“Others (carmakers) can afford to fail, Proton can’t afford to fail” said the Proton rep in all sincerity, during one of the many conversations we had during the official media drive of the new X70 SUV. Most of it was light-hearted banter, but there was always an underlying seriousness as to just how important this first vehicle from the Proton / Geely alliance is to everyone involved…
“We’ve had too many chances, and we’ve let too many down in the past, we can’t afford to do that anymore”. These are serious words indeed. Truth be told, I am one of the many of whom Proton has let down in the past, having owned my fair share of Proton cars over the years – eight at last count – and having even been part of a select few summoned by the (then) CEO of Proton many moons ago to meet with his production team and vendors to tell them exactly what was wrong with the (then) new Waja.
So this X70 media drive was something I’d been looking forward to for a very long time. Yes, it was overdue, normally the media test drive is done before the official launch so that our stories, articles, reviews, videos, etc. can appear just after the public launch, but I wasn’t complaining, because to me, this wasn’t the test of a car per se, it was a test of an entire carmaker, and that was worth waiting for.
So there it is folks, the latest from Proton. Based on the comments being posted below the videos it’s quite apparent that many really like the new X70, and bookings have apparently surpassed 16,000 already. I’m looking forward to the individual test drives that will be happening in the near future, so stay tuned as we delve even deeper into why this is the best Proton ever. – Chris Wee.
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.
So we received these photos, and just in case you haven’t seen them, this is what could be the the new Proton SUV set to debut in October this year. What do you think?
Not too shabby eh? From what we’ve heard, the new Proton SUV will have “CR-V size and specs but a HR-V price”, which means its introductory level variant will be priced below RM100,000. We shall have to wait and see!
In conjunction with the festive season, PROTON is offering its customers the greatest Saga deal with the best price in 10 years. In addition, there are also great savings offered for other Proton models. With this, now everyone can enjoy a good deal – from those who like the ride and handling of Proton cars, be it the popular sedans to the spacious MPVs, it is definitely an ideal time to get a Proton, with the Best Saga Deal in 10 Years campaign.
Proton understands how a first car can define a person’s life, especially for those travelling back to their home towns to celebrate this joyous celebration with their loved ones. The simply affordable sedan can provide convenience and comfort of long distance travel for families across the country. For this reason, PROTON is making life easier for you. The Saga can be yours from below RM30,000. The popular and durable Saga will provide a smooth and effortless drive along the highways.
Buy Proton car, support Malaysia…
In light of recent developments in the country and the togetherness of its people, PROTON, in support of Tabung Harapan Malaysia has pledged RM10 from every Proton car purchase to be donated to the government fund. As a caring national corporate organisation, PROTON feels the need to come forward to provide additional assistance towards this worthy cause, for the country and the people of Malaysia. This initiative will take effect from 1 June 2018 to 31 December 2018.
Great savings for each Proton model…
Additionally, there will also be great savings for all other Proton models apart from the best Saga deal in relation to the Hari Raya promotion and to encourage sales of Proton cars in our effort to support the Tabung Harapan. There will be savings of up to RM4,000 for Iriz and Ertiga, and up to RM3,000 for Persona. The savings offered are on top of the zerorised GST, resulting in an offer almost double the GST reduction.
“It’s never been a better time than now to own a Proton, especially with the zero-rated GST in force. Customers could potentially save between 12% – 18%, depending on car model, if we consider additional savings from zerorised GST. Our cars are affordable, and has fantastic safety features. The Persona and Iriz have 5-star ASEAN NCAP, HPF body structure with 6 airbags, ESC and traction control features. Meanwhile, the Ertiga has the best fuel consumption in its class. It is extra versatile and provides passengers with extra comfort with its rear aircond vents, large third row seats and ample headroom which are comfortable for the long journey back to our home town this Hari Raya,” explained Abdul Rashid Musa, Vice President, Sales and Marketing of PROTON.
“We are confident consumers will derive great satisfaction when they drive a Proton, as our cars are known for its driveability, durability and great ride and handling. So don’t miss this fantastic offer,” added Rashid.
