Proton terus mengukuhkan kubunya dalam pasaran dengan mencatatkan angka jualan yang mengagumkan bagi satu lagi bulan. Pada bulan November 2023, Proton mencatatkan jumlah pendaftaran sebanyak 12,296 unit (domestik + eksport). Pencapaian ini mengukuhkan kedudukan Pencapaian ini mengukuhkan kedudukan kedua Proton dalam kalangan jenama automotif, menunjukkan daya tahan dalam pasaran yang kompetitif.
Jumlah jualan YTD Syarikat sehingga bulan November mencapai 141,900 unit (Domestik: 138,876 unit, Eksport: 3,024 unit). Proton telah pun melepasi jumlah jualan sepanjang tahun sebelumnya dengan mencecah 141,900 unit berbanding 141,432 unit pada tahun lepas. Pertumbuhan sebanyak 12% yang membanggakan berbanding tahun ke tahun membawa kepada pegangan pasaran yang stabil iaitu 19.7%.
Dilancarkan pada 28 November, Proton S70 telah memberi impak yang luar biasa dengan peningkatan tiga kali ganda dalam tempahan berikutan pelancarannya dan pengumuman harga. Slogan “Intelligence that Evolves” terbukti lebih daripada sekadar perkataan, bergema dengan baik kepada pengguna. Lonjakan dalam tempahan, kini melepasi 900 seminggu, menunjukkan populariti model dan keupayaannya untuk memenuhi permintaan pasaran Malaysia. Jumlah tempahan untuk S70 telah pun melebihi 3,000 unit, menandakan kecenderungan yang sejajar dengan keperluan dan pilihan rakyat Malaysia.
Proton X Series, yang terdiri daripada model X50, X70, dan X90, telah menawan hati pembeli kereta Malaysia dengan mencapai pencapaian yang luar biasa iaitu 201,710 unit di atas jalan raya. X Series yang terkenal dengan inovasi, prestasi dan gayanya, telah menjadi simbol komitmen Proton untuk menyampaikan kenderaan yang sesuai dengan pilihan pengguna yang pelbagai.
Proton X50, pendahulu dalam kategori SUV segmen B, kekal sebagai kegemaran pelanggan, menyumbang dengan ketara kepada kejayaan bulan November dengan 2,115 unit terjual. Sejak dilancarkan, sebanyak 102,325 unit telah terjual. Proton X70, pesaing teguh dalam segmen SUV C, merekodkan 95,100 unit terjual sejak dilancarkan, mengekalkan kedudukan pasarannya yang kukuh. Proton X90, yang diperkenalkan kurang dari setahun lalu, terus menerajui segmen SUV D, meraih 4,285 unit dalam jualan yang seterusnya menyumbang kepada kejayaan keseluruhan X Series.
Model PIES Proton (Saga, Iriz, Persona, Exora) terus mencatatkan pertumbuhan yang memberangsangkan iaitu sebanyak 34.3%. berbanding YTD 2022. Proton Saga kekal tertinggi, mendahului dengan 6,349 unit terjual, kedua tertinggi untuk tahun ini, mempamerkan popularitinya yang berkekalan di kalangan pembeli kereta Malaysia.
In November 2023, Proton continued to assert its robust presence in the automotive market, achieving noteworthy sales figures. The company recorded a total registration of 12,296 units (domestic + export), securing its second position among automotive brands in a fiercely competitive market.
With a total Year-to-Date (YTD) sales figure reaching an impressive 141,900 units (Domestic: 138,876 units, Export: 3,024 units) up to November, Proton has not only surpassed the sales volume of the entire previous year but has also demonstrated a commendable 12% growth year-on-year, solidifying its market share at 19.7%.
A significant highlight for Proton in November was the launch of the Proton S70on the 28th. The model experienced a threefold increase in bookings following its launch and price announcement. With a tagline emphasising “Intelligence that Evolves,” the Proton S70 has resonated well with consumers, surpassing 900 bookings per week. The total bookings for the S70 have already exceeded 3,000 units, showcasing its rapid popularity and alignment with the preferences of the Malaysian market.
The Proton X Series, comprising the X50, X70, and X90 models, has continued to garner praise and consumer interest. The series, known for its innovation, performance, and style, has reached a remarkable milestone of 201,710 units on the road. The Proton X50, a frontrunner in the B-segment SUV category, contributed significantly to November’s success with 2,115 units sold, bringing the total since launch to 102,325 units. The X70, a robust contender in the C SUV segment, maintained its strong market standing with 95,100 units sold since launch. The X90, introduced less than a year ago, has established itself as a leader in the D SUV segment, with 4,285 units in sales, further contributing to the overall success of the X Series.
