Tag Archives: PROTON

NEWS

5 car factories in Malaysia that you should know

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For most automotive brands in Malaysia, local assembly plays a crucial role in ensuring their continued competitiveness in the local automotive market.

It goes without saying that national carmakers such as Proton and Perodua run their own assembly plants in the country; however, for foreign brands, completely knocked-down (CKD) operations allow them to offer products at more competitive prices.

Through support and various incentives offered by the government, Malaysia has become host to several vehicle production plants from leading brands. Here are five automotive production plants in the country that you should know about:

Proton Shah Alam & Tg. Malim

The Proton vehicle assembly plant in Shah Alam began operating in 1985, the same year the original Proton Saga was launched. This plant also produced many other important models such as the Wira, Waja, Exora, and Satria.

Proton is reportedly planning to relocate its entire manufacturing operations in Shah Alam to Proton City, Tanjong Malim by 2027. The RM1.8 billion plant, opened in 2003, covers an area of 517 hectares. In addition to producing the latest models such as X50 and X70, the plant also assembles the 1.5 TGDI engine.

Perodua Sg. Choh, Rawang

Perodua’s headquarters sits on a 522-acre site in Sungai Choh, Rawang. In addition to its corporate building, an R&D facility, a test track, and various other facilities, it also houses two vehicle assembly plants: Perodua Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (PMSB) and Perodua Global Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (PGMSB), which was opened in 2016.

According to Perodua, both plants have a vehicle production capacity of up to 320,000 vehicles a year. Perodua also has engine and transmission production plants, both located in Sendayan TechValley.

Toyota Shah Alam & Bukit Raja

The first locally assembled Toyota vehicle was the Corolla KE10, assembled at the Champion Motor plant in Shah Alam. In 1975, the plant was renamed Assembly Services Sdn Bhd (ASSB).

With increasing demand and the need for a new, more modern plant, UMW Toyota in 2019 opened its second assembly plant in Bukit Raja, Klang, where the latest models such as Vios, Yaris, and Corolla Cross are manufactured.

Honda Pegoh, Melaka

Honda began its CKD operations in the country in 2003 with the assembly of the second-generation Honda CR-V at its Pegoh, Melaka plant. The plant, covering an area of 46,543 square feet, can produce up to 50,000 cars per year.

In 2014, a second assembly line was launched, allowing Honda Malaysia to double their annual production to 100,000 units of vehicles annually and 400 units daily.

Volvo Shah Alam

The Volvo Car Manufacturing Malaysia plant, located in Shah Alam, is the oldest automotive assembly plant in Malaysia. It began operations in March 1967 through the assembly of the Volvo 144.

Interestingly, it is also the first Volvo plant opened outside of Volvo’s home country, Sweden. Today, the plant produces a range of Volvo PHEV and BEV cars such as XC90 Recharge, XC60 Recharge, XC40 Recharge, and C40 Recharge.

NEWS

2025 Proton X70 introduced in Sabah and Sarawak, 4 variants from RM101k

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:

X70 Standard: RM100,800
X70 Executive: RM112,800
X70 Premium: RM125,800
X70 Premium X: RM1268,800

NEWS

Proton shipped 261 units of X Series models to Trinidad & Tobago in 2024, exceeding target volume

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.

NEWS

Proton, Geely join forces to upgrade Saga

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.

NEWS

2025 Proton X70 launched, now with Apple Carplay, 4 variants from RM99k

Finally, the Proton X70 2025 facelift has been officially launched today. It is offered in four variants and prices are as follows:

X70 Standard: RM98,800
X70 Executive: RM110,800
X70 Premium: RM123,800
X70 Premium X: RM126,800

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.

NEWS

Proton opens new regional parts centre in Sabah to meet growing demand

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.

NEWS

Increase in civil service salary will benefit Proton, Perodua

The upcoming review of civil service salaries is set to benefit the automotive sector as 1.5 million civil servants will have higher purchasing power and find it easier to obtain bank approval, said AmInvestment Bank.

As a result, the investment bank has revised the total industry volume (TIV) in 2024 to 750,000 compared to the previous 740,000.

“Higher salaries automatically mean better debt-to-income ratio, and we believe car loan financing will readily approve new loan applicants.

“We are confident that Perodua and Proton will experience increased demand as they are the most popular brands among civil servants,” he said in the sector update report today, adding that other brands may not be as affected.

