Proton closed its books for 2024 with sales of 152,352 units for both domestic and export markets, allowing the company to claim second place once again in the sales ranking table.
14,601 units were sold in December last year, showing a 19.7% increase over the previous month.
According to Proton, it is the second highest sales figure for the year, following a bumper month for exports with 1,131 units shipped to overseas markets.
Aside from sales of Proton vehicles, Proton is also the importer and distributor for smart Automobile models via its subsidiary Pro-Net.
For the year 2024, 622 units of the smart #1 and #3 were sold bringing the number of total vehicles sold to 152,974 units.
Total industry volume (TIV) for 2024 is estimated to be 813,521 units, marking a second consecutive record-setting year of automotive sales for Malaysia. Proton’s market share for this year is estimated to be 18.7%.
This marks the sixth year in a row the company has achieved second position in the standings, giving it a solid foundation from which to take on the competition in 2025.
As expected, the Saga emerged as Proton’s best-selling model last year with 72,769 units sold – an increase of 3.7% compared to 2023.
As the model heads towards its 40th anniversary, it has an impressive list of accolades to its name including being the first Malaysian vehicle with over 2 million sales, which was achieved in June last year.
The S70 ended its first full year of production and sales with a total of 19,182 units delivered in 2024 to easily become the most popular C-segment sedan in the country.
Meanwhile, the 2024 Proton X50 received an overwhelming response with a total of 8,000 bookings within the first month after its debut.
Sales in December were 36.8% higher month-on-month at 2,614 units while for the year, total sales were 23,647 units making it the best-selling B-segment SUV for the fourth year in a row.
The 2025 X70 continues to find favour with buyers, with 8,992 units delivered throughout the past year. Notably, its December sales increased by 36.7% to 1,456 units, compared to 1,065 units in November, driven by year-end promotions.
As for the Proton X90, the flagship SUV completed its first full year of sales as the sales leader for D-segment SUVs with 3,553 units sold.
Finally, sales of the Persona and Iriz also increased, with 18,853 units and 5,113 units sold in 2024, respectively.
The just-launched Proton eMAS 7 will be entering the Singaporean market through VinCar Group as the EV’s the official distributor.
In a Facebook post, VinCar Pte Ltd confirmed that the e.MAS 7 will be launched in the republic in early 2025. The company also stated that it will open a flagship showroom located at Leng Kee Automotive Belt.
For its home market, the eMAS 7 is offered in two variants, namely Prime and Premium. Both are powered by a “12-in-1” electric motor at the front axle, producing 218 PS (160 kW) and 320 Nm of torque, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 175 km/h.
The main difference between the Prime and Premium variants lies in their battery capacity. The Prime variant comes with a 49.52 kWh battery, promising a driving range of 345 km on a full charge, while the Premium variant can travel up to 410 km thanks to its 60.22 kWh battery.
The eMAS 7 is equipped with Geely’s new Aegis short blade LFP battery, which is said to offer higher energy density, improved safety, and longer lifespan.
The battery supports DC fast charging with up to 80 kW for the Prime variant and 100 kW for the Premium variant, with both requiring 20 minutes to charge from 30% to 80%.
Prices start at RM109,800 for the Prime variant and RM123,800 for the Premium variant. However, in conjunction with the launch, Proton is offering a rebate of RM4,000 to the first 3,000 customers.
Protoon has rolled out a new prepaid service package, which customers can choose to purchase for their new and existing Proton cars.
Known as the ProCare Smart Plan (PSP), the package helps owners to manage their vehicle maintenance costs by offering savings of up to 15% or RM670.
At the moment, the PSP is available for the Saga, X90, and 2025 X70. If the vehicle is sold with the balance of the PSP still to run, the new owner enjoys the benefits as long as it is within the validity period.
New car buyers can opt for either three or five years packages. The package is also available to current owners who purchased their vehicles without a PSP, though it will be capped to two-year intervals, with savings of up to RM350.
According to Proton, while the PSP is currently limited to the three models mentioned, there are plans to eventually roll it out to all Proton models in the near future.
Customers who wish to register for the PSP after purchasing their vehicles can use the Fixed Payment Plan (FPP) for up to 24 months through the Affin Avance Proton credit card.
Alternatively, there’s also an instalment payment plan via Direct Lending, a Shariah-compliant digital lending platform, with monthly payment terms of up to 12 months.
“Proton remains focused on making improvements to the product and services offering to our customers and the ProCare Smart Plan is the latest example of these efforts,” said Edmund Lim, Vice President Sales and After Sales, Proton Edar.
Proton recorded sales of 12,194 units (domestic and export) in November, reflecting a slight decrease of 4.7% compared to October.
The company stated that the decline is in line with the contraction in total industry volume (TIV) of 4.1% for Malaysian automotive sales.
This brought Proton’s year to date (YTD) total sales volume to 137,751 units, allowing the automaker to maintain its position as the second most popular brand in the national sales ranking.
