Proton Archives

Piston.my

Proton

Free RM500 fuel card for those who buy a Proton for E-Hailing purposes

E-hailing services are becoming more popular for Malaysians seeking a source of supplementary income. In a move to promote the use of Proton vehicles within the growing industry, the carmaker has an offer to incentivise car-buyers.

Those who purchase a new Proton Persona, Iriz, Exora, Saga or Proton X70 from authorized PROTON sales outlets will be rewarded with a PETRONAS gift card for fuel worth RM500 or, if they prefer, a price rebate of the same value. In order to qualify, a customer would need to submit a copy of a valid PSV E- Hailing license as proof and register the vehicle under their own name.

In addition to the gift card, additional rebates are being offered on selected models, ranging from RM300 to RM1,500.

The promotion will run until December 31, 2020 and is also open to individuals purchasing a car to be used for E-Hailing by a different driver. In this instance, a Letter of Consent stating the purpose of the purchase would be required along with the full name and IC number of the E- Hailing driver(s) and a copy of their PSV E-Hailing license.

The programme is also designed to ease the decision-making process for those new to the industry as well as current drivers who are looking to replace their current cars.

Proton Saga — *The Saga is a populr model in the E-hailing industry.*

“We want to make it easier for the latter group to purchase a Proton to be used for E-hailing. Therefore, if the buyer is the wife and the driver is her husband, we just need valid documentation for verification to approve the purchase,” said Fazli Hisham Shukor, Head of Corporate Sales at Proton Edar.

Proton assures customers of warranty validity during MCO period

Cleaner cabin environment in Proton X70 with use of N95 filter

Besides using its R&D and production facilities to produce face shields for the frontliners in hospitals helping to treat COVID-19 patients, Proton has also turned its attention to improving the air quality in the cabin of its cars. Even in ‘good’ times, the air around us has pollutants from exhaust fumes, haze, etc. While most of us travel with the windows closed, the air quality inside can still be affected by air from outside.

Having clean air in the vehicle is obviously important, especially when motorists can spend long periods of time inside. To prevent contaminants from getting in, Proton has gone a step further by introducing the N95 Cabin Filter in the 2020 Proton X70. Incorporated in the ventilation system, this filter is superior to conventional dust and pollen filters.

Superior filtration
The N95 Cabin Filter, as the name suggests, can remove 95% of particles that are larger than 0.3 microns. Additionally, it can remove 98% of PM2.5 dust particulates, which is important to promote respiratory health. PM2.5 particles are very tiny – about 3% the diameter of human hair – so it requires a very fine filter to stop them from entering the cabin. Apart from effectively filtering smoke particulates, dust and bacteria; the N95 filter can help to promote an allergy-free environment by reducing allergens from pets, aphids and pollen.

Integrated in ventilation system
The N95 Cabin Filter is an integral part of the air-conditioning system in the X70. It can function in both fresh and recirculation modes, as long as the blower fan is switched on. There’s no need to activate it as it works all the time to filter the air passing through,whether it is drawn in in from outside or recirculated air.

Providing this filter is no doubt just a first step by Proton to make the environments in its cars as clean as possible. It would be working with Geely, which is already active in developing solutions that address concerns about viruses in the air. Volvo, another affiliate in the Geely Group, also has much experience in developing clean-air systems for cars and would be contributing its knowledge as well.

Geely Auto looks at ‘passenger safety’ from a different perspective, aims to make cars ‘healthier’

War on COVID-19: Geely donates RM5.5 million of medical supplies to Malaysia

From the early days of the COVID-19 outbreak in China, the Geely Holding Group was already actively working on ways to join in the fight against the virus. Apart from making donations and providing support vehicles for frontliners, the company also used its R&D capabilities to quickly develop an in-car ventilation system that can keep the cabin air virus-free.

Now that the critical situation in China has diminished and the country is progressing towards normalcy, Geely Holding is helping other countries that are having the pandemic. In the case of Malaysia, where Geely and its local partner DRB-HICOM own and operate Proton, assistance is being given in the form of medical supplies.

The donation, consisting of disposable 3-ply surgical masks, protective medical clothing, medical goggles and PL 700 ADV ventilators, all of which are constantly required as they are replaced frequently. These items will be distributed to 55 hospitals located throughout the country through the Ministry of Health.

The donation, worth approximately RM5.5 million, is part of a larger initiative by Geely Holding to supply medical equipment via the Li Shufu Charity Foundation to affected areas in China and to countries where it has significant international operations. It aims to help local healthcare providers and communities at large in their battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The foundation was established in 2006 by Geely Holding’s founder, Li Shufu, with a focus on poverty alleviation and helping with national disasters. In January 2020, it set aside RMB200 million (about RM120.33 million) to support the fight against COVID-19 on a global basis.