Previously, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil hinted that civil service salaries would be increased by 15 percent to 43 percent by the end of 2024. Final details will be announced by August 16.

AmInvestment Bank said the main beneficiaries will be MBM Resources (which owns 20 percent of Perodua), Sime Darby (with a 38 percent stake in Perodua), and DRB HICOM, which holds a 50 percent interest in Proton.

It also raised the revenue forecast for MBM Resources for the financial years 2024 to 2026 by 3.0 percent, 5.2 percent, and 3.7 percent, based on expectations of the upcoming civil service salary review boosting car sales, especially for the affordable car segment like Perodua Axia and Bezza models.

The bank has maintained a “Neutral” recommendation on the sector but with a bias towards an upward trend.

NEWS

7 most iconic rebadged Proton models

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.

NEWS

Proton set to return to export markets including the UK

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?

NEWS

Proton sold 15,103 cars in July, highest since September 2022

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.

NEWS

Proton: e.MAS 7 is not a rebadge of the Geely Galaxy E5

PROTON has announced that Malaysia’s first local electric vehicle (EV) will officially be known as the Proton e.MAS 7. The electric vehicle brand was revealed last June and will be managed by Pro-Net.

The e.MAS 7 is developed based on the Global Modular Architecture (GMA) platform and has dimensions of 4,615 mm in length, 1,901 mm in width, 1,670 mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2,750 mm.

The GMA platform supports Cell-to-Body (CTB) architecture which enhances structural strength, increase interior space, improves stability in high-speed cornering, and overall handling.

Proton says the e.MAS 7 will feature a 12-in-1 intelligent electric propulsion system,, although specific details such as motor count and output are yet to be disclosed.

The powertrain gets its juice from Geely’s Aegis short blade battery, which is said to offer higher energy density, improved safety, and better durability.

The interior is yet to be revealed, but according to Proton, the e-MAS 7 will be equipped with the Flyme Auto Connectivity System that integrates with the local IHU system.

There’s a Telematic Service Provider that supports various advanced functions, bringing intelligent technology directly to the consumer.

At the preview, Proton reiterated that the e.MAS 7 was developed in collaboration with Geely and is not merely a rebadge of the Geely Galaxy E5, as previously assumed by many.

Over 100 Proton engineers were involved in the project. The e.MAS 7 has undergone rigorous testing, with 700,000 manhours and 10 million kilometres of testing performed to verify its durability and reliability.

Since the announcement of the e.MAS brand name and the subsequent introduction of 18 Proton e.MAS outlets in June, Pro-Net has now expanded its reach to a total of 29 outlets.

The company aims to have 25 Proton e.MAS showrooms operational before the launch of the public launch of the e.MAS 7.

NEWS

2025 Proton X70: here’s what you need to know

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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.

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NEWS

2025 Proton X70 open for booking, now with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

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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.

NEWS

Here’s a list of Proton limousines from back in the day

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.

NEWS

Proton announces RM253 million investment in new stamping lines in Tg Malim

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).

NEWS

2024 Proton X50 received over 8,000 bookings in its first month

PROTON announced that the 2024 Proton X50 has received an overwhelming response, amassing a total of 8,000 bookings within just one month since its debut in June.

Since its original debut in 2020, the X50 has been Malaysia’s best-selling SUV, with 115,262 units sold up to June.

In response to the overwhelming demand, Proton said it is ramping up production to expedite delivery timeline for eager customers by August 2024.

Roslan Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer, Proton Edar said the automaker is thrilled to see such exceptional booking numbers in the first month alone, which demonstrates the strong appeal of the 2024 X50.

“This reaffirms our commitment to delivering outstanding value and quality to our customers. We understand the excitement and anticipation surrounding the 2024 Proton X50, and we want to assure our customers that we are doing everything possible to meet their expectations,” he added.

The automaker also said that all customers who are entitled for early bird promotion of RM7,000 cash discount and RM1,000/ RM1,500 trade-in support will receive it accordingly.

While its exterior has been left untouched, the 2024 X50 comes with a new NVH package that brings improvements to over 20 areas for better road noise insulation. Additionally, the power tailgate added to the Premium and Flagship variants offers ease of operation.

The upgraded 10.3-inch infotainment head unit (IHU) is another highlight, featuring a new dual quad-core processor unit that provides faster bootup speed and loading time.

Another enhancement is the 360 camera, which delivers exceptional clarity even in low-light conditions. Test drive videos have highlighted the 3D display that integrates a blind spot monitoring system, enhancing safety and awareness while cruising at speeds up to 150 km/h.

