After a five-year hiatus, Proton’s official team, Proton R3 returned to compete in the Sepang 1000KM 2024 race in the Malaysian Touring Car (MTC) category.
This marks the first time Proton has raced using the S70 R3 vehicle since the launch of this C-segment sedan on November 28, 2023.
The race, which lasted for 181 laps, saw the Proton R3 team struggling with difficulties as car #81 was forced to retire as early as the 8th lap.
Another S70 car, numbered 82 and driven by Ariff Azmi and Alister Yoong, faced technical issues that caused them to lose over 40 minutes.
Despite the challenges faced, the Proton R3 team successfully completed the race, finishing in fifth place in the MTC class.
Roslan Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of Proton Edar, stated, “While we aimed for another overall victory, the Proton R3 team is aware of the task of completing a brand-new racing vehicle to compete against teams that have been racing for the past three years.”
He further explained that the data and racing experiences gathered throughout the weekend would serve as the foundation for R3 to begin preparations for the 2025 racing season.
In positive news, in conjunction with the KLIMS 2024 event, Proton will also showcase vehicle #82 in the same condition as it finished the S1K race.
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.
In October, Proton recorded sales of 12,799 units for both domestic and export markets, marking a 13.6 percent increase compared to the previous month.
This brings Proton’s year-to-date (YTD) sales total to 125,557 units, placing the national car brand second in the country’s automotive sales rankings.
Among the total sales, the Proton Saga remains a popular choice among buyers, with 6,112 units sold, bringing its YTD total to 60,178 units.
Proton is also hopeful that the Saga’s sales will surpass 70,000 units for the second consecutive year this year.
Although the Saga did not lead its segment, three other Proton models maintained top positions in their respective segments.
The Proton X50 emerged as the best-selling SUV in the B segment last month, with 2,122 units sold, while the Proton S70 returned to the top as the best-selling C segment sedan with sales of 1,432 units.
Proton’s flagship model, the X90, continued to lead sales in the D segment SUV category, recording a total of 245 units sold last month.
At the same time, Proton revealed that its first electric vehicle (EV), the e.MAS 7, will be officially launched next month (December 2024).
Proton recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with Grab Malaysia, offering exclusive benefits to e-hailing drivers when they purchase a Proton Saga.
This collaboration aims to enhance the driving experience and support the growing needs in the e-hailing industry.
The initiative is also expected to provide benefits to drivers, users, and further strengthen the positions of both companies in the market.
The MoA was signed by Roslan Abdullah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Proton, and Rashid Shukor, Director of Operations and National Mobility for Grab Malaysia.
Starting from November 4, the “Saga Power Up for Grab Drivers” campaign will grant priority access to Grab driver partners to own a Proton Saga.
The campaign includes incentives and offers such as cash rebates and a 5% service discount valid for the first two years or up to 40,000 km.
Eligible drivers can purchase as many Proton Sagas as they qualify for under Grab Malaysia’s terms.
In addition to the Proton package, Grab also offers up to RM500 for new driver partners who purchase a Proton Saga and activate their Grab Driver account.
“PROTON is excited to collaborate with Grab Malaysia in supporting the e-hailing industry by offering our iconic model, the Proton Saga, to our Grab driver partners. Reliability and reasonable maintenance costs are crucial factors for entrepreneurs who use cars as their primary work tool.”
“Furthermore, this partnership provides exclusive privileges to those who accept this offer while supporting our vision for more accessible transportation for the people of Malaysia,” said Roslan Abdullah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, PROTON.
“This collaboration reflects our commitment to providing flexible opportunities to the people of Malaysia in an ever-changing economy. By facilitating access to income opportunities, we support our partners who play a vital role in meeting the daily needs of society.
“With the increasing demand for travel, we are constantly striving to increase and optimize our active driver supply to meet these needs. This initiative encourages more people to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the digital economy,” said Rashid Shukor, Director of Operations and National Mobility, Grab Malaysia.
Pro-Net has finally revealed the details and specifications for the first national electric vehicle, the Proton e.MAS 7.
We know that the e.MAS 7 is developed using the Global Modular Architecture (GMA) platform and measures 4,615 mm in length, 1,901 mm in width, 1,670 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,750 mm.
Recent testing results indicate that the e.MAS 7 can traverse water up to a depth of 400 mm, which is higher than the Geely Galaxy E5.
Now, Pro-Net has confirmed that there will be two variants of the e.MAS 7 available: Prime and Premium. Both are equipped with the same electric motor but differ slightly in battery capacity and features.