Proton’s PIES models (Saga, Iriz, Persona, Exora) have played a pivotal role in the company’s growth, recording a substantial 34.3% growth compared to YTD 2022. The Proton Saga, in particular, demonstrated enduring popularity, securing the highest sales with 6,349 units sold in November, marking the second-highest for the year.
Proton has officially introduced the Proton S70, a sleek and feature-rich sedan that combines the trusted Proton lineage with the innovative design of the Geely Emgrand model. The Proton S70 is available in four distinct variants. The variants are the 1.5T Executive, 1.5T Premium, 1.5T Flagship and the 1.5T Flagship X.
Based on and drawing inspiration from the Geely Emgrand, the Proton S70 features an identical shape with thoughtful modifications. The exterior is enhanced with a distinctive rear model script and a new grille adorned with chrome pin inserts. LED projector headlamps illuminate the path ahead, accompanied by LED taillights with a striking light bar. Completing the look are a sunroof and 17-inch 10-spoke wheels wrapped in Goodyear Assurance TripleMax 2 tires.
Under the hood, the Proton S70 differentiates itself with a turbocharged 1.5 L 3-cylinder engine paired with a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). This powerhouse contrasts with the Geely’s naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine with a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT), delivering an exhilarating driving experience.
The Proton S70 embraces cutting-edge technology with a 10.25-inch TFT infotainment display boasting a resolution of 1,920 x 720. Complementing this centerpiece is a 3.25-inch monochrome meter display, offering a comprehensive view of crucial vehicle information. The infotainment system features voice command functionality, a powered driver seat, an inductive trunk that responds to a simple foot swipe, and a convenient wireless charger.
Prioritising safety, the Proton S70 comes equipped with an extensive suite of features, including:
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), incorporating:
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)
Traffic Sign Information (TSI)
Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC)
Six airbags
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Brake Assist (BA)
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Traction Control (TC)
Hill Hold Assist (HHA)
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Rear Collision Warning (RCW)
Door Opening Warning (DOW)
Lane Change Assist (LCA)
Pricing for the Proton S70 is as follows:
S70 1.5T Executive: RM73,800
S70 1.5T Premium: RM79,800
S70 1.5T Flagship: RM89,800
S70 1.5T Flagship X: RM94,800
Proton has also introduced an early bird package for the first 3000 buyers that is valid until 29th February 2024. The package includes:
Aerokit worth RM3130 for the Flagship X variant.
Service voucher worth RM500 for the Premium and Flagship variants only.
Upgraded Proton insurance program with complimentary first year special perils coverage.
The standard package for all variants include:
5-year warranty with unlimited mileage.
5-year data package with 1GB per month for both flagship variants.
The 2019 Proton Persona was officially unveiled to the Malaysian media at PROTON’s Malaysia Design Centre in Shah Alam, COE, yesterday. The B-segment family sedan has been given an exterior redesign as well as an intelligent head unit identical to the one in the 2019 Iriz and based on the system used in the Proton X70. Both the Persona and Iriz are the first models in Proton’s current range to be updated following the collaboration with Geely and the official launch of both vehicles is currently planned to occur simultaneously by end-March 2019.
The 2019 Proton Persona
Flash booking promotion to start on 12 March…
PROTON will be holding a ‘flash promotion’ for the 2019 Persona. Interested buyers can place an online booking for only RM9.99, which begins on 11 March 2019 and ends at 11.59pm on 22 March 2019. “PROTON aims to make its cars accessible to as many potential buyers as possible. That is why the RM9.99 flash promotion is being offered for the 2019 Persona. The low commitment fee is just one part of the deal. The convenience of being able to place a booking online from virtually anywhere there is a data line is the second part of the equation, making the act of booking a car simple and fast,” said Dr Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer of PROTON (below, left).
Due to popular demand, the flash promotion offer for the Proton Iriz will also be extended to end on the same day as the promotion for the 2019 Persona. This means customers will be able to place a booking for either car online until 22 March. The first joint customer preview of the Persona and Iriz will take place this weekend 16 – 17 March at Proton Edar 3S centre in Plentong, Johor Bahru. Previously, customer events had been held at Proton Edar 3S centres at Chan Sow Lin and Damansara but they only featured the Iriz.
Restyled to feature family design elements…
Penned by a team led by the head of PROTON Design, Azlan Othman, the 2019 Persona benefits from expertise drawn from other design centres within the Geely group of companies. Working to a design brief with the model slogan Intelligence That Cares the Persona’s design embodies its three USPs of peerless connectivity, practical functionality and proven safety. It also uses styling elements to create a visual link with other Proton models.
