Proton X70 Archives

Proton’s export offensive underway with updated models launched in Brunei

With domestic market sales on the upswing, Proton is now giving attention to exports, which will be crucial for its future. Its products have been well accepted in neighbouring countries and can be exported duty-free under the provision of the AFTA agreement.

Following the launch of the Proton X70 in July last year, Pad Motors Sdn Bhd, the distributor for Proton in Brunei has received its first shipment of the updated Iriz, Saga and Persona models. Brunei is the first market outside Malaysia to begin selling these models and the distributor will be introducing them more actively with a roadshow starting on January 28.

Focus on growing export volume
After a successful 2019 saw the total sales volume grow by 55.7% – which Proton expects will place it in second overall position – the Malaysian carmaker is now looking to improve its performance in 2020 in export volumes.

“The export market will play an increasingly important role in growing Proton’s annual sales. When we updated the Proton Iriz, Persona, Exora and Saga last year, we did so while taking in to account the needs of markets outside of Malaysia and today, three of those cars are now available in Brunei. It’s a good start to 2020 but as the year progresses, we will be looking to export our cars to more countries,” said Dr. Li Chunrong, Proton’s CEO.

Aiming for No.3 in ASEAN
Dr. Li added that Proton’s long-term intention is to be the best-selling brand in Malaysia and Number 3 in ASEAN by 2027. In order to meet the ASEAN target, export volumes will need to be boosted in coming years.

Aside from its updated models, Proton will also be looking to grow sales of the X70. With 2020 versions already leaving the production line at the Tanjung Malim (which has a new RM1.2 billion extension), the carmaker now has the option of expanding the footprint for its SUV which recently won the 18^th Malaysia Cars of the Year overall award.

Proton Tg Malim 2019 — *With an additional investment of RM1.2 billion for an extension at the Tg. Malim factory in Perak, Proton can now plan for bigger export volumes in coming years.*

“Exporting the Proton X70 will be critical for Proton’s future sales growth, especially in neighbouring ASEAN countries. It will spearhead the introduction of the next generation of Proton models currently being jointly developed with Geely and will lay the groundwork for the brand with customers in these markets,” added Dr Li Chunrong.

Visit www.proton.com.my to know more about the X70 and other models in the Proton range.

Introduction of new brand logo marks start of Proton’s next chapter

Two top awards for Proton in 18th Malaysia Cars of the Year Awards (COTY 2019)

In its 18^th year running, the Malaysian Car of the Year (COTY) program – now known as Malaysia Cars of Year Awards – saw Proton receiving the top award of Overall Car of the Year for the first time. The award was for the Proton X70 SUV, a model which has helped to not only bring people back to the brand’s showrooms but also restored pride and confidence in what is still seen as a national marque.

Proton’s CEO, Dr. Li Chunrong (above), was also voted the Automotive Man of the Year in recognition of his leadership in turning the company around and putting it on a forward and upward trajectory. His strategy of upgrading showrooms to enhance the customer experience and boost quality in products and services has paid off with Proton doing much better during 2019.

The other category winners were as follow:

Passenger Cars
Entry Level – Proton Saga 1.3 (Facelift)
Compact Car – Toyota Yaris
Family Sedan/Hatchback – Mazda3 2.0 SKYACTIV
Premium Compact Executive – Mercedes-Benz A250
Large Family Sedan – Kia Optima GT
Premium Executive – BMW 330i M Sport
Large Premium Executive Sedan – BMW 530e M Sport (PHEV)
C suite – BMW 740L

SUV & Crossovers
People-Mover – Perodua Aruz 1.5
Compact Crossover & SUVs – Honda HR-V 1.5 Hybrid
Midsize Crossover & SUVs (5 Seaters) – Proton X70
Midsize Crossover & SUVs (7 Seaters) – Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 Diesel
Premium Midsize SUVs – Porsche Macan
Premium Luxury SUVs – Mercedes-Benz GLC 63
Premium Compact SUV – Volvo XC40 T5

Others
Pick-Up Truck – Ford Ranger 2.0 XLT
MPV – Kia Grand Carnival 2.2D (facelift)
Hot Hatch – Renault Megane R.S. 280 Cup
Coupe – BMW M2 Competition

BMW i3 & Nissan LEAF — *These two models spearhead the dawn of the EV age in Malaysia.*

