriz.
Proton also recently launched their first electric vehicle (EV), the eMAS 7.
Which model do you think will be the choice for export to new markets in the future?
PROTON posted a strong start to the second half of the year with a total of 15,103 units sold in July (domestic and export).
The national automaker says the figure is the highest since September 2022 and represents a 37.3% jump over the previous month.
Total year-to-date sales (YTD) up to the end of July stand at 88,799 units, allowing Proton to cement its hold on second place.
Total industry volume (TIV) for the month is estimated to be 73,761 units, an increase of 27.1% over the previous month while the estimated market share for Proton in July has increased to 20.5%.
Proton’s sales growth in July was led by the Proton Saga with 7,855 units sold, marking the best achievement for the model since October 2013.
This brings total YTD sales for the Saga to 42,693 units, which is 8.8% ahead of sales from 2023.
Other Proton models also achieved sparkling results. The X50 recorded its best sales of the year with 2,585 units sold in July, bringing YTD sales to 12,789 units.
The Persona also recorded its best sales month of 2024 with 1,911 units sold bringing its YTD total to 11,664 units.
The S70 recorded 1,636 units sold in July and has a cumulative YTD figure of 12,550 units.
“July has been the best sales month for Proton in 2024 so far, setting the tone for what we hope is a productive second half of 2024.
“There are many plans to be executed in the coming months, starting with the 2025 Proton X70 which will be launched in August. At the same time, the groundwork for the launch of Proton’s first EV model is also proceeding rapidly, which will lead to the launch of the first Malaysian EV,” said Roslan Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer, Proton Edar.
The first product to be born of the Proton-Geely partnership, the X70, has been in the market since December 2018.
During that period, it has received several updates to keep things fresh but for the 2025 model, Proton has given the SUV more comprehensive improvements.
Here’s what you need to know about the Proton X70 2025:
It is available in four variants, namely Standard, Executive, Premium, and Premium X.
Proton says the facelift model features 360 new components, with the R&D process taking 290,000 hours. Road tests have been conducted covering a distance of 4.2 million km.
The X70 2025 boasts a fresher carried over from the Geely Boyue facelift 2022. In addition to new LED lights, it comes with a larger grille with diamond-like studs, as well as a redesigned hood, front and rear bumpers, as well as tailgate.
It also gets newly designed 19-inch alloy wheels for the Premium and Premium X, and 18-inch for the Executive.
Five colours to choose from: Snow White, Amour Silver, Jet Grey, Ruby Red, and the new Marine Blue.
The dashboard now features a piano black panel with 72-colour “rhythmic” ambient lighting.
Placed in the center of the dashboard is a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. For the first time for Proton, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are onboard.
Additionally, the X70 2025 receives a new steering wheel, a new display on the LCD meter panel, and Nappa leather upholstery in Stone Grey.
In terms of features, the X70 now comes with Walk Away Auto Lock, while its powered tailgate now has the Nearby Auto Open function for hands-free operation.
ADAS is available on the Premium and Premium X variants. It includes several new features such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Lane Centering Control, Traffic Sign Information, and Rear Collision Warning.
All variants are powered by a 1.5-litre TGDI three-cylinder engine producing 5,500 rpm and 255 Nm from 1,500-4,000 rpm. It is paired with a seven-speed DCT transmission.
With improvements in areas such as combustion efficiency, thermal management, and friction reduction, Proton claims the engine achieves a fuel consumption of 7.3 litres/100 km, which is 4% better than the X70 2022.
National automaker Proton has today announced that the eagerly awaited X70 2025 is now open for booking.
Those interested can place their bookings for the SUV at any Proton 3S and 4S showroom with a deposit of RM500.
The latest upgraded version of Proton’s first SUV features a significantly refreshed exterior together with enhanced performance boosting both its aesthetic and driving appeal experience.
Nearly six years after it pioneered the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) for premium C-segment SUVs, the 2025 X70 is upgraded with Level 2 ADAS for improved safety and convenience.
Another notable feature is the 12.3-inch infotainment head unit equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.
The PROTON Link app has the extended capability to start the engine remotely to cool down the vehicle.
The interior has been updated with Nappa leather seats in stone grey and multicolour rhythmic ambient light. Additional details will be revealed during the official launch soon.
Similar to the 2024 X50, the soon-to-launched 2025 X70 will have an amazing price and early bird package to award the customers for their trust and support.