The company estimates that its market share for November stands at 18.2%, leading to a YTD figure of 18.8% for the whole of 2024.
Sales of the X70 2025 model increased by 7.7% compared to October, with 1,065 units delivered, bringing its YTD total to 7,536 units.
Meanwhile, the X50, X90, and S70 ended November leading their respective segment for YTD sales.
The X50 continued to lead the B-segment SUV sales with 1,911 units delivered, bringing its total sales to 21,033 units to date.
The X90 retained its position as market leader for D-segment SUVs with a 13.1% month-on-month growth to 277 units, contributing to a YTD sales total of 3,246 units.
The S70, which made its maiden race outing in the 2024 Sepang 1000km and celebrated its anniversary on November 28, recorded sales of 1,312 units, bringing its YTD total to 17,512 units.
Meanwhile, the Saga recorded 5,916 units sold (YTD 66,094 units), while the Persona and Iriz recorded 1,394 units (YTD 17,325 units) and 319 units (YTD 4,762 units), respectively.
In addition to Malaysia, the Saga is also performing well in international markets. A total of 480 units of the left hand drive (LHD) Saga were exported to Egypt last month, a remarkable 300% growth compared with the 120 units shipped to the country a month prior.
To-date, 2,203 units of the Proton Saga have been exported this year, leading to total exports volume for 2024 already exceeding the number for the whole of 2023.
In case you missed it, the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) 2024 is set to open its curtains from December 5 to 11, 2024 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).
According to organiser Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), the event, themed ‘Beyond Mobility’, will feature nearly 70 exhibitors, with an exhibition area covering almost 30,000 square feet across two floors of the MITEC building.
For those planning to attend, here are some of the exciting cars that will make their appearance at the event:
Perodua EMO-II
Undoubtedly, Perodua is set to capture visitors’ attention with their electric concept model, the EMO-II (Electric Mobility Online). The concept car previews the production version of Perodua’s first electric vehicle, which is expected to be launched in the market later this year.
Proton e.MAS 7
Although not officially announced, Proton’s first electric vehicle, the e.MAS 7, is highly likely to make its debut at KLIMS 2024. It will be available with two battery pack options, with an estimated price of RM120,000.
Honda Prelude Concept
Another brand that will undoubtedly attract attention at KLIMS 2024 is Honda. In addition to its latest model lineup, Honda Malaysia has announced that it will also showcase the Prelude Concept, making Malaysia the first country in Asia, besides Japan, to exhibit the hybrid coupe.
Mazda CX-60
For devoted Mazda fans, Bermaz Motor will be showcasing two upcoming SUVs, the CX-60 and CX-80. Built on the SkyActiv Multi Solution Scalable Architecture platform, the former offers petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain options, with rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive capabilities.
Mazda CX-80
Like the CX-60, the CX-80 also belongs to Mazda’s Large Product group but offers three rows of seating. The powertrain options are similar to the CX-60, featuring inline six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, PHEV, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and AWD or RWD systems.
Toyota Camry
Following its launch in Thailand last October, the ninth-generation Toyota Camry (XV80) will make its debut in Malaysia this week. The D-segment sedan is powered by a 2.5-litre hybrid engine combined with an e-CVT transmission, producing a total system output of 227 PS.
Toyota Corolla Cross
In addition to the Camry, UMW Toyota Motor will also introduce the facelifted version of the Corolla Cross, which has already been open for orders since November. Along with a refreshed exterior design, the SUV will also feature several new enhancements, including an electronic parking brake, Auto Hold, and improved driver-assistance systems.
Nissan Kicks e-Power
As previously reported, the Nissan Kicks e-Power will be available as a fully imported version (CBU) from Thailand, with two variants: VL and VLT. It features a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that acts as a generator to charge the battery pack, which in return powers the electric motor on the front axle.
MG Cyberster
Without a doubt, among the standout cars at KLIMS 2024 will be the MG Cyberster, an electric roadster powered by two electric motors, delivering a combined output of 503 PS and 725 Nm. This allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds.
GWM Wey 80
Wey is a luxury sub-brand under Great Wall Motor (GWM). While it is still uncertain whether the luxury marque will be officially launched in the local market, it is certainly a possibility if the Wey 80 MPV receives a positive response at the show.
After a five-year hiatus, Proton’s official team, Proton R3 returned to compete in the Sepang 1000KM 2024 race in the Malaysian Touring Car (MTC) category.
This marks the first time Proton has raced using the S70 R3 vehicle since the launch of this C-segment sedan on November 28, 2023.
The race, which lasted for 181 laps, saw the Proton R3 team struggling with difficulties as car #81 was forced to retire as early as the 8th lap.
Another S70 car, numbered 82 and driven by Ariff Azmi and Alister Yoong, faced technical issues that caused them to lose over 40 minutes.
Despite the challenges faced, the Proton R3 team successfully completed the race, finishing in fifth place in the MTC class.