The e.MAS 7 is powered by a “12-in-1” electric motor on the front axle, producing 218 PS (160 kW) and 320 Nm of torque, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and achieve a top speed of 175 km/h.
As previously reported, the e.MAS 7 features an Aegis short blade battery, claimed to have higher energy density, greater safety, and longer lifespan.
The Prime variant comes with a 49.52 kWh version of said battery, offering a range of 345 km, while the Premium model is equipped with a 60.22 kWh version, reaching a distance of up to 410 km. Both figures are according to WLTP standards.
For charging, the e.MAS 7 supports DC fast charging of up to 80 kW for Prime and 100 kW for Premium—both requiring 20 minutes to charge from 30% to 80%.
There is also an onboard AC charger capable of up to 11 kW that can recharge the battery from 30% to 80% in 4.9 hours for Prime and 6.1 hours for Premium.
The equipment list for both variants is largely similar. The e.MAS 7 comes standard with LED headlights featuring Follow-me Home and Active High Beam Control, roof rails, power windows with anti-trap, rain sensors, electrically adjustable and heated side mirrors.
Wheel sizes differ, with the Prime variant featuring 18-inch wheels fitted with 225/55 Giti tyres, while the Premium comes with 19-inch wheels and 235/50 Goodyear tyres. Additionally, a panoramic roof, powered tailgate, and Active Grille Shutter are exclusive to the Premium variant.
Inside, both variants are fitted as standard with a 10.2-inch LCD instrument cluster, multifunction steering wheel, leatherette upholstery, and six-way power adjustment for the driver’s seat.
The Premium variant gains several additional features such as an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, memory function for the driver’s seat, four-way power adjustment for the front passenger seat, ventilation for the front seats, and 256-colour ambient lighting.
Convenience features include Intelligent Keyless Entry and Start, Walk Away Auto Lock, wireless charging, automatic climate control with N95 filtration, and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capabilities.
Infotainment-wise, the e.MAS 7 comes standard with the Flyme Auto system alongside a 15.4-inch touchscreen with 2.5K resolution; however, only the Premium variant receives a head-up display (HUD) and Wanos audio system with 16 speakers.
In terms of safety, ADAS is equipped as standard on the e.MAS 7. It includes the following features:
Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Dynamic Brake Support (DBS)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
Emergency Lane Keeping Assist (ELKA)
Rear Collision Warning (RCB)
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Rear Cross Traffic Braking (RCTB)
Lane Change Assist (LCA)
Blind Spot Detection (BSD)
Door Open Warning (DOW)
Traffic Sign Identification (TSI)
Both variants also include a 360-degree camera and rear radar, with the front radar available exclusively on the Premium variant.
The Proton e.MAS 7 is expected to launch in Q4 this year. It is now open for booking with an estimated price of RM120,000.
In a statement, Proton said that it continues to be the top-selling brand for sedans in Malaysia, with 3.85 million units sold since its establishment more than 40 years ago.
According to the national car manufacturer, this success is attributed to national icons such as the Saga, Wira and Waja, which were once used as police cars in Humberside County, UK, two generations of the Persona, the Prevé, and its latest offering, the S70.
Launched last November, the S70 has quickly become the favourite in the C-sedan category, with year-to-date sales as of September totalling 14,877 units.
Overall sales have surpassed those of other competitors in the same category, with an average of 1,640 units sold per month since January of this year. The model leads sales in its segment, with top three states being Selangor, Johor and Penang.
However, the biggest contributor to the pool is clearly the evergreen Saga, which has clocked in over 2 million sales since its launch on 9 July 1985 till September this year. The model has undergone massive change through three generations, with improvements in safety, design updates, performance improvements, interior comfort and features, platform and chassis development and receiving a stronger body structure.
For Proton sedans, the responsive driving experienced, safety record and sheer fun behind the wheel played a major role in appealing to car buyers.
Evolving with the times, the models also introduced timely safety updates such as anti-lock braking system (ABS), airbags, seat belt pretensioners, hot-press forming body structures.
With the S70, ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) level 2 features such as lane change assist, automatic emergency braking, intelligent cruise control, and traffic sign information keep Proton sedans at the leading edge of safety technology.
A recent survey by Insight Asia, involving 277 participants aged 22 to 59, revealed that buyers prioritise affordability, comfort, and safety, alongside a stylish and modern design.
Key reasons for choosing it include its attractive aesthetics, good power delivery, and overall value for money, starting from over RM70,000. Many owners upgraded from smaller segments and did not consider other models, viewing the model as unique in its class.