Honorable Mentions – Electric Vehicles
BMW i3 and Nissan LEAF

Past Overall Award Winners
2018 – Peugeot 3008
2017 – Honda Jazz Hybrid
2016 – Honda Civic 1.5 TC
2015 – Mazda2
2014 – Honda City
2013 – Volkswagen Golf GTI
2012 – Ford Ranger 2.2 XLT
2011 – Peugeot RCZ
2010 – Volkswagen Passat
2009 – Peugeot 308 Turbo
2008 – Mazda6
2007 – Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0GT
2006 – Honda Civic
2005 – Mercedes-Benz CLS
2004 – BMW 530d
2003 – Volvo XC90
2002 – Perodua Kelisa

Previous Recipients – AUTOMOTIVE MAN OF THE YEAR
2018 – Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad (Automotive Lifetime Achievement Award)
2017 – Datuk Dr. Zahari Husin, MD, Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd
2016 – Yoichiro Ueno, CEO and MD, Honda Malaysia
2015 – Roland Folger, President & CEO, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia
2014 – Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh, President & CEO, Perodua
2013 – Datuk Ben Yeoh, Managing Director, Bermaz Motor
2012 – Datuk Samson Anand George, Chief Operating Officer, Nasim Sdn Bhd
2011 – Datuk JP Chin, Principal, JPM Motorsports
2010 – SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin, Joint Group Executive Chairman, NAZA Group of Companies
2009 – Datuk Syed Abdull Hafiz Syed Abu Bakar (Perodua) and Datuk Dr Ang Bon Beng (Edaran Tan Chong Motor)
2008 – Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Tahir, (Proton)
2007 – Datuk Saw Choo Boon (Shell Malaysia)
2006 – Tan Sri Nasimuddin SM Amin (Naza)
2005 – Datuk Frank Steinleitner, (DaimlerChrysler Malaysia)
2004 – Tan Sri Tengku Mahaleel Ariff (Proton)
2003 – Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Omar (Perodua)
2002 – Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin SM Amin (Naza)

Proton’s annual sales crossed the 100,000 level in 2019, first time since 2015

Since 2015, the total annual sales of Proton vehicles have been below 100,000 units but 2019 saw it cross the 100,000 mark again to record a total sales volume of 100,821 units (including exports). The achievement was helped by a boost in December which were the highest for the whole of 2019 – 11,117 units which was 112% over the corresponding month in 2018 and also the first time the carmaker has sold more than 11,000 cars in a month since July 2014.

While the December sales number is equivalent to a 20.5% share of the anticipated Total Industry Volume (TIV) for the month (pending release of official data by the Malaysian Automotive Association), the final number represents an increase of 55.7% over 2018’s TIV. Proton believes it achieved the strongest sales growth among the top 5 brands in Malaysia in 2019, with overall market share estimated to be at 16.7%.

Proton sales 2015 ~ 2019 — *NB: 2019 sales include exports.*

Segment leaders
According to a statement by the company this afternoon, Proton’s sales growth was powered by the X70 SUV, along with double-digit percentage increases in sales for the 4 updated models it launched in 2019. The X70 began its first full year of sales strongly and was the fastest-selling SUV in its class. It maintained its position at the head of its segment for the entire year and ended 2019 with a total of 26,331 units sold, which Proton says makes it the leader within its segment.

Meanwhile, sales of the Saga continued on an upward trajectory after appearing in showrooms on August 6. In December, 3,892 units of the youngest model in Proton’s current range – and also the brand’s oldest nameplate – were registered nationwide, a number which Proton says makes it the most popular A-segment sedan. Total sales for 2019 closed at 38,144 units, equivalent to a 36% increase in volume.

Unfortunately, comparisons of official data will not be possible for another 12 months since the powerful Competition Commission will not allow the transparency of data being published that allows the public to verify such information.

The Persona ended the month with 3,384 units sold, the highest for the model since March 2012 and presumed to be the leader in its segment. Despite a few low months before the improved 2019 model was released, the total sales volume still grew by 29% to 21,876 units for the year.

Proton Iriz and Exora — Sales for the Iriz (left) nearly doubled during 2019 and grew by 97% following the launch of the updated 2019 model in April. The Exora, which has been around for over 10 years, soldiers on and remains a popular choice for those requiring an affordable 7-seater MPV.

Major contributions by X70 and Saga
“The Proton X70 and the Proton Saga are two major ingredients to Proton’s sales success this year. We are humbled by the popularity of the Proton X70 and would like to say a big ‘Thank You’ to all our customers for their support, despite it being a brand new market segment for the company. As for the Saga, with over 41,000 bookings and counting, it remains as our core product and is a popular choice regardless of a buyer’s age, status and purchasing power, making it a car for all Malaysians,” Dr Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer of Proton said.

“While sales of the Persona were very strong following the launch of the updated model, the numbers posted in December show many are becoming increasingly aware of the outstanding features, practicality and value we offer in our family sedan. Proton is confident of maintaining these numbers in 2020, so the company has at least three sales leaders in their respective segments,” he added.