Roslan Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of Proton Edar, stated, “While we aimed for another overall victory, the Proton R3 team is aware of the task of completing a brand-new racing vehicle to compete against teams that have been racing for the past three years.”
He further explained that the data and racing experiences gathered throughout the weekend would serve as the foundation for R3 to begin preparations for the 2025 racing season.
In positive news, in conjunction with the KLIMS 2024 event, Proton will also showcase vehicle #82 in the same condition as it finished the S1K race.
Proton is expected to commence the assembly of vehicles (CKD) in Egypt this December with the opening of new factory in Cairo.
The inauguration of the CKD factory was officiated by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, during his official visit to the country.
Located in the Al Oula Industrial Park in Giza, the facility, owned by Ezz Elarab Elsewedy Automotive Factories (ESAF), has an investment of US$35 million and a production capacity of 20,000 units, providing 400 job opportunities.
The inauguration of the CKD factory follows the first shipment of CKD units to Egypt on September 9.
The first unit of the left-hand drive (LHD) Proton Saga is expected to roll off the production line this December, with a production target of 1,400 units for 2024.
This number is projected to increase to 5,000 units in 2025, with a forecasted production total of 16,000 units of LHD CKD Saga over a three-year period, concluding at the end of 2026, with an estimated value of RM570 million.
In addition to the domestic market in Egypt, Proton will also export the assembled vehicle models to countries in North Africa and the Middle East.
Proton also plans to establish Egypt as one of its key manufacturing hubs in the region.
In October, Proton recorded sales of 12,799 units for both domestic and export markets, marking a 13.6 percent increase compared to the previous month.
This brings Proton’s year-to-date (YTD) sales total to 125,557 units, placing the national car brand second in the country’s automotive sales rankings.
Among the total sales, the Proton Saga remains a popular choice among buyers, with 6,112 units sold, bringing its YTD total to 60,178 units.
Proton is also hopeful that the Saga’s sales will surpass 70,000 units for the second consecutive year this year.
Although the Saga did not lead its segment, three other Proton models maintained top positions in their respective segments.
The Proton X50 emerged as the best-selling SUV in the B segment last month, with 2,122 units sold, while the Proton S70 returned to the top as the best-selling C segment sedan with sales of 1,432 units.
Proton’s flagship model, the X90, continued to lead sales in the D segment SUV category, recording a total of 245 units sold last month.
At the same time, Proton revealed that its first electric vehicle (EV), the e.MAS 7, will be officially launched next month (December 2024).
Proton recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with Grab Malaysia, offering exclusive benefits to e-hailing drivers when they purchase a Proton Saga.
This collaboration aims to enhance the driving experience and support the growing needs in the e-hailing industry.
The initiative is also expected to provide benefits to drivers, users, and further strengthen the positions of both companies in the market.
The MoA was signed by Roslan Abdullah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Proton, and Rashid Shukor, Director of Operations and National Mobility for Grab Malaysia.
Starting from November 4, the “Saga Power Up for Grab Drivers” campaign will grant priority access to Grab driver partners to own a Proton Saga.
The campaign includes incentives and offers such as cash rebates and a 5% service discount valid for the first two years or up to 40,000 km.
Eligible drivers can purchase as many Proton Sagas as they qualify for under Grab Malaysia’s terms.
In addition to the Proton package, Grab also offers up to RM500 for new driver partners who purchase a Proton Saga and activate their Grab Driver account.
“PROTON is excited to collaborate with Grab Malaysia in supporting the e-hailing industry by offering our iconic model, the Proton Saga, to our Grab driver partners. Reliability and reasonable maintenance costs are crucial factors for entrepreneurs who use cars as their primary work tool.”
“Furthermore, this partnership provides exclusive privileges to those who accept this offer while supporting our vision for more accessible transportation for the people of Malaysia,” said Roslan Abdullah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, PROTON.
“This collaboration reflects our commitment to providing flexible opportunities to the people of Malaysia in an ever-changing economy. By facilitating access to income opportunities, we support our partners who play a vital role in meeting the daily needs of society.
“With the increasing demand for travel, we are constantly striving to increase and optimize our active driver supply to meet these needs. This initiative encourages more people to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the digital economy,” said Rashid Shukor, Director of Operations and National Mobility, Grab Malaysia.
Pro-Net has finally revealed the details and specifications for the first national electric vehicle, the Proton e.MAS 7.
We know that the e.MAS 7 is developed using the Global Modular Architecture (GMA) platform and measures 4,615 mm in length, 1,901 mm in width, 1,670 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,750 mm.
Recent testing results indicate that the e.MAS 7 can traverse water up to a depth of 400 mm, which is higher than the Geely Galaxy E5.
Now, Pro-Net has confirmed that there will be two variants of the e.MAS 7 available: Prime and Premium. Both are equipped with the same electric motor but differ slightly in battery capacity and features.
The e.MAS 7 is powered by a “12-in-1” electric motor on the front axle, producing 218 PS (160 kW) and 320 Nm of torque, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and achieve a top speed of 175 km/h.