Overall, S70 owners express high satisfaction with cabin comfort, storage space, and security features. While most reported no significant issues, some experienced minor Noice, Vibration and Hardness (NVH) problems, which did not detract from their overall experience.
Suggestions for improvement include the introduction of features like auto wipers and ventilated seats, according to Insight Asia.
Proton has announced that Apple CarPlay is now available for owners of the 2025 Proton X70, which was launched back in August. This makes the X70 the first Proton model to receive the highly popular connectivity feature.
According to the national automotive brand, Apple CarPlay for the 2025 X70 will be available via over-the-air (OTA) update effective from 16th October 2024.
Starting from that date, owners will receive the OTA notifications in batches, and they only need to follow these steps to download it to their vehicle:
Step 1: Download and install
The software update package will be downloaded once it is available for customer vehicle. User needs to keep the engine running until the download is complete.
Upon completion, user may begin installation anytime at their convenience. Once installation has begun, user needs to keep the engine running until the software update is complete.
Step 2: Verify software version
A successful software update can be verified in the Vehicle Settings under [System Information] > [About IHU]. The latest system version is SW3RBA10925H1141.
This version contains Apple CarPlay, improved system performance and various bug fixes for an enhanced user experience.
Step 3: Start to use
With the latest software update installed, user can enjoy the convenience of Apple CarPlay by pairing a compatible iPhone either via USB or wireless (Bluetooth) connection.
Once an iPhone is successfully paired to the system, users can launch the Apple CarPlay interface by tapping on the icon highlighted above.
I personally like the 2025 Proton X70, which was launched to the market back in August. It is more than just a mere facelift; the changes introduced are extensive, covering both the exterior and interior.
Firstly, the C-segment SUV now features a more appealing front design compared to its predecessor. Secondly, a recent media test drive in Kota Kinabalu demonstrated that it is a notably comfortable SUV. Not the best in the market but it’s certainly up there.
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.
Moreover, the low-speed rumble of the three-cylinder engine is less pronounced than before and the noise from the many trucks and lorries on the roads around KK and Kundasang is also well suppressed.
However, there are still a few aspects of the car that I did not favour:
Identical rear design
As mentioned, the 2025 X70 boasts a more attractive front end 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.
Unfortunately, the rear of this SUV appears untouched. While Proton has added horizontal reflectors (which were previously vertical) and fake air vents to make it appear wider, the tailgate and lights remain unchanged, quite possibly due to constraints from Geely.
That being so, whenever you see the new X70 on the road, you are likely to mistake it for the old version.
Odd gear shift pattern
In addition to the Stone Grey Nappa leather upholstery and ambient lighting system, another new feature in the 2025 X70 cabin is the gear lever.
The design remains the same; however, in this facelift model, the ‘P’ button has been repositioned. This is not an issue though and, in my opinion, makes it even easier to use.
What is rather peculiar, however, is the new shift pattern for the manual mode. Typically, you would pull the gear shift down to upshift and push it up to downshift.
In the X70 facelift, the ‘-’ and ‘+’ symbols are positioned to the left and right, meaning you must push the gear lever left to downshift and right to upshift in manual mode.
There’s a new Auto Open function for the tailgate but…
To enhance user convenience, Proton has added an Auto Open feature to the tailgate. This means you no longer need to press a button or kick your foot under the bumper to open it.
All you need to do is stand near the tailgate (with the key in your pocket, of course), and it will open automatically. This feature is indeed very practical, especially when your hands are full.
However, in my opinion, it could be improved further, as the tailgate takes a noticeably long time—over five seconds—to open.
Proton has officially introduced the Proton S70 R3 race car, which will compete in the gruelling Sepang 1000km endurance race scheduled from November 22 to 24.
Official images released by the national car manufacturer show the S70 R3 undergoing final preparations, awaiting only the application of its racing livery.
Specifications have not been disclosed; however, based on the distinct roar heard in a video shared on October 1, there is a possibility that the car uses the 1.6-litre Campro engine, similar to those used in previous Proton racing cars.
Established in 2003, Proton R3 is the factory supported motorsports division of Proton with the acronym standing for Race, Rally, Research.
Over the last two decades, R3 have successfully campaigned Proton models both domestically and internationally in racing and rallying events, while using the knowledge gained to develop a range of performance enhancing components and limited edition models for sale to customers.
More recently, they have also ventured into the lubricants space, selling performance lubricants carrying the R3 banner.
