Tag Archives: Egypt

Proton, Ezz Elarab launch CKD Saga in Egypt

Proton’s International Sales Division has announced the launch of the locally assembled (CKD) Proton Saga in Egypt, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of their partnership.

This achievement comes just three months after the inauguration of the CKD factory at Ezz Elarab Elsewedy Automotive Factories (ESAF) by Malaysia’s Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in November of last year.

According to Dr. Li Chunrong, the Chief Executive Officer of Proton, “Egypt’s strategic location and large population provide exceptional growth opportunities for Proton.”

“In 2024, Proton’s export sales increased by 31.1 percent, and Egypt played a crucial role in this achievement.”

He further explained that in addition to the Proton Saga, the company will explore opportunities to launch a range of products, including SUVs and NEVs, depending on market conditions.

The ESAF CKD factory was built with an investment of US$50 million and has an annual production capacity of 40,000 units (two shifts).

According to Eng. Amr Abu Al-Saud, Chief Executive Officer of Ezz Elarab Elsewedy Investment (ESI), mass production is set to begin in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025.

The 20-year partnership between Proton and Ezz Elarab Automotive has successfully sold over 18,000 vehicles in the Egyptian market.

LHD Proton Saga to begin assembly in Egypt this December

Proton is expected to commence the assembly of vehicles (CKD) in Egypt this December with the opening of new factory in Cairo.

The inauguration of the CKD factory was officiated by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, during his official visit to the country.

Located in the Al Oula Industrial Park in Giza, the facility, owned by Ezz Elarab Elsewedy Automotive Factories (ESAF), has an investment of US$35 million and a production capacity of 20,000 units, providing 400 job opportunities.

The inauguration of the CKD factory follows the first shipment of CKD units to Egypt on September 9.

The first unit of the left-hand drive (LHD) Proton Saga is expected to roll off the production line this December, with a production target of 1,400 units for 2024.

This number is projected to increase to 5,000 units in 2025, with a forecasted production total of 16,000 units of LHD CKD Saga over a three-year period, concluding at the end of 2026, with an estimated value of RM570 million.

In addition to the domestic market in Egypt, Proton will also export the assembled vehicle models to countries in North Africa and the Middle East.

Proton also plans to establish Egypt as one of its key manufacturing hubs in the region.

Proton commences CKD assembly of Saga in Egypt, to generate up to RM570mil in revenue

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.