As previously reported, the e.MAS 7 features an Aegis short blade battery, claimed to have higher energy density, greater safety, and longer lifespan.
The Prime variant comes with a 49.52 kWh version of said battery, offering a range of 345 km, while the Premium model is equipped with a 60.22 kWh version, reaching a distance of up to 410 km. Both figures are according to WLTP standards.
For charging, the e.MAS 7 supports DC fast charging of up to 80 kW for Prime and 100 kW for Premium—both requiring 20 minutes to charge from 30% to 80%.
There is also an onboard AC charger capable of up to 11 kW that can recharge the battery from 30% to 80% in 4.9 hours for Prime and 6.1 hours for Premium.
The equipment list for both variants is largely similar. The e.MAS 7 comes standard with LED headlights featuring Follow-me Home and Active High Beam Control, roof rails, power windows with anti-trap, rain sensors, electrically adjustable and heated side mirrors.
Wheel sizes differ, with the Prime variant featuring 18-inch wheels fitted with 225/55 Giti tyres, while the Premium comes with 19-inch wheels and 235/50 Goodyear tyres. Additionally, a panoramic roof, powered tailgate, and Active Grille Shutter are exclusive to the Premium variant.
Inside, both variants are fitted as standard with a 10.2-inch LCD instrument cluster, multifunction steering wheel, leatherette upholstery, and six-way power adjustment for the driver’s seat.
The Premium variant gains several additional features such as an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, memory function for the driver’s seat, four-way power adjustment for the front passenger seat, ventilation for the front seats, and 256-colour ambient lighting.
Convenience features include Intelligent Keyless Entry and Start, Walk Away Auto Lock, wireless charging, automatic climate control with N95 filtration, and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capabilities.
Infotainment-wise, the e.MAS 7 comes standard with the Flyme Auto system alongside a 15.4-inch touchscreen with 2.5K resolution; however, only the Premium variant receives a head-up display (HUD) and Wanos audio system with 16 speakers.
In terms of safety, ADAS is equipped as standard on the e.MAS 7. It includes the following features:
Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Dynamic Brake Support (DBS)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
Emergency Lane Keeping Assist (ELKA)
Rear Collision Warning (RCB)
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Rear Cross Traffic Braking (RCTB)
Lane Change Assist (LCA)
Blind Spot Detection (BSD)
Door Open Warning (DOW)
Traffic Sign Identification (TSI)
Both variants also include a 360-degree camera and rear radar, with the front radar available exclusively on the Premium variant.
The Proton e.MAS 7 is expected to launch in Q4 this year. It is now open for booking with an estimated price of RM120,000.
In a statement, Proton said that it continues to be the top-selling brand for sedans in Malaysia, with 3.85 million units sold since its establishment more than 40 years ago.
According to the national car manufacturer, this success is attributed to national icons such as the Saga, Wira and Waja, which were once used as police cars in Humberside County, UK, two generations of the Persona, the Prevé, and its latest offering, the S70.
Launched last November, the S70 has quickly become the favourite in the C-sedan category, with year-to-date sales as of September totalling 14,877 units.
Overall sales have surpassed those of other competitors in the same category, with an average of 1,640 units sold per month since January of this year. The model leads sales in its segment, with top three states being Selangor, Johor and Penang.
However, the biggest contributor to the pool is clearly the evergreen Saga, which has clocked in over 2 million sales since its launch on 9 July 1985 till September this year. The model has undergone massive change through three generations, with improvements in safety, design updates, performance improvements, interior comfort and features, platform and chassis development and receiving a stronger body structure.
For Proton sedans, the responsive driving experienced, safety record and sheer fun behind the wheel played a major role in appealing to car buyers.
Evolving with the times, the models also introduced timely safety updates such as anti-lock braking system (ABS), airbags, seat belt pretensioners, hot-press forming body structures.
With the S70, ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) level 2 features such as lane change assist, automatic emergency braking, intelligent cruise control, and traffic sign information keep Proton sedans at the leading edge of safety technology.
A recent survey by Insight Asia, involving 277 participants aged 22 to 59, revealed that buyers prioritise affordability, comfort, and safety, alongside a stylish and modern design.
Key reasons for choosing it include its attractive aesthetics, good power delivery, and overall value for money, starting from over RM70,000. Many owners upgraded from smaller segments and did not consider other models, viewing the model as unique in its class.
Overall, S70 owners express high satisfaction with cabin comfort, storage space, and security features. While most reported no significant issues, some experienced minor Noice, Vibration and Hardness (NVH) problems, which did not detract from their overall experience.
Suggestions for improvement include the introduction of features like auto wipers and ventilated seats, according to Insight Asia.
Proton has announced that Apple CarPlay is now available for owners of the 2025 Proton X70, which was launched back in August. This makes the X70 the first Proton model to receive the highly popular connectivity feature.
According to the national automotive brand, Apple CarPlay for the 2025 X70 will be available via over-the-air (OTA) update effective from 16th October 2024.