The S70 R3 is the latest in a long line of Proton models developed for motorsports. With its debut, both Proton and its motorsports division are venturing into uncharted waters, campaigning a car co-developed with Geely and just one year after its market launch.
Proton is the most successful OEM in the 15-year history of Sepang 1000km with six wins, while R3 are the most successful team with five wins, including three in a row from 2017 to 2019.
“Having not competed in the last three Sepang 1000km races, Proton is excited to be back on the starting grid in 2024. The Proton S70 R3 marks a new milestone for the brand as we take a model developed together with Geely into the heat of competition for the very first time,” said Roslan Abdullah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Proton.
“Despite being a new car, Proton is taking the challenge to field two units of the S70 R3 in the race instead of using a proven older model as a backup. We are determined to prove the abilities of the newest Proton sedan model in the racetrack and while we expect competition from teams who have actively competed the last three years, it is our belief the lessons learnt in racing will translate to us building better cars for our customers in the future,” he added.
Proton announced it has recorded sales of 11,269 units (domestic + export) in September to bring its year to date (YTD) total sales volume to 112,758 units.
As a result, the national automaker remains in second position in the national automotive sales rankings with a forecast market share of 20.1% for the month and a YTD figure of 19.1% for the whole of 2024.
Total sales for the automotive industry were down in September, historically a slow month, as total industry volume (TIV) is estimated to have dropped to its lowest point in 17 months.
Early estimates show the number to be at just 56,067 units, which is a reduction of 22.2% from the previous month. The estimated YTD total for TIV however remains ahead of 2023 with a total volume of just under 590,000 units being 3% better than last year.
Launched on 19 August this year, the 2025 Proton X70 enabled the company to return back to the head of the C-segment SUV market with 1,466 units sold in September. This is the highest sales volume for the model since December 2022.
The other two Proton SUV models also ended the month as sales leaders. After being updated in June, the Proton X50 continued its strong sales performance with another 1,771 units sold. The Proton X90, meanwhile, retook leadership for D-segment sales with 217 units sold to bring its YTD total to a market leading 2,724 units.
Another model leading its segment for YTD sales is the Proton S70, which remains the cumulative sales leader for the segment and added 1,013 units to bring its total to 14,768 units in its first full year of sales.
Though temporarily displaced from the top of the monthly sales leaderboard it will receive a boost with the unveiling of the Proton S70 R3 that is set to compete in the Sepang 1000km endurance race in November.
The Proton Saga continues to be the company’s bestseller, achieving 5,162 sales last month, placing it in second place for A-segment sedans. Its sedan sister, the Proton Persona, clocked up 1,295 sales while the Proton Iriz had a steady sales month with 345 units sold.
Last week, the Proton Centre of Excellence (COE) served as the final destination for Geely’s Galaxy E5 world tour, which kicked off in China.
Despite being dubbed a ‘world tour’, the convoy, consisting of several left-hand drive Galaxy E5 units, actually traversed just three Southeast Asian countries: Laos, Thailand, and Malaysia.
Nevertheless, the 3,700 km journey was deemed sufficient to showcase the Galaxy E5’s capabilities and durability in real-world conditions.
According to a representative from Geely, the convoy successfully completed the journey without issues, with each unit arriving at the COE in good condition, despite having to face floods in Laos caused by Typhoon Yagi.
Taking advantage of the cars being here, Proton invited media representatives to test drive the Proton e.MAS 7 twin on its famed test track at the COE. Additionally, select media personnel were also given the opportunity to drive the EV on public roads for a more realistic driving experience.
From my observation, the test drive session provided clear hints as to the design, technology, and performance of the e.MAS 7, which will soon be launched in the local market.
Is the Exterior Design Similar?
Proton previously emphasised that the e.MAS 7 is not merely a rebadged Galaxy E5. This claim holds true on a technical front, as the e.MAS 7 was developed concurrently with the Galaxy E5. According to Proton, over 100 of their engineers were involved in this project.
However, in terms of exterior design, it is fair to say that Proton may not have all the freedom to make significant changes to the e.MAS 7, aside from altering the logo and badges. Elements like the Infinite Weave design found in other Geely-based models are also absent, as the e.MAS 7 lacks a front grille.
It is also interesting to note that the Galaxy E5 that we test drove came with 19-inch wheels, one inch bigger than that of the e.MAS 7.