IN addition to the lineup of SUVs and several sedans offered today, Proton has also produced limousine models in the past. As we all know, a limousine is a longer version of a sedan, based on the sedan models that Proton was selling at that time.
It is important to remember that a limousine is distinct from the Executive version that Proton released. The Executive also has a longer wheelbase, but the rear doors are elongated and still connected to the front doors. Limousines have regular-sized rear doors, so with a longer wheelbase, they are separate from the front doors.
There are also limousine models that have six doors, meaning two additional doors between the front and rear. So in this article, let’s take a look at the Proton limousine models that you should know about.
Proton Saga and Iswara Limousine
Because the Saga and Iswara are two models that are almost identical with the same engine offerings, we include both of these models under one sub-topic. The Saga and Iswara Limousines were released in the 90s and offered in various lengths, namely 4.8 meters, 5.1 meters, and 5.5 meters. Interesting, isn’t it?
Even more intriguing is that their prices ranged from around RM69,800 to RM165,000, significantly cheaper compared to luxury brand limousines that typically cost two or three times as much. The Limousine models come with premium features such as a vinyl-coated roof, 14-inch alloy wheels, front and rear air conditioning units, and power windows.
They also include wind deflectors, a rear center armrest for rear passengers, chrome accents, a suede roof lining, and luxurious carpeting. The Proton Saga Grand Limousine was first showcased at the Shah Alam International Trade Exhibition in July 1990.
Proton Wira Grand Limousine
The Proton Wira Grand Limousine could be the answer for those who felt that the Wira Executive was not long enough. This is because the Wira Grand Limousine had an additional 915mm wheelbase compared to the standard sedan model.
Only 25 units were ever produced, making this Wira rarer than the Satria R3! Additionally, the Wira Grand Limousine was manufactured in Australia, not in Malaysia.
The Wira Limo is equipped with features such as a television with a video player, a boomerang antenna, Connolly leather upholstery, a table with drawers, a privacy partition between the front and rear, and an intercom system with the driver.
It also boasts sheepskin floor carpets, wood trim on the dashboard, rear reading lights, ambient lighting, and soft PVC-wrapped roof lining. Quite luxurious, especially during its release in 1996. The Wira Grand Limousine was powered by a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 113hp and 137Nm of torque. Its price at that time was RM108,358.97.
Proton Perdana Limousine
This is the older generation of the Perdana, before the V6 model was introduced. There isn’t much information available other than official images. It is believed to have used the same 4-cylinder engine as the Perdana SEi, the 2.0-liter 4G63.
Proton Perdana (Accordana) Limousine
For the Perdana, rebadged from the Honda Accord model, there were several limousine versions. The first was a more ‘common’ version for cabinet ministers with an additional 457mm in length, without many other changes.
Then there were three units specially built for Najib Razak, Muhyiddin Yassin, and one left-hand drive unit for the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Another version was more luxurious with limited production. This Perdana Limousine was exclusively made for the seventh Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr. Mahathir. This unit received Tun’s personal touch, starting with OZ Racing Italia 150 rims and a special red-themed rear cabin, complete with a Nespresso coffee machine.
The individual rear seats featured electric adjustments with controls mounted on door panels resembling those in Mercedes-Benz vehicles. A Bose home theater audio system was also installed. At the front, it had a center-placed push-start button, electronic parking brake, and something rather extraordinary, a rotating gear knob akin to that of a Jaguar.
Proton Chancellor
The Proton Chancellor was based on the Waja, with an additional 250mm in length. It featured a different engine, using the V6 2.0-liter from the Perdana V6 paired with a 4-speed automatic gearbox.
This engine produced 150hp and 179Nm of torque. An interesting fact about the Proton Chancellor is that its prototype was sent to Spain for a 220,000km test on the uneven terrain of Belgian Pave.
According to Proton, the same test was also undertaken by Lotus vehicles. Additionally, structural enhancements were made to the chassis and roof, making the Proton Chancellor sturdier compared to the Perdana Executive. It was designed for high-ranking government officials and corporate executives. Its selling price at that time (2005) was RM138,000.
However, in our opinion, the Proton Chancellor is more akin to the Waja Executive. Our research indicates the existence of an actual elongated Waja Limousine. However, there is no further information available, and we suspect it utilized the standard 1.6-liter Campro engine.
PROTON recently performed a groundbreaking ceremony for new additions to its stamping facilities in Tanjong Malim.