Starting from that date, owners will receive the OTA notifications in batches, and they only need to follow these steps to download it to their vehicle:
Step 1: Download and install
The software update package will be downloaded once it is available for customer vehicle. User needs to keep the engine running until the download is complete.
Upon completion, user may begin installation anytime at their convenience. Once installation has begun, user needs to keep the engine running until the software update is complete.
Step 2: Verify software version
A successful software update can be verified in the Vehicle Settings under [System Information] > [About IHU]. The latest system version is SW3RBA10925H1141.
This version contains Apple CarPlay, improved system performance and various bug fixes for an enhanced user experience.
Step 3: Start to use
With the latest software update installed, user can enjoy the convenience of Apple CarPlay by pairing a compatible iPhone either via USB or wireless (Bluetooth) connection.
Once an iPhone is successfully paired to the system, users can launch the Apple CarPlay interface by tapping on the icon highlighted above.
I personally like the 2025 Proton X70, which was launched to the market back in August. It is more than just a mere facelift; the changes introduced are extensive, covering both the exterior and interior.
Firstly, the C-segment SUV now features a more appealing front design compared to its predecessor. Secondly, a recent media test drive in Kota Kinabalu demonstrated that it is a notably comfortable SUV. Not the best in the market but it’s certainly up there.
The suspension feels slightly firmer than that of the original CBU version but it soaks up bumpy roads and uneven surfaces en route to Kundasang really well.
Moreover, the low-speed rumble of the three-cylinder engine is less pronounced than before and the noise from the many trucks and lorries on the roads around KK and Kundasang is also well suppressed.
However, there are still a few aspects of the car that I did not favour:
Identical rear design
As mentioned, the 2025 X70 boasts a more attractive front end carried over from the Geely Boyue facelift released two years ago. One might argue that it is already outdated but in the eyes of this writer, the front fascia still looks fresh.
Unfortunately, the rear of this SUV appears untouched. While Proton has added horizontal reflectors (which were previously vertical) and fake air vents to make it appear wider, the tailgate and lights remain unchanged, quite possibly due to constraints from Geely.
That being so, whenever you see the new X70 on the road, you are likely to mistake it for the old version.
Odd gear shift pattern
In addition to the Stone Grey Nappa leather upholstery and ambient lighting system, another new feature in the 2025 X70 cabin is the gear lever.
The design remains the same; however, in this facelift model, the ‘P’ button has been repositioned. This is not an issue though and, in my opinion, makes it even easier to use.
What is rather peculiar, however, is the new shift pattern for the manual mode. Typically, you would pull the gear shift down to upshift and push it up to downshift.
In the X70 facelift, the ‘-’ and ‘+’ symbols are positioned to the left and right, meaning you must push the gear lever left to downshift and right to upshift in manual mode.
There’s a new Auto Open function for the tailgate but…
To enhance user convenience, Proton has added an Auto Open feature to the tailgate. This means you no longer need to press a button or kick your foot under the bumper to open it.
All you need to do is stand near the tailgate (with the key in your pocket, of course), and it will open automatically. This feature is indeed very practical, especially when your hands are full.
However, in my opinion, it could be improved further, as the tailgate takes a noticeably long time—over five seconds—to open.
Proton has officially introduced the Proton S70 R3 race car, which will compete in the gruelling Sepang 1000km endurance race scheduled from November 22 to 24.
Official images released by the national car manufacturer show the S70 R3 undergoing final preparations, awaiting only the application of its racing livery.
Specifications have not been disclosed; however, based on the distinct roar heard in a video shared on October 1, there is a possibility that the car uses the 1.6-litre Campro engine, similar to those used in previous Proton racing cars.
Established in 2003, Proton R3 is the factory supported motorsports division of Proton with the acronym standing for Race, Rally, Research.
Over the last two decades, R3 have successfully campaigned Proton models both domestically and internationally in racing and rallying events, while using the knowledge gained to develop a range of performance enhancing components and limited edition models for sale to customers.
More recently, they have also ventured into the lubricants space, selling performance lubricants carrying the R3 banner.
The S70 R3 is the latest in a long line of Proton models developed for motorsports. With its debut, both Proton and its motorsports division are venturing into uncharted waters, campaigning a car co-developed with Geely and just one year after its market launch.
Proton is the most successful OEM in the 15-year history of Sepang 1000km with six wins, while R3 are the most successful team with five wins, including three in a row from 2017 to 2019.
“Having not competed in the last three Sepang 1000km races, Proton is excited to be back on the starting grid in 2024. The Proton S70 R3 marks a new milestone for the brand as we take a model developed together with Geely into the heat of competition for the very first time,” said Roslan Abdullah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Proton.
“Despite being a new car, Proton is taking the challenge to field two units of the S70 R3 in the race instead of using a proven older model as a backup. We are determined to prove the abilities of the newest Proton sedan model in the racetrack and while we expect competition from teams who have actively competed the last three years, it is our belief the lessons learnt in racing will translate to us building better cars for our customers in the future,” he added.