The below table shows the total amount of savings customers can expect to enjoy under the Duit Raya promotion.
Model & Duit Raya promotion valid from 1 June – 30 June 2018
Free 20-point inspection nationwide and at selected PETRONAS Stations…
Aside from sales freebies, PROTON will also be offering a free 20-point inspection at all its outlets nationwide, from now until 15th June 2018. The stop-check and go will ensure a smooth journey and a joyous celebration without last minute hassle.
The 20-point inspection will cover areas like brake and clutch pedal operations, all switches, lighting and indicators inside instrument panel, safety belts, battery checks, wiper blades, engine oil, coolant and others.
For those last minute travellers who would like to get their cars for the 20-point check, especially those travelling on long journeys towards North, South and East Coast, they can also head on to selected PETRONAS Stations (Refer appendix – table 2 for details), where the PROTON service team will be there to perform the necessary quick checks.
Free gift for lubricant service…
In addition, customers who service their cars using Petronas Syntium SE 3000 and Syntium SE 800 engine oil at any PROTON outlet will be entitled for either an exclusive inverted umbrella or the Rolson screwdriver set respectively. This offer is valid until 15th June 2018 or while stocks last.
For more information, customers can contact PROTON Customer Care at 1800 888 398 or email customercare@proton.com. Customers can also visit www.proton.com or its official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ProtonCarsOfficial.
For added convenience, customers can download the official MyProton mobile app, available via Google Play and Apple App Store.
In Early March this year, a group of 33 PROTON dealers got the opportunity to visit one of Geely’s dealer outlets in Shanghai. The dealer visit was established with the focus to enable PROTON dealers to have a real look and experience Geely’s dealer set up and how this experience could be helpful in setting up similar facade and feel here in Malaysia.
For Lum Hon Yoon, of Gagah Murni Sdn Bhd, “It is a good experience being here. We get to see closer how a Geely dealer outlet looks like. There is a good use of space. More importantly, it has different areas for customers to feel comfortable, there are coffee area, discussion area, children area and reading area as well. This means that this place is catered for the whole family. Parents do not have to worry so much as the kids will have a play area, or if the wife needs reading time, then she can occupy the reading area, hence anyone can come and be occupied with something and not be bored while waiting for the car to be serviced,” Lum explained.
These areas serve its purpose and many of the dealers liked the idea, and view it as a modern family needs. “People are always busy and the idea to send in a car for service for a few hours seem like a whole day. With built-in areas such as the discussion area, this could also serve as a meeting point where two or more people can come and have a small discussion. Moreover, the existence of a coffee area means that you do not have to run to the nearest Starbucks or Coffee Bean just to get your morning or afternoon coffee fix to get your day going,” observed Aw Chiew Soon, of Warna Bestari Sdn Bhd.
Razali Ahmad, of Erakars Sdn Bhd shared similar views. “The showroom area is more or less like the ones we currently have in PROTON outlets. What separates it is the spacious waiting area and the comfortable rest area that looks like your home living room, which is what I anticipate customers will like the most. The additional facilities becomes the pull factor in attracting customers to come service their cars. At least patrons can occupy their time in the most productive ways, so overall it is a plus factor”.
For some other dealers, what impressed them was the smart uniform, and their professional ways of greeting the PROTON entourage.
“As for me, the spaciousness of the waiting area is an appealing idea. More so, what impresses me is their uniform. The guys and girls all look so smart. This is also good for business. Customers who come in, could feel the ‘one ness’ in their approach. For us, it is all about attracting customers to showroom,” explained Azizulmu’min Mohd Hussein Malim, of Rohamas Corporation Sdn Bhd.
“Furthermore, when sales and service staff speak the same language, be it in terms of uniform, or approach, it confers a lot of confidence amongst the customers, hence selling a product becomes easier, aside from good product knowledge,” Azizulmu’min said.
Footnote from the Editor: So our dear Proton Dealers, are you convinced yet? Other carmakers have been offering this kind of customer service at their premises here for decades, thus it really isn’t asking too much for ALL Proton outlets to do the same now, is it? – Chris Wee.