The design updates are subtle but make the Persona stand out from its predecessor. At the front, it receives a new outer grille inspired by the “Ethereal Bow” that debuted on the Proton X70 and also features on the Iriz. The radiator incorporates the “Infinite Weave” pattern sculpted into its design and sits on top of a redesigned front bumper. Sleek new LED daytime running lamps (DRL) are housed over a honeycomb mesh backing while a new bumper lower garnish ties together the new design elements of the front bumper and frames the lower air intake more elegantly.
At the rear, the most noticeable changes are the PROTON name proudly spelled out on the trunk lid garnish and a new bumper lower garnish that enhances the rear visual identity. A slimmer spoiler adds a sporting touch while a new bolder flowing typeface for the Persona name badge matches the overall exterior styling theme. A new 15-inch aluminium wheel design and a shark fin antenna provide the final exterior styling touches.
The intelligent car for families…
Similar to its sister car the Iriz, the 2019 Proton Persona features an intelligent head unit that is equipped with an embedded eSIM card and offers apps for music streaming, weather updates, navigation and voice recognition. Access to the system is via a 7-inch full colour touchscreen with 16GB of internal memory. There is also Wi-Fi connectivity and full mirroring capabilities for Android smart phones via an app.
“The Proton X70 introduced the concept of intelligence to our range of cars and the 2019 Proton Persona and Iriz have now received similar features. Their intelligent head unit offers voice command, weather forecast, navigation and music streaming functions and they can all be accessed using the Hi Proton! catchphrase. These are first in class features for cars in the B-segment so we hope to build on the advantage we now have over our rivals,” added Dr Li Chunrong.
It’s here! From its beginnings in 2007, the effervescent Proton Persona has received a major facelift, but not only that, it’s also had a total of 303 improvements from the previous model. Most notably the “Infinite Weave” and “Ethereal Bow” design cues from the Proton X70 have now also been added to this Persona FL.
Available in 4 variants all utilising the same 1.6-litre engine, 3 of the 4 variants are mated to a CVT gearbox, however, one variant will be offered with a 5-speed manual transmission. Which of course begs the question, will this powertrain see its way into the Proton Iriz? Don’t forget during the media preview of the latter, it was noted that the “R” in Iriz was larger and painted red, clearly signifying for something a lot more sporty to come… You can read more about the FL Iriz in this link here.
As far as features are concerned, the 2019 Persona is loaded to the g(r)illes with kit, for example, in the top of the line model, GKUI or voice-command is now standard equipment, and across the range, both active and passive safety systems are very admirable, for example, all variants are equipped with ABS, Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control, and Brake Assist & EBD, not to mention Hill-Hold Assist and a Reverse Camera with all-round parking sensors. Passive safety wise, all variants get 6-Airbags. This has warranted the 2019 Persona to receive a full 5-Star Asean NCAP Safety Rating.
The Official 2019 Proton Persona Press Release will be in the next installment, so stay tuned!
Yup, voice commands in an introductory model, your eyes didn’t deceive you in that title. The Iriz is also the very first existing Proton model to be upgraded under the new partnership with Geely, and the Persona will follow suit soon. Targeted for a March 2019 launch, here’s the official media unveiling of the Iriz FL…
Very prominent changes to the Iriz styling are the use of the “Ethereal Bow” and “Infinite Weave” in the front facade; these design elements made their maiden appearance in the X70 of course, but this design was integrated into the Iriz by Proton’s Head of Design, Azlan Othman (below).
During his presentation to the media, Azlan explained the Iriz was penned to portray intelligence with a sporty look, hence the model slogan of Intelligence That Excites. He also mentioned the use of styling elements to create a visual link with other Proton models. Starting from the front, there are new slim headlights integrated with a prominent grille garnish. The shape of the chrome bar is inspired by the “Ethereal Bow” design while the radiator grille features the “Infinite Weave” pattern, topped by a trademark Proton logo. There is also a bold new front bumper that features a new lower radiator grille as well as sleek LED daytime running lamps (DRL) that add a sophisticated touch to the overall design.
At the rear, the PROTON name is now spelled out on the tailgate garnish in place of the logo previously used. Visually, it now looks wider, an impression reinforced by the new rear bumper with vertical garnish inserts and a new bumper stripe. Finishing touches consist of an Iriz nameplate in a distinctive new typeface, a shark fin antenna and new rotor blade design alloy wheels.