Proton to explore e-commerce platforms to expand reach

Proton delivers Prime Minister’s X70 gift to the government of Pakistan

Following the visit of Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad to Pakistan earlier this year where he gifted the Prime Minister of Pakistan a Proton X70, the SUV has now been delivered to the government of Pakistan.

To date, over 26,000 units of the X70 have been delivered in the domestic market and exports are starting as well. In the case of Pakistan, plans were finalised in March this year to build an assembly plant that will be owned and operated by ALHAJ Automotive, Proton’s business partner there. Vehicle manufacturing is not a new activity for the ALHAJ Group as it has a subsidiary which has been producing FAW vehicles for a number of years.

Production is targeted to begin in 2021 with the X70 as the first of several models that will be sold in Pakistan. The long-term goal is to sell 400,000 vehicles by 2027. Just as in Malaysia, assembling its vehicles locally will allow Proton to have more attractive pricing as duties are lower for vehicles assembled in the country.

Proton Tg Malim — *Parts for the X70 will be sent from Proton’s Tg. Malim factory in completely knocked-down (CKD) packs for assembly at the ALHAJ Automotive plant in Pakistan.*

The brand new assembly plant will be located in Karachi, Pakistan’s industrial and financial centre. The initial investment will be US$30 million (around RM124.3 million) and 2,000 direct employment opportunities are expected to be created in its first 3 years of operations. It is estimated that a further 20,000 indirect jobs will also be created as a result of the new plant being commissioned.

“Proton sees a lot of potential in Pakistan and as Malaysia is the only Muslim country to have its own automotive brand, both our countries are natural partners who have so much to share with each other. The Proton X70 has won several awards at home and we hope that eventually, it can accomplish the same feats when it arrives here,” said Mohd Khalid Yusof, Proton’s Director of Investment and Promotion.

First Made-in-Malaysia Proton X70 officially rolls out at Tg. Malim factory

Proton to explore e-commerce platforms to expand reach

As consumer purchase patterns change and shopping online becomes more popular, some car companies have strived to meet these new developments by offering their products online. Their initial efforts have not been in a big way nor long-term as they want to see the effectiveness first. Proton is among those companies and recently collaborated with Shopee to explore new avenues to connect with its customers.

“Commerce today has changed drastically from what it was even as recently as just 5 to 10 years ago. Proton has to keep up with these changes to remain relevant and while we are pursuing our strategy to increase customer touchpoints via the growth of 3S/4S outlets, we must also utilise technology to drive mobility for the business. Our campaign with Shopee is a good example as it offers ease and convenience for consumers but also puts them in contact with our network of outlets for aftersales services,” said Dr Li Chunrong, CEO of Proton.

Over 200 units booked online
Over 200 units of the X70 SUV were booked in the first few days of the ecommerce platform’s 12.12 Birthday Sale, and as a special incentive, customers using Shopee are able to place a booking for just RM99 instead of the usual RM1,000 booking fee.

The first 50 Proton X70 customers who successfully register their vehicle before December 31, 2019 will also receive RM2,000 of Shopee vouchers and enjoy additional ongoing promotions for the month by Proton.

This isn’t the first time Proton is using the internet to allow customers to book its cars. Prior to its launch on December 12, 2018, the X70 SUV could be booked online from October, contributing to the pre-launch booking of over 10,000 units.

An alternative sales platform in future
A similar campaign was also utilised for the launch of other models in 2019 with the success experienced pointing to the increased importance of the channel. “We started to enable online bookings of our cars since late 2018 and over the next few years, we could expand the use of this as a sales platform. With improved online security and transaction platforms becoming widely accepted, there could be a time when financing could be applied for and approved online so Proton aims to be at the forefront of adopting these new technologies,” added Dr Li Chunrong.

Click here for other news and articles on Proton.

‘Hi Proton’ in Malaysia becomes ‘Hi Alice’ in Russia for Geely’s SUV

Geely Auto’s global flagship SUV, the Bo Yue, has already drawn over 750,000 users in China alone since its launch in 2016. It has also found great success in Malaysia as the X70 sold by Proton which is Geely’s affiliate.

In Russia, the Geely brand is also growing fast and has the Bo Yue as its flagship SUV – but sold with the name of Atlas. As in Malaysia, the SUV is presented as a smart SUV with Yandex Auto functionality. This gives new intelligent mobility experience to Russian speaking markets through a smart cockpit system jointly developed by Geely’s strategically invested technology company, ECARX and Russian internet giant, Yandex.