“As a socially responsible company, we have a duty to support the well-being of every market in which we operate. I am proud that we have the resources and logistics capability to ship vital supplies to areas hard-hit by this global pandemic. We will play our part, whenever possible, to lend support to communities and medical authorities to overcome this global challenge”, said Geely Holding’s Chairman, Li Shufu.

PROTON X70 — *Some of the X70 SUVs loaned by Proton to the Health Ministry.*

In addition to medical supplies received from China, Proton has loaned 50 units of its X70 to the Ministry of Health for their logistical operations. The carmaker has also produced 60,000 units of face shields at its factory.

Meanwhile, DRB-HICOM has been an active supporter of COVID-19 relief efforts in Malaysia. Along with other subsidiaries under its parent company, the Albukhary Group, the Malaysian conglomerate has contributed cash donations, medical equipment, meals for government hospitals, media frontliners and university students, as well as long-range drones for monitoring and surveillance purposes.

“As a key contributor to the nation’s economy, we felt compelled to assist the government in its battle against the spread of COVID-19. The frontliners form the country’s backbone in this fight, and it is essential for us to assist them in any way possible. We are especially fortunate to have a partner like Geely who has been extremely generous in leveraging their resources to make this happen,” said Dato’ Sri Syed Faisal Albar, Chairman of Proton.

Geely sends medical equipment and supplies to Malaysia and other countries

War on COVID-19: Proton starts shipping face shields made in its factory to East Coast

Following our earlier report about Proton producing face shields for frontliners, the carmaker has started shipping out the first batch of 8,000 units to Kelantan and other East Coast states.

The face shields are an initiative by the company which designed and tested prototypes as well as obtained feedback from end-users to ensure the final product met their needs. While that process was underway, a project team planned for a production line that was both safe and efficient to meet with health protocols.

50 people, picked from a pool of volunteers, work on an assembly line in the factory at Shah Alam, Selangor, which had been quiet since March 18 when the Movement Control Order (MCO) started virtually all factories and businesses had to cease operations.

Up to 3,000 face shields can be produced in a single day, and Proton is expected to take approximately 20 days to produce the 60,000 units it has committed to deliver. Face shields are part of the Personal Protective Equipment frontliners need to protect them when attending to COVID-19 patients. They have to be constantly replaced and the Health Ministry said that at this time, the stocks available can last for 25 days.

Contributions from other companies
While Proton is responsible for the assembly and distribution of its face shields, the company has received contributions from its vendor community who are eager to get involved. One such contributor is Pos Logistics Sdn Bhd, one of the biggest logistics service providers in Malaysia, which supplied over 2,000 large carton boxes to pack the face shields. and make it easier to transport them.

Automotive component supplier, HICOM-Teck See Manufacturing Malaysia Sdn Bhd, contributed 1,500 kgs of polypropylene, one of the main components in the car bumpers which it makes, that will be used to produce the frame of the face shields.

The original design for the face shield was contributed by Universiti Teknologi MARA (UITM). The designers at Proton Design then developed the frame based on feedback from users and also added the slogan ‘STAY STRONG! We will get through this!’.

“Proton is humbled by the response received both internally and outside of the company to our face shield project. The number of staff volunteering their services was overwhelming, despite inherent risks involved in leaving home and coming to work. Therefore, we have taken steps to ensure everybody is kept safe by providing Personal Protection Equipment and maintaining a minimum distance between each workstation to maintain social distancing,” said Dato’ Radzaif Mohamed, Deputy CEO of Proton.

War on COVID-19: Proton to produce 60,000 face shields for frontliners

LOOKING BACK: When Proton built a Satria Convertible

Proton has never had a convertible model in its range but 20 years ago, it built one as a concept study based on the Satria. The model was displayed in Germany as well as China, besides the 2001 KL International Motor Show. Although there was positive response, Proton did not go on to develop it as a production model.

War on COVID-19: Proton to produce 60,000 face shields for frontliners

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is vital for our frontliners who are working in hospitals with patients infected by the COVID-19 coronavirus (4,228 nationwide as of yesterday). In PPE, facial protection is one of the crucial items and while surgical face masks offer protection, the eyes also need protection.

If a patient coughs, there is a possibility of the virus being blown across and nurses or doctors treating the patient can be infected. This is one of the reasons why social distancing (standing at least 1 metre apart) is very important but the healthcare personnel have no choice when treating patients. This is why you see them fully wrapped in PPE which they keep on for hours each day.

To protect their faces, face shields are also used. It’s a simple item, something like a motorcycle visor, but the stocks available did not take into account a surge in demand as the pandemic spread so rapidly. Various carmakers around the world have utilised their R&D and engineering facilities to design and produce face shields and Proton is doing likewise here in Malaysia.