The 2019 Iriz is the first B-segment hatchback in Malaysia to feature an intelligent head unit that uses an embedded eSIM card and offers apps for music streaming, navigation and voice recognition. Access to the apps and other functions is via a 7-inch touchscreen featuring a full colour display and 16GB of internal memory. Similar to the system used on the Proton X70, the Iriz also has Wi-Fi connectivity so it can be used as a mobile hotspot or connect to Wi-Fi services that are within range. You can see more of this being demo’d in the video below…
Full mirroring capabilities with Android smart phones is also offered. “Following the introduction of the Proton X70, the 2019 Proton Iriz will be the second Proton model to receive an intelligent head unit offering functions such as voice command, navigation and music streaming. It will also use the same Hi Proton! catchphrase to access the system. You can therefore say that because of the Proton X70, the Proton Iriz was inspired to be intelligent,” said Dr Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer of PROTON.
Flash promotion to be held in run-up to official launch
PROTON will be holding a ‘flash promotion’ for the 2019 Iriz where interested buyers can make an online booking for only RM9.99. By doing so, PROTON will also reward them with free road tax for a period of two years as a sign of gratitude for booking the Iriz prior to its launch. The promotion starts at 10am on 1 March 2019 and ends at 11.59pm on 11 March 2019. Have a look at the Iriz on Proton’s test track below!
“By holding a flash promotion, we want to make the 2019 Iriz accessible to more potential buyers. Aside from the low commitment fee, we are also offering convenience as bookings can be placed online. This is however a limited time offer so we would encourage interested parties to book their units as soon as possible,” added Dr Li Chunrong.
The Company will also be holding customer previews at several of its Proton Edar outlets to give members of the public a chance to see the 2019 Iriz up close before its official launch. The first location will be at the Proton Edar 4S centre in Chan Sow Lin, where the preview will be held from 2 – 3 March.
Here are the variants to choose from:
Our final video showcases the Iriz’s handling capabilities, stay tuned to Piston.my for the official launch and price announcement coming soon!
The first official photos of the facelifted Proton Iriz, PROTON’s award winning B-segment hatchback, have been released. Set to be launched later this year, the Iriz is the first model in the Company’s current range to be given a facelift since the collaboration with Geely was announced. The new exterior lines are designed to portray connectivity with a sporty look as well as to build visual links with other models by using design elements that are common between them.
The front of the Iriz features new slim headlights that are integrated with a prominent grille garnish, which in turn has a shape inspired by the “Ethereal Bow” that made its debut on the Proton X70. The radiator grille meanwhile features the “Infinite Weave” pattern sculpted into its design and is topped by a trademark Proton logo. The bold new front bumper features a new lower radiator grille shape as well as sleek LED daytime running lights (DRL) adding a sophisticated touch to the overall design.
At the rear, the Proton Iriz gets the new corporate identity feature of the PROTON name being spelled out on the tailgate garnish in place of the logo previously used. The visual impact is it now looks wider, an impression reinforced by the new rear bumper. Vertical garnish inserts framing a new bumper stripe are the bumper’s most prominent features, lending the rear of the Iriz a more stable and sporty stance whilst adding character.
Just like at the front, the new rear bumper integrates seamlessly with the overall proportions and the finishing touch is provided by an Iriz nameplate in a distinctive new typeface. A final flourish of sporty style is provided by a shark fin antenna and new rotor blade design alloy wheels.
The connected car…
The face lifted Proton Iriz is equipped with a colour touch screen, developed by PROTON and ECARX and offering connectivity options as well as voice command functions. This will be the first time a B-segment hatchback from a national car maker is offered with such features, reinforcing its sporty yet intelligent image. More information on the infotainment system and the mechanical specification of the Proton Iriz will be released closer to the launch date.
Here’s the second video from the first day of the Proton X70 official media drive. A static-display was set up against the backdrop of Pantai Cenang, Langkawi, and I just had to do a quick walkabout. Stay tuned for more to come from the drive happening soon! – Chris Wee.
That’s right folks Piston.my has arrived safely at the venue of the much-anticipated ‘official’ media drive of the new Proton X70 SUV in Langkawi. I know many of you may be asking why of all places, Langkawi? Well, for one thing traffic away from town is pretty sparse, and the B-roads here are quite awesome, based on previous media drives that have been conducted on this island. Plus I’m not complaining, not with views like this….