Proton announced it has recorded sales of 11,269 units (domestic + export) in September to bring its year to date (YTD) total sales volume to 112,758 units.
As a result, the national automaker remains in second position in the national automotive sales rankings with a forecast market share of 20.1% for the month and a YTD figure of 19.1% for the whole of 2024.
Total sales for the automotive industry were down in September, historically a slow month, as total industry volume (TIV) is estimated to have dropped to its lowest point in 17 months.
Early estimates show the number to be at just 56,067 units, which is a reduction of 22.2% from the previous month. The estimated YTD total for TIV however remains ahead of 2023 with a total volume of just under 590,000 units being 3% better than last year.
Launched on 19 August this year, the 2025 Proton X70 enabled the company to return back to the head of the C-segment SUV market with 1,466 units sold in September. This is the highest sales volume for the model since December 2022.
The other two Proton SUV models also ended the month as sales leaders. After being updated in June, the Proton X50 continued its strong sales performance with another 1,771 units sold. The Proton X90, meanwhile, retook leadership for D-segment sales with 217 units sold to bring its YTD total to a market leading 2,724 units.
Another model leading its segment for YTD sales is the Proton S70, which remains the cumulative sales leader for the segment and added 1,013 units to bring its total to 14,768 units in its first full year of sales.
Though temporarily displaced from the top of the monthly sales leaderboard it will receive a boost with the unveiling of the Proton S70 R3 that is set to compete in the Sepang 1000km endurance race in November.
The Proton Saga continues to be the company’s bestseller, achieving 5,162 sales last month, placing it in second place for A-segment sedans. Its sedan sister, the Proton Persona, clocked up 1,295 sales while the Proton Iriz had a steady sales month with 345 units sold.
Last week, the Proton Centre of Excellence (COE) served as the final destination for Geely’s Galaxy E5 world tour, which kicked off in China.
Despite being dubbed a ‘world tour’, the convoy, consisting of several left-hand drive Galaxy E5 units, actually traversed just three Southeast Asian countries: Laos, Thailand, and Malaysia.
Nevertheless, the 3,700 km journey was deemed sufficient to showcase the Galaxy E5’s capabilities and durability in real-world conditions.
According to a representative from Geely, the convoy successfully completed the journey without issues, with each unit arriving at the COE in good condition, despite having to face floods in Laos caused by Typhoon Yagi.
Taking advantage of the cars being here, Proton invited media representatives to test drive the Proton e.MAS 7 twin on its famed test track at the COE. Additionally, select media personnel were also given the opportunity to drive the EV on public roads for a more realistic driving experience.
From my observation, the test drive session provided clear hints as to the design, technology, and performance of the e.MAS 7, which will soon be launched in the local market.
Is the Exterior Design Similar?
Proton previously emphasised that the e.MAS 7 is not merely a rebadged Galaxy E5. This claim holds true on a technical front, as the e.MAS 7 was developed concurrently with the Galaxy E5. According to Proton, over 100 of their engineers were involved in this project.
However, in terms of exterior design, it is fair to say that Proton may not have all the freedom to make significant changes to the e.MAS 7, aside from altering the logo and badges. Elements like the Infinite Weave design found in other Geely-based models are also absent, as the e.MAS 7 lacks a front grille.
It is also interesting to note that the Galaxy E5 that we test drove came with 19-inch wheels, one inch bigger than that of the e.MAS 7.
A Spacious Yet Luxurious Interior
Similar to its exterior, the cabin design of the e.MAS 7 is expected to be quite similar to that of the Galaxy E5. This is a good thing, as the interior design of this Chinese EV is quite impressive in terms of layout and materials used.
The leather upholstery appears luxurious and feels soft to the touch. Importantly, it is applied extensively, not only on the seats but also covering a substantial part of the dashboard and door panels.
In addition to white, Geely offers choices in brown-red and dark blue. Will Proton offer the same colour options with the e.MAS 7? We look forward to finding out.
Roomy and Practical—Perfect for Malaysians
With a wheelbase of 2,750 mm, the Galaxy E5 offers a spacious and comfortable cabin. I was quite impressed with the rear legroom, which is comparable to that of D-segment vehicles, even though this is a C-segment SUV.
The rear seats provide adequate thigh support, but what’s more intriguing is the front passenger seat, which comes with Ottoman functionality—a feature typically found only in luxury MPVs.
For those who often carry a lot of items, fret not: the Galaxy E5 includes 33 storage compartments, including a drawer beneath the rear seats. Although the trunk space is modest (461 litres) for an SUV, there is an additional 51 liters of storage under the trunk floor.
Packed with Technology
Both the Galaxy E5 and the e.MAS 7 are powered by the same operating system, Flyme Auto, driven by the 7 nm Longying One Chip, which is touted as the first smart cockpit chip from China. Besides smartphone integration, this OS also offers voice command features for various tasks—think of it as your personal assistant.