A Spacious Yet Luxurious Interior
Similar to its exterior, the cabin design of the e.MAS 7 is expected to be quite similar to that of the Galaxy E5. This is a good thing, as the interior design of this Chinese EV is quite impressive in terms of layout and materials used.
The leather upholstery appears luxurious and feels soft to the touch. Importantly, it is applied extensively, not only on the seats but also covering a substantial part of the dashboard and door panels.
In addition to white, Geely offers choices in brown-red and dark blue. Will Proton offer the same colour options with the e.MAS 7? We look forward to finding out.
Roomy and Practical—Perfect for Malaysians
With a wheelbase of 2,750 mm, the Galaxy E5 offers a spacious and comfortable cabin. I was quite impressed with the rear legroom, which is comparable to that of D-segment vehicles, even though this is a C-segment SUV.
The rear seats provide adequate thigh support, but what’s more intriguing is the front passenger seat, which comes with Ottoman functionality—a feature typically found only in luxury MPVs.
For those who often carry a lot of items, fret not: the Galaxy E5 includes 33 storage compartments, including a drawer beneath the rear seats. Although the trunk space is modest (461 litres) for an SUV, there is an additional 51 liters of storage under the trunk floor.
Packed with Technology
Both the Galaxy E5 and the e.MAS 7 are powered by the same operating system, Flyme Auto, driven by the 7 nm Longying One Chip, which is touted as the first smart cockpit chip from China. Besides smartphone integration, this OS also offers voice command features for various tasks—think of it as your personal assistant.
The EV also boasts a Flyme Sound audio system with a capacity of 1,000 watts and 16 speakers, including those in the headrests. Additionally, there are external speakers useful for playing music during a gathering.
You can also use the external speakers to issue warnings to pedestrians or other road users. Notably, the sound choices available are quite unconventional, featuring sounds like “Hi,” roar of a tiger, a cat’s meow, supercar engine revving, and more.
The Galaxy E5 is Designed for Comfort—What About the e.MAS 7?
While brief, the driving session on both the Proton test track and public roads effectively revealed the character of the Galaxy E5. It was clear that the EV is tuned for a more relaxed driving experience, unlike other Chinese EVs I have tried, such as the smart #1.
The Galaxy E5 is equipped with a single electric motor at the front axle, generating 218 PS and 320 Nm of torque, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 184 km/h.
In today’s landscape, where EVs can easily match supercars, these figures may not seem impressive. However, I believe that the Galaxy E5 is sufficiently fast for the average driver. The throttle response is calm and unhurried, even when depressed aggressively.
Moreover, the Galaxy E5’s suspension system is very soft. During our drive to Puncak Alam, the vehicle proved adept at soaking up bumps from uneven surfaces almost seamlessly within the cabin. Nevertheless, the Galaxy E5 tend to bounce when cruising at high speeds or being driven on undulating roads.
Conclusion
As mentioned, the test drive session was valuable as it provided considerable insight into the upcoming Proton e.MAS 7.
In terms of exterior and interior design, as well as infotainment systems and technology, I personally do not expect significant changes, as the Galaxy E5 package is already appealing.
However, regarding driving dynamics—particularly throttle response and suspension tuning—Proton will undoubtedly apply its expertise to ensure the e.MAS 7 is well-suited for Malaysian road conditions while meeting the expectations of local EV buyers.
Proton recently celebrated a significant milestone with the official launch of the Proton e.MAS 7 Tour at its Centre of Excellence (COE).
This journey marks the handover from Geely’s successful E5 Long Test Drive World Tour, as the baton is passed to the Proton e.MAS 7 to embark on an exciting new chapter of innovation and exploration across Malaysia.
The Proton e.MAS 7 Tour aims to engage Malaysians and provide them with a unique opportunity to experience the vehicle first hand.
The EV is set to cover well over 2,000 km across diverse terrains and landscapes ranging from coastal roads to mountainous regions, while showcasing its capabilities.
The Proton e.MAS 7 Tour will begin on 5 October 2024, navigating every state in Malaysia. Starting with Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, and Johor in the first leg, it will then move on to Pahang, Terengganu, and Kelantan, followed by Perak, Penang, Kedah, and Perlis.
It continues through KL and Selangor before heading to East Malaysia, starting in Sabah and concluding in Sarawak.
Zhang Qiang, Chief Executive Officer of PRO-NET noted that the goal is to provide Malaysians with an engaging experience of how the car navigates our nation’s unique road conditions and climates.
“This tour will not only celebrate our vibrant communities but also foster a deeper connection with our customers,” Zhang Qiang said.