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, we’d just landed and instead of the usual express bus to ferry us to the hotel, Proton had arranged a fleet of X70’s replete with white-gloved chauffeurs to handle this task, which meant I got to shoot a very quick video from the back seat, and talk to the X70 for the first time! Here it is…
FINALLY! After the longest “long lead-in” teaser in the history of motoring in Malaysia, the Proton X70 was officially launched last night by the father of Proton, Tun Dr. Mahathir himself! 35-years ago he did the same with the Saga, and it was fitting that he launched the latest model, Proton’s first SUV, the X70. Here’s the launch gambit video:
Possibly the biggest surprise was the price announcement that everyone had been waiting for, and as we’d expected, of the 4 variants launched, the introductory variant is priced BELOW RM100,000!
The price announcement was made by Dr. Li Chunrong, the CEO of Proton, along with the ‘special packages’ that will come with the new X70, here’s the video:
Following the launch, and once the thousand-plus attendees had mostly dissipated, Piston.my managed to grab some alone-time with the new Proton X70, and here’s what we thought:
For more info on the Proton X70 launch, check out the press release below the photo gallery!
FULL PRESS RELEASE:
PROTON X70 LAUNCHED
– Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad officially launches PROTON’s first SUV
– Special ownership packages and national price scheme announced
Kuala Lumpur, 12 December 2018– PROTON officially launched the Proton X70 at a glittering ceremony officiated by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). Full details of the flagship SUV were also revealed at the event including the selling price, service, financing and warranty packages.
The first premium SUV by a Malaysian automotive brand
The Proton X70 is the first vehicle to be jointly developed by PROTON and its partner Geely, and is the first premium SUV by a Malaysian automotive brand. It also introduces PROTON to a new market segment and is the key catalyst for the total rejuvenation of the brand. When developing the Proton X70, both PROTON and Geely collaborated on multiple levels. From the cross deployment of staff in China and Malaysia, to testing in Malaysia’s hot and humid climate to the collaboration between local and international vendors, the goal was to ensure a product that is perfectly suited to the needs of Malaysian and ASEAN car buyers.
To prepare for its introduction, PROTON embarked on a comprehensive marketing plan to build an unprecedented level of excitement amongst car buyers via on-ground events, the launch of an online booking portal and giving the SUV its public debut at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS). These efforts began in September and were further strengthened by social media campaigns that included a naming contest and numerous teaser videos on Facebook and YouTube.
At the same time, significant investments to PROTON’s network were made for the arrival of the Proton X70. Training activities for sales and service staff and the launch of the inaugural PROTON After Sales Service Competition (PASSC) were part of efforts to ensure everyone had sufficient knowledge of the new vehicle. The Company also embarked on an ambitious network expansion plan by inviting new investors to start PROTON outlets and offering generous incentives for existing dealers to upgrade their facilities to 3S and 4S centres. To date 115 plans for such centres have been approved with 71 already launched thus far this year.
“The Proton X70 is the result of more than one year of hard work by PROTON and Geely engineers, designers and hundreds of other people working together to develop the first premium SUV by a Malaysian car manufacturer. PROTON is proud of our achievement and it is our belief Malaysian car buyers will be equally proud to own an SUV that will help to transform the Proton brand. With over 10,000 bookings, it already has a good start so we will work hard to deliver on our product and brand promise,” said Dr Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer, PROTON.
“Deliveries of the Proton X70 will commence over the coming weeks as we want customers to get their cars as soon as possible. Some have had to wait for over six months, having given their name to dealers before bookings were even officially opened, so PROTON is thankful to them for their patience and incredible brand loyalty,” he added.
Special packages and one price for all Malaysians
To enhance the ownership experience of the Proton X70, special value added packages were announced at the launch event. Defined as Xtra packages, they affect four distinct areas. The Xtra Service Package offers free parts and labour for the first service as well as free labour for five scheduled service appointments within 100,000km or five years. Next, there is the Xtra Low Financing Package, offering low interest rates that start from 2.34% p.a. for qualified buyers.
PROTON will be the first national automotive brand to offer an unlimited mileage warranty as the Xtra Warranty Coverage Package will cover the Proton X70 for up to five years regardless of mileage. Finally, to ensure owners enjoy a premium connectivity experience the Xtra Data Package offers free internet data for five years (capped at 1GB per month).
“The Xtra packages offered will enhance the experience for owners by offering peace of mind, savings for servicing and financing as well as free data. PROTON will also create history by offering the Proton X70 at one price for one nation. This means East and West Malaysia car buyers will pay the same price for the same vehicle, making PROTON the first automotive brand to offer such a deal. It is our hope that by doing this, PROTON proves that a Malaysian product can be offered at the same price for all Malaysians regardless of where they live,” added Dr Li Chunrong.