Production is set to begin on April 13 at the carmaker’s headquarters in Shah Alam, Selangor, with a target of 60,000 face shields within approximately 20 days. The face shields will be delivered in batches and Proton will work closely with the Ministry of Health to distribute them according to the level of need in each district.

Assembly will be undertaken by staff members who volunteered their services. Proton has obtained permission for a small number of staff to be at the production site.

“To keep within the rules of the Movement Control Order, Proton has limited the number of staff involved in the production process. The safety of everyone is of the utmost importance and therefore social distancing and sanitising practices will be strictly enforced on the production line,” said Dato’ Radzaif Mohamed, Deputy CEO of Proton.

“As a national automotive brand, Proton is driven by its responsibility to develop the local car industry and to support Malaysia and its people in their time of need. We have the know-how to produce cars so we are using that knowledge to produce PPE to support the brave men and women at the frontline of the battle against the spread of COVID-19,” he explained.

Proton provides 50 units of X70 to Ministry of Health for frontliners in the war against COVID-19

Proton provides new communication channel with X70 Whatsapp chatbot

The current COVID-19 pandemic crisis is depressing and everyone is uncertain about the future. Hopefully, it will come to an end before long and we can return to normalcy although we may need to be more conscious of personal hygiene and care more for each other’s safety.

Where cars are concerned, some may be considering buying a new vehicle, perhaps as an overdue replacement to their old one which may be costing too much to maintain. Or there may just be a need for an additional car in the home.

You can’t go to the showrooms at this time due to the Movement Control Order (MCO) which, hopefully, ends on April 14, 2020. In the meantime, if you are considering the latest Proton X70, the carmaker has launched its WhatsApp chatbot which can provide information on the details, promotions and features of the popular SUV, now made in Malaysia.

The chatbot serves as an alternative channel of communication with Proton and is one of several initiatives the carmaker is taking to provide convenience for customers – while also keeping in mind their safety. It does not, however, respond to natural language or questions from users. Instead, users just need to send replies in the form of numbers to get more information on corresponding topics.

Through the chatbot, accessible via https://bit.ly/HiProtonX70, customers can learn more about X70 variants and their prices, specification, sales offerings, trade-in offers, and Proton Financing. They can also register their interest in making a purchase.

Incidentally, for those who wish to make a booking at this time, you need to pay only RM99.00 for a new X70 and RM.9.99 for an Iriz, Saga,Persona or Exora. This offer is applicable only for online bookings at www.proton.com.

Proton assures customers of warranty validity during MCO period

Proton assures customers of warranty validity during MCO period

Like other companies nationwide, Proton will respect the rules of the Movement Control Order (MCO) that restricts operations of non-essential businesses. As such, its authorised service outlets remain closed until the end of the MCO period which is presently set at April 14, 2020.

Assistance for emergencies, eg breakdowns, is still available but normal servicing activities are suspended at this time. This may cause concern with some customers who are unable to visit a service centre to get vehicle maintenance at the scheduled interval to ensure the warranty is not invalidated. Apart from the service centre being closed, they are also required by the MCO to stay at home.

Proton gives assurance that new vehicle warranties expiring during the MCO period will be extended by 1,000 kms or 30 days following the final day of the MCO, whichever comes first. The warranties will remain valid even if the vehicle misses its recommended service period.

However, customers are advised to service their vehicle within 30 days of the end of the MCO period to keep their warranties active. Owners should contact a service outlet to book a service appointment within 15 days of the end of the MCO period.

Meanwhile, the carmaker offers the following tips for maintaining the cleanliness of your vehicle. Under normal circumstances (when there was no pandemic), it has always been a good idea to maintain the cabin as a clean and healthy space. Now with the threat of COVID-19 coronavirus transmission, it is even more crucial for the sake of yourself and your passengers.

How Proton operations have adapted during the Movement Control Order

One thing is for sure – things will not be the same again when this COVID-19 pandemic comes to an end (hopefully that will not take too long). With the restrictions imposed by the Movement Control Order (MCO) and the need for better hygiene and social distancing, our lifestyle will have to change. Likewise for businesses, big and small, which will have to be mindful of protecting both their employees as well as their customers and the public.

While seeking to ensure its daily operations continue to run smoothly, Proton has adhered to the requirements of the MCO in order to help break the COVID-19 chain of infection in Malaysia. At the same time, the company has also obtained approval from the relevant agencies for essential operations to be carried out by essential employees.

Main priority – safety of employees
The health and safety of Proton’s employees is of utmost importance. With a workforce of close to 10,000 people, monitoring the health status of everybody is a daily task requiring cooperation from all levels. During the MCO, the health status of every employee is monitored twice daily with plans in place to isolate and treat those suspected of being infected with the virus. This includes weekends and takes into account where the staff are based during the MCO as well as their active work status.