Ahead of the official tour, the public can catch a glimpse of the Proton e.MAS 7 and the PRO-NET team in action at key locations in Putrajaya on 25 September and Shah Alam on 26 September.
The Geely E5’s 3,700 km southbound trek encountered challenging conditions due to Typhoon Yagi. As Proton e.MAS 7’s development sibling, the Geely E5 navigated floodwaters and a variety of road conditions without incident, reinforcing the reliability of its technology.
“This brand-new EV navigated tough weather, challenging road conditions, and even floodwaters. The durability, reliability, and quality of the Galaxy E5 highlight the engineering excellence behind the Proton e.MAS 7 – demonstrating how it will be a game-changer for our market,” Zhang Qiang added.
Proton presented 20 units of the Proton X90 Flagship to the 17th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention (WCEC) to be used to chauffeur foreign dignitaries, top management and members from various businesses during the three-day event held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center (KLCC) from 9-11 September.
Organised by the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM), Proton’s first NEV model helped ensure VVIPs to the event travelled in comfort to meetings, appointments and accommodations as well as other travel destinations before eventually ending their trips at the airport.
According to the national automaker, passengers provided positive reviews, stating they preferred to be driven in the X90 due to its comfort and space.
After the conclusion of WCEC, the X90 was also used to ferry entourages consisting of Cheng Hong, Vice President of the China Overseas Chinese Association and Wang Yanfei, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Sichuan Provincial People’s Congress, to visit some tourist sites in Melaka.
Since its launch in May 2023, sales of the X90 have totalled 7,322 units, making it one of the best-selling D-segment SUVs. It has also retained its leadership in the segment in August this year.
The biennial event, which was first held in 1991, brings together entrepreneurs from around the world to foster business connections and explore new opportunities such as new technology, green economy, artificial intelligence (AI) and more.
With 4,000 attendees from China, America, Middle East, Africa, Europe and beyond, the event is expected to see at least RM2 billion in business opportunities, particularly through business matching and post-convention missions that will showcase the country’s investment potential to global audience.
“By providing 20 units of Proton X90 to this event, we are showcasing our commitment to excellence and fostering stronger economic ties across borders. This initiative represents our dedication to building a collaborative future and strengthening global partnerships in the automotive industry,” said Dr. Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer, Proton.
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.
Pro-Net has revealed that the nation’s first-ever electric vehicle, the e.MAS7, is currently undergoing local road testing.
According to the company, the extensive local testing phase involves six units of the e.MAS 7, guided by expert engineers across the diverse terrains of Peninsular Malaysia.
The testing regimen includes Durability Adaptive Testing (DAT), Electrical Road Testing (ERT), Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) Road Test, and Quality Reliability Test (QRT), along with ongoing enhancements to navigation systems and Digital Head Unit (DHU) and Telematic Service Provider (TSP) services.
To date, the engineers have conducted DAT simulations that replicate Malaysia’s unique environmental factors and traffic patterns, fine-tuned the in-car navigation to accurately reflect Malaysian road maps and optimised radio frequency capture for local stations focusing on rural and mountainous routes and train stations to test internet connectivity.
The electrical system is targeted to complete a 10,000 km road test during ERT, ensuring flawless integration of all electronic functions. Meanwhile, ADAS has been rigorously tested in various scenarios, including shopping mall parking lots, road forks, and elevated roads.
Pro-Net has also localised key software components, ensuring the DHU system accurately translates the original Chinese market language into Malaysian English and adapts to local settings, rather than relying on generic translations.
This collaborative effort between Proton and Geely demonstrates that the e.MAS 7 isn’t just a rebadged vehicle but one infused with true Malaysian character.
The durability tests, including rigorous troubleshooting and system checks ensure the vehicle’s resilience under local conditions.
The company said it has requested and implemented 49 additional processes and unique features from Geely to guarantee that the e.MAS 7 meets the highest standards both locally and globally.
These tests cover everything from vehicle load performance to electronic stability control and enhanced water-wading capabilities—where the e.MAS 7 exceeds the Geely Galaxy E5 with a 400 mm water depth to handle potential flooding scenarios.
The test was conducted at the proving ground in July with the specified water depth, along with a speed bump test to simulate actual Malaysian road conditions. An issue was found and corrected after the test.
Looking ahead, the e.MAS 7 will undergo ASEAN NCAP accreditation as well as QRT, the latter of which the company aims to achieve 100,000 km in acceleration, braking performance, and power consumption. Moreover, software testing is a key focus for Proton engineers.
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
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