The EV also boasts a Flyme Sound audio system with a capacity of 1,000 watts and 16 speakers, including those in the headrests. Additionally, there are external speakers useful for playing music during a gathering.
You can also use the external speakers to issue warnings to pedestrians or other road users. Notably, the sound choices available are quite unconventional, featuring sounds like “Hi,” roar of a tiger, a cat’s meow, supercar engine revving, and more.
The Galaxy E5 is Designed for Comfort—What About the e.MAS 7?
While brief, the driving session on both the Proton test track and public roads effectively revealed the character of the Galaxy E5. It was clear that the EV is tuned for a more relaxed driving experience, unlike other Chinese EVs I have tried, such as the smart #1.
The Galaxy E5 is equipped with a single electric motor at the front axle, generating 218 PS and 320 Nm of torque, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 184 km/h.
In today’s landscape, where EVs can easily match supercars, these figures may not seem impressive. However, I believe that the Galaxy E5 is sufficiently fast for the average driver. The throttle response is calm and unhurried, even when depressed aggressively.
Moreover, the Galaxy E5’s suspension system is very soft. During our drive to Puncak Alam, the vehicle proved adept at soaking up bumps from uneven surfaces almost seamlessly within the cabin. Nevertheless, the Galaxy E5 tend to bounce when cruising at high speeds or being driven on undulating roads.
Conclusion
As mentioned, the test drive session was valuable as it provided considerable insight into the upcoming Proton e.MAS 7.
In terms of exterior and interior design, as well as infotainment systems and technology, I personally do not expect significant changes, as the Galaxy E5 package is already appealing.
However, regarding driving dynamics—particularly throttle response and suspension tuning—Proton will undoubtedly apply its expertise to ensure the e.MAS 7 is well-suited for Malaysian road conditions while meeting the expectations of local EV buyers.
Proton recently celebrated a significant milestone with the official launch of the Proton e.MAS 7 Tour at its Centre of Excellence (COE).
This journey marks the handover from Geely’s successful E5 Long Test Drive World Tour, as the baton is passed to the Proton e.MAS 7 to embark on an exciting new chapter of innovation and exploration across Malaysia.
The Proton e.MAS 7 Tour aims to engage Malaysians and provide them with a unique opportunity to experience the vehicle first hand.
The EV is set to cover well over 2,000 km across diverse terrains and landscapes ranging from coastal roads to mountainous regions, while showcasing its capabilities.
The Proton e.MAS 7 Tour will begin on 5 October 2024, navigating every state in Malaysia. Starting with Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, and Johor in the first leg, it will then move on to Pahang, Terengganu, and Kelantan, followed by Perak, Penang, Kedah, and Perlis.
It continues through KL and Selangor before heading to East Malaysia, starting in Sabah and concluding in Sarawak.
Zhang Qiang, Chief Executive Officer of PRO-NET noted that the goal is to provide Malaysians with an engaging experience of how the car navigates our nation’s unique road conditions and climates.
“This tour will not only celebrate our vibrant communities but also foster a deeper connection with our customers,” Zhang Qiang said.
Ahead of the official tour, the public can catch a glimpse of the Proton e.MAS 7 and the PRO-NET team in action at key locations in Putrajaya on 25 September and Shah Alam on 26 September.
The Geely E5’s 3,700 km southbound trek encountered challenging conditions due to Typhoon Yagi. As Proton e.MAS 7’s development sibling, the Geely E5 navigated floodwaters and a variety of road conditions without incident, reinforcing the reliability of its technology.
“This brand-new EV navigated tough weather, challenging road conditions, and even floodwaters. The durability, reliability, and quality of the Galaxy E5 highlight the engineering excellence behind the Proton e.MAS 7 – demonstrating how it will be a game-changer for our market,” Zhang Qiang added.
Proton presented 20 units of the Proton X90 Flagship to the 17th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention (WCEC) to be used to chauffeur foreign dignitaries, top management and members from various businesses during the three-day event held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center (KLCC) from 9-11 September.
Organised by the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM), Proton’s first NEV model helped ensure VVIPs to the event travelled in comfort to meetings, appointments and accommodations as well as other travel destinations before eventually ending their trips at the airport.
According to the national automaker, passengers provided positive reviews, stating they preferred to be driven in the X90 due to its comfort and space.
After the conclusion of WCEC, the X90 was also used to ferry entourages consisting of Cheng Hong, Vice President of the China Overseas Chinese Association and Wang Yanfei, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Sichuan Provincial People’s Congress, to visit some tourist sites in Melaka.
Since its launch in May 2023, sales of the X90 have totalled 7,322 units, making it one of the best-selling D-segment SUVs. It has also retained its leadership in the segment in August this year.
The biennial event, which was first held in 1991, brings together entrepreneurs from around the world to foster business connections and explore new opportunities such as new technology, green economy, artificial intelligence (AI) and more.