Prior to the MCO, all staff movement outside the company was limited from the beginning of February 2020. Furthermore, those who travelled were required to undergo a 14-day self-quarantine upon their return including being screened for the virus before and after the quarantine period.

“When the news of the COVID-19 virus made headlines, Proton put into effect an action plan to mitigate against infection. We have been diligent in our efforts and even before the MCO was announced, we cancelled all overseas business travel and enforced work from home operations for a few departments with staff who were quarantined for possible infections. Our main priority is the health and safety of our staff and we are hopeful of emerging from this situation unscathed,” said Dr Li Chunrong, CEO of Proton.

Essential company operations to continue
Adhering to the strict conditions of the MCO means all Proton facilities have been shut down from March 18. However, certain job functions have still to be performed on-site. For instance, maintenance of Proton’s production facilities needs to be kept going while a few service centres designated to service the fleet of Proton vehicles used by government agencies remain operational.

In accordance with the requirements of the MCO, Proton has obtained approvals to issue letters for specific people who are performing limited company operations.

Operations for other areas within the company continue and individual departments are required to have daily meetings with department heads updating their team members on management decisions and apportioning work with daily deliverables.

“While we are cognisant of the need to adhere to the MCO, Proton has obtained approval from the authorities for a small number of its staff to continue working at specific locations to perform essential services. As for our other staff members, we have asked them to adapt their work practices to the MCO rules. Thanks to video-conferencing and messaging technology, meetings and discussions can be held from anywhere with an Internet connection so we are hopeful of keeping disruptions to our business operations to a minimum level,” said Dato’ Radzaif Mohamed, Deputy CEO of Proton.

The company, while acknowledging the scale of the crisis, is confident the country will be able to navigate itself to a safe outcome. “These are trying times but we are certain that if we pull together, Malaysia will come out of this strong. Proton will be standing shoulder-to-shoulder with all Malaysians as we see this through,” added Dr. Li.

Proton provides 50 units of X70 to Ministry of Health for frontliners in the war against COVID-19

Like Geely Auto, its sister company in the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, Proton has also been contributing to the fight against the COVID-19 coronavirus. With the frontliners being the vital force in this battle, Proton has provided 50 vehicles to the Malaysian Ministry of Health for its use.

The vehicles, all Proton X70s, will primarily be used to ferry medical workers to and from work as well as to any hotspots in the country in need of urgent attention.

Meanwhile, the carmaker has also provided vehicle owners with some tips on what to do with their vehicles which may have remained unused for up to 28 days due to the Movement Control Order (MCO) which began on March 18 and is set to end on April 14.

Here are 4 tips from Proton that you can carry out at your home:

Stay charged up
While technology has progressed since the early years of automobile production, one fact remains – a vehicle engine needs to be started periodically (the recommended period is every 7 days) in order to maintain functionality. This particularly applies to the battery which stores electricity that is used to start the engine and provide electrical power to also power systems.

If the engine is not run frequently, the alternator is unable to charge the battery and it will lose its energy. To avoid this, start your vehicle’s engine and keep it running for 10 minutes to allow the alternator to recharge the battery.

Run only the engine during those 10 minutes and keep all other systems off. If your vehicle is not parked without your home compound, do remember to lock it when you have finished!

Keep the pressure up
Tyre pressures should be checked bi-weekly to ensure they are at the recommended levels. To know what the right pressure is, you can refer to the Owner’s Manual or the sticker that is usually found on inside face of the door pillar next to the driver’s seat.

Then check the pressures of all tyres using a tyre pressure gauge. If you have an X70, you can also use the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System display to see the pressures. Should the pressures be lower than recommended, go to the nearest petrol station to get them to the right pressure.

Additionally, leaving your vehicle parked in the same spot for several days could result in flat spots on your tyres. Eventually, the tyre will lose its circular shape which can cause vibrations to be transmitted through the steering wheel when driving, even on smooth roads. To avoid this, move your vehicle forwards or backwards when you’re charging the vehicle’s battery.

Remember the wipers
If your vehicle is going to be parked in the open under the sun for this extended period, it’s good practice to keep windscreen wipers lifted up. The glass can get very hot under the sun and the heat transfer from the glass as well as prolonged exposure to UV rays will cause the wiper blades to harden, making them less effective.

Keep the inside sanitized
Especially at this time, hygiene is vital and it’s a good idea to practise sanitising your hands and the surfaces you’ve touched, particularly in your vehicle. After each journey, make sure you use some disinfectant to wipe surfaces like the steering wheel, door handles, window switches and gear lever. If you have an audio system with a touchscreen, mist some disinfectant onto a soft cloth and gently wipe the surface. Take extra care not to overdo it as too much moisture could damage the vehicle’s equipment surface.