In conjunction with celebrating Proton’s 5 millionth production milestone, Proton has also rolled out promotional packages for other models, such as a cash rebate of RM500 for the Saga, RM7,000 for the X70 and a free 2-year service maintenance for the X90.

Additionally, a long awaited ‘no purchase obligation Test Drive and Win’ event has been introduced at Proton showrooms nationwide.

NEWS

Proton e.MAS calls for more dealership opportunities, apply here

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:

  • Alor Setar
  • Kuala Terengganu
  • Selangor
  • Kuala Lumpur
  • Seremban
  • Melaka
  • Johor Bahru
  • Batu Pahat
  • Muar
  • Kuching
  • Sibu
  • Bintulu
  • Miri
  • Sandakan, and
  • Tawau.

If you are interested in being part of the journey towards a sustainable future, please email: Zhaole@proton.com / affendyk@proton.com

NEWS

Pro-Net to fully manage Proton e.MAS brand

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.

NEWS

Proton sold 73,696 cars in first six months of 2024

PROTON has announced that for the month of June 2024, it successfully sold a total of 10,999 vehicles for the domestic and export markets. This allowed the national car manufacturer to strengthen its hold of second place in the automotive sales table.

The figures for June show a slight drop from May, during which the company recorded sales of 12,522 units. Proton said in a statement that sales volume was affected by a planned one-week plant shutdown for scheduled operations improvement activities.

However, overall, the company achieved a market share figure of 19.1% for the month, the same as its year-to-date (YTD) market share figure. Total sales for the first half of 2024 closed at 73,696 units.

According to Proton, total industry volume (TIV) for June is forecast softer than any month this year. An estimated 57,700 units were sold last month, lower than April, the previous low point in 2024 during a period affected by the long festive holiday.

Cumulatively however, the forecast TIV figure for the first six months of 2024 is approximately 386,600 units, which is nearly 20,000 units more than the same time period in 2023 when it reached a new record high.

June was a busy month for Proton. Aside from launching its e.MAS EV brand, it also celebrated the roll-out of the 5 millionth vehicle from its production line and launched the 2024 Proton X50.

This resulted in an immediate improvement in sales volume with the X50 returning to the top of the B-segment SUV class with 1,711 units, its best performance in three months. With production set to increase after the improvements to the plant, sales are expected to rise in the coming months.

The other model to finish at the head of its segment was the S70 with 1,440 units sold last month. The new model has lead C-segment sedan sales every month in 2024.

The Saga raked in a further 5,441 units in June, bringing its YTD sales figure to 34,838 units. On average over 5,800 units have been sold each month, making it easily one of the best-selling vehicles in the country.

NEWS

Proton celebrates milestone with five million cars produced in 41 years

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PROTON achieved another historic milestone in its 41-year history when it broke through five million units produced barrier.

The record setting vehicle, a Proton X90 Flagship was revealed during a visit to the company headquarters at the Centre Of Excellence (COE) complex by Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Malaysian Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, and Jin Zhuanglong, Chinese Minister of Industry, and Information Technology.

In a statement, Dr Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer, Proton said the national automaker was tasked with mobilising Malaysians and establishing a local automotive ecosystem when it was formed in 1983.

“Today, we continue to play a critical role in the nation’s economy. Over 100,000 people earn a living through activities linked to Proton and each of them played a role in driving the company towards this landmark achievement of five million units,” he said.

Since joining forces with the Geely Group in 2017, Proton has launched four all-new models jointly developed with its shareholder, upgraded its locally designed models, and introduced intelligence and connectivity to its entire lineup.

Together with improvements in product quality, investments in after sales and parts management as well as the establishment of a dealer network with the highest number of 3S/4S outlets, these activities have led to five consecutive years of sales growth with a corresponding increase in production.

From the introduction of the Proton X70 on 12 December 2018, more than 217,000 units of the company’s X-series SUVs have been sold thus far to local and export market customers. This makes Proton far and away the overall leader for SUV sales in Malaysia during that time period.

Sales of the Proton Saga meanwhile have surpassed 2 million units, allowing it to keep its position as the most popular Malaysian-made car of all time.

“Just last week, we confirmed e.MAS as the brand name for future Proton EV products and today as we set yet another milestone, the future is ripe with opportunities for PROTON to continue to provide sustainable mobility for Malaysians and our export markets,” added Dr Li.