With 4,000 attendees from China, America, Middle East, Africa, Europe and beyond, the event is expected to see at least RM2 billion in business opportunities, particularly through business matching and post-convention missions that will showcase the country’s investment potential to global audience.
“By providing 20 units of Proton X90 to this event, we are showcasing our commitment to excellence and fostering stronger economic ties across borders. This initiative represents our dedication to building a collaborative future and strengthening global partnerships in the automotive industry,” said Dr. Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer, Proton.
A woman vacationing in Phuket, Thailand faced a torrid time when her Proton X50 that she drove all the way from Malaysia suddenly experienced a system malfunction.
In a post on the Facebook group ‘X50 Owners Club Malaysia,’ Amira Murad claimed that her car key unexpectedly stopped working and could not be detected, preventing the engine from starting.
For your information, the X50 is equipped with a Remote Engine Start feature that allows the engine to be started remotely using the key fob.
Amira further explained that her X50’s engine could only be started via the Atlas app. However, the engine would immediately shut down every time she opened the door.
In her post, Amira mentioned that she managed to get assistance from Proton service technicians, but they were unable to identify the issue affecting her X50.
This is what she wrote in the post (directly translated):
“The remote battery has been changed. All methods have been tried, but still, no success.
“Proton We Care advised towing it back to Malaysia, as they only cover services within the country. We had to bear the costs for everything, even though the car had a problem due to their product. It’s only been six months since I bought the car.
“The most frustrating part is the ACC system that caused all four tyres to lock. We couldn’t just use ordinary towing. I had to sit in the car on the tow with the windows up. I was stuck in the car for seven hours without being able to open the windows.
“I requested towing service under Proton while waiting at the duty-free area in Bukit Kayu Hitam. They refused, claiming it wasn’t covered. So now we have to figure out how to tow the car to the Malaysian border, as towing services in Thailand only cover up to Thai immigration,” she wrote.
Additionally, in one of the videos she posted, Amira showed that her car door could not be opened, even though the app indicated that it was unlocked.
Some commenters suggested that Amira should have used the physical key hidden inside the key fob to manually unlock the door.
To the experts out there, what do you think happened to this poor woman’s X50? Share your thoughts.
Proton recently joined hands with the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MECD), alongside with two government agencies to bring suppliers of government-linked companies (GLC) and Proton to attend the “Market Access, Technology Transfer & Vendor Enhancement Program” in China.
This initiative was aimed towards fostering innovation, enhance commercialisation activities and support Malaysia’s transition towards sustainable mobility.
Organised by MECD and led by the Malaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) and Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Bhd (MIDF), the program was conducted in early July to accelerate the development of next-generation vehicles and battery electric vehicles through strategic partnerships and technological exchanges.
Representatives from MBSB Bank, Tenaga Nasional Bhd, PLUS Expressways Bhd, UEM Edgenta Bhd, Telekom Malaysia as well as 22 Malaysian vendors were brought to visit electric vehicle (EV) components plants, such as charger plants and stations, batteries and charger producers in seven places in China, including Shanghai, Nanjing and Hangzhou.
These stops included Geely’s subsidiaries Zeekr and EV battery and charger producer VREMT at Hangzhou Bay. As a global leader in EVs, China’s comprehensive ecosystem for EV development makes this program highly significant, offering insights into manufacturing, facilities and services within the EV industry.
To facilitate interactions between Proton suppliers and Geely EV suppliers, business matchmaking sessions were held at the Geely Research Centre (GRI) at Hangzhou Bay during the programme. 95% of the participants were satisfied with the session that helps to identify potential partnerships and collaborations for EV component supply chains.
Among all participants, 87% of local suppliers expressed the intention to collaborate with China suppliers with the top five partnership by category as distributorship, collaboration in technology transfer, joint venture partner, collaboration in skill development and investment for joint business.
The government is committed to advancing the electric vehicle (EV) and green technology. Increased collaboration and partnerships aim to build essential infrastructure and support a sustainable EV ecosystem through technology transfer. By developing the local supply chain, Malaysia hopes to cut import reliance, create jobs and stimulate economic growth, according to MECD.
In a separate trip to China a month prior, Proton previewed upcoming models and design concepts to gain more insights on the development work done by the design team in meeting local and global market needs.
“This experience has provided vendors and dealers valuable insights into the global automotive market dynamics and reinforces Proton’s leadership in delivering cutting-edge vehicles tailored to diverse consumer preferences. Some of the safety technologies and luxurious interior in the model were way beyond its market segment. With strong demand for technological advanced vehicles at competitive prices, all the models are poised to make a significant impact to the market,” said Thomas Lim, President, Proton Vendors Association.
“Proton’s recent trips have demonstrated a strong commitment to product innovation and a strategic approach for introducing new models both locally and globally. This underscores the need for increased collaboration and technology exchanges to ensure the long-term resilience of the automotive sector in Malaysia and to accelerate progress towards these ambitious goals,” said Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer, Proton.
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