*The Geely Bo Yue is sold as a Proton X70 in Malaysia where it has been very successful. Drivers activate the intelligent digital voice assistant by saying ‘Hi Proton’.*

Produced in Geely Auto’s plant in Minsk for the Russian and Belarus market, the model’s interface has been specially developed for Russian-speaking users based on the GKUI Geely Smart Ecosystem. The GKUI was developed by ECARX and first launched on the Geely Bo Yue in China. It is now installed in over 22 Geely Auto vehicles. In the newly formed partnership, Yandex is responsible for software development and application localization with ECARX providing the platform.

‘Hi Alice’
To meet the demands of Russia users for localized digital services, ECARX has modified the GKUI in the locally produced Atlas with Yandex Auto and Russian digital voice assistant ‘Alice’ (in the Malaysia X70, the command is ‘Hi Proton‘). Users can utilize the intelligent voice assistant for navigation, search, and entertainment needs as well as control more functions of the Atlas in Russian.

Through the partnership, the two sides will be able to give full play to ECARX’s experience in intelligent connectivity and Yandex’s Russian digital services infrastructure. The strategic cooperation with Yandex marks the beginning of ECARX’s entry into the European market.

With the addition of the new dedicated E-series chips, the updated GKUI19 adds greater AI capabilities to the system. In the latest platform, the GKUI cloud has been upgraded to an AI cloud, GKUI mobile phone inspired desktop has been upgraded to a smart desktop which utilizes AI to intuitively configure itself depending on the user’s needs, GKUI One-ID has been upgraded to all-round ID with support for different application ecosystems from GKUI’s eco-partners, and GKUI ecosystem has been upgraded with a developer platform allowing greater integration across the internet. GKUI is now able to connect seamlessly with Xiaomi smart devices, Baidu smart devices, JD.com smart devices and other smart devices allowing users to control their home or office appliances from their car.

Click here for other news and articles about Geely in PISTON.MY

Proton organises marketing competition for university students

Most of us feel that some of the best times of our lives were spent during our years in universities, colleges, and other educational institutions around the world. With so many eager minds bursting with inspirations, Proton decided to tap into the pool of creativity by organising a marketing competition in the hopes to lead their marketing campaign for their Proton X70 SUV. (more…)

Updated Proton Iriz and Persona set to take the fight to Perodua!

The Proton Iriz and the Persona have always only enjoyed some success in the Malaysian B-segment. Not a lot as the competition in that segment is intense and the Myvi really is king of the hill. But that much desired segment success that Proton has longed for could just be around the corner.

To achieve this, Proton has updated the Iriz and Persona for 2019, and both now offer first in-class technology features.

For starters, the cars now feature intelligent infotainment systems accessed via a 7-inch touchscreen function. What this means is that both the Iriz and Persona use an embedded eSim card that connects the car to the internet.

Through this system, the car offers applications for music streaming and online navigation. And through the eSim, the system will also receive Over The Air (OTA) updates with new apps added to the system when they become available.

It also has 16GB of internal memory and features a mirroring function for Android smart phones.

And for those who were impressed with the voice recognition which made its debut in the X70, the Iriz and the Persona too offer the same voice recognition app with the now famous catchphrase ‘Hi Proton’!

An updated car usually features aesthetic updates as well, and both the Iriz and the Persona too feature an extensive exterior redesign.

The Proton ‘Ethereal Bow’ grille design which debuted on the X70 now sets the new Iriz apart from the old. And this is completed by a new set of front and rear bumpers, a black rear garnish, new rims, as well as a shark fin antenna.

As for the Persona, Proton says it has been restyled more conservatively but also features the Ethereal Bow as well as the Infinite Weave pattern which is now a styling trademark for Proton.

The restyled Persona is topped off by a new boot spoiler, updated bumpers and new rims.

The prices of both cars have also been revised with prices for the Iriz starting from RM36,700 for the standard 1.3 up to RM50,700 for the top of the line 1.6 CVT.

The Persona on the other hand is priced at RM42,600 for the standard 1.6 manual, and up to RM54,600 for the 1.6 CVT. These prices are for Peninsular Malaysia, our readers from East Malaysia will have to pay RM2,000 more across the board and can refer to the price table below.

But it doesn’t just end there. Proton is spicing up the package even further and gives you an even better reason to buy these two cars.

Proton is offering:

1. Free two-year road tax for cars booked prior to the launch date
2. Free two-year road tax for the first 1,000 units registered
3. Free 5-year internet data with 12GB/year
4. Interest rates starting from just 2.93%
5. Free labour for 3 scheduled service appointments up until 20,000km
6. Insurance coverage package which the table below simplifies for you.