Known as stamping E and F-Line, the new lines will expand the volume of parts stamping at Proton Tanjong Malim as the company prepares to relocate production of the Proton Saga from Shah Alam by 2026.
A sum of RM253 million has been earmarked for the project, which is expected to also cater to growing overall
production volume as well as any new models to be introduced in the near future.
This is the second planned expansion to the national automaker’s parts stamping capabilities in recent years after the inauguration of the D-Line stamping plant on 14 March 2023 by the Menteri Besar of Perak, Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
Dr Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer of Proton said the addition of the parts stamping E and F-Line are critical to the company’s future volume expansion plans as it gives more flexibility to ramp up production and meet market demand.
“For the whole of 2023 and up to June 2024, our Tanjong Malim plant has stamped out 6,067,064 components, of which 395,211 are from the new D-Line, and this number will grow exponentially when production for the Proton Saga is relocated here in 2026,” he added.
The new E-Line will feature a four stage stamping process with a 1600-tonne stamping machine and three 800-tonne machines while the F-Line will have a five stage stamping process utilising a 2000-tonne, 1200-tonne and three 1000-tonne stamping force machines.
Aside from the stamping machines robots will also be used to transfer parts between workstations while IR 4.0 technology will be implemented using real-time data and machine learning to improve the quality of parts produced.
Additionally, the new stamping lines will help to further reduce PROTON’s reliance on imported parts for its models, insulating the company against potential disruptions to global trade, and improving local parts supply.
At the same time, the investment further builds on competencies available in Tanjong Malim and will contribute towards the ongoing development of the Automotive High Tech Valley (AHTV).
A few weeks ago, Proton announced the appointment of the first 17 official e.MAS dealers during the brand’s launch on June 12.
To date, this number has increased to 18 dealers across Malaysia.
The establishment of 18 Proton e.Mas branches, represented by 16 dealers, signifies a significant step towards leading the development of an extensive and comprehensive network.
Seventeen of these branches are strategically located throughout Peninsular Malaysia: 3 in Kuala Lumpur, 4 in Selangor, 2 in Johor, 3 in Perak, 2 in Penang, 1 in Kedah, 1 in Kelantan, and 1 in Pahang. One branch is situated in East Malaysia, specifically in Sabah.
These branches operate under a comprehensive network model, ranging from 1S centers to 3S centers to ensure customers receive holistic services from every aspect.
This development demonstrates PRO-NET’s dedication to establishing a complete and comprehensive ecosystem to ensure readiness for prospective Proton e.MAS owners.
PRO-NET aims to achieve 30 dealer branches by 2025, with a flexible expansion plan based on high demand.
PRO-NET is seeking interested and committed partners to join the Proton e.MAS dealer network in the following areas:
In addition to smart, Proton’s wholly-owned subsidiary Pro-Net will take under its wing the Proton e.MAS EV brand, which was officially launched on June 12, 2024.
In an official statement, Pro-Net said it is tasked with the crucial responsibilities of establishing the e.MAS brand, enhancing its market presence, and preparing for upcoming product launches.
Pro-Net’s roles roles include recruiting a dedicated team, setting up a robust dealer network, and fostering partnerships with charging providers to ensure a seamless EV ecosystem.
With a proven track record from successfully launching the smart #1, currently a top contender in the premium SUV segment, and the impending introduction of the smart #3, the company is well-equipped to champion the e.MAS brand.
The Pro-Net team The team leverages its well-established networks, digital platforms, and expert personnel to ensure that e.MAS not only matches but surpasses the success seen with the smart models in the EV landscape.
Dr Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer of Proton, expressed confidence in Pro-Net’s capabilities.
“The expertise Pro-Net has developed over the past two years positions us uniquely to elevate Proton e.MAS to the forefront of the EV industry.
“Our future customers will benefit from a holistic range of services that not only meet but exceed their expectations, similar to the premium experience provided to smart vehicle owners,” Dr. Li said.
The excitement surrounding the e.MAS brand was evident as over 25,000 participants entered the recent contest to guess the new brand name.. The winners are as follows:
Grand Prize of RM5,000 – Puteri Hanna Batrisha binti Ibrahim
Runner-up Prize of RM1,500 – Noor Hidayah Binti Mohd Rodzi
Third Prize of RM1,000 – Ahmad Norrizzuan Bin Noor Azhar
Pro-Net also announced that e.MAS’s official social media accounts are now live under the username “Proton e.MAS Cars” for Facebook and Xiaohongshu, and “@protonemasofficial” for Instagram and TikTok.
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