Pro-net appoints EON as dealer for selling smart EVs in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: Jointly owned by Mercedes-Benz and Geely, the German EV brand ‘smart’ is set to enter the Malaysian market this year in association with Pro-net. The latter is a subsidiary of Proton that was formed last year to distribute smart EVs in Malaysia as well as Thailand. 

Earlier this month, Pro-net appointed Hap Seng Smart Sdn. Bhd. as its first authorised Smart dealer and now it has come up with a second name, which is Edaran Otomobil Nasional (EON). The newly-appointed Pro-net dealer is an automotive retail arm of DRB-HICOM; the latter represents several big marques like Proton, Volkswagen, Audi, Mitsubishi, and Isuzu. 

Commenting on the association with EON, PRO-NET CEO, Zhang Qiang said, “We are very excited to be partnering with a well-established and trusted brand in the automotive industry. Pro-Net believes EON’s vast knowledge and experience coupled with DRB-Hicom’s extensive customer reach will create an ideal synergy that will propel smart Malaysia’s vision to great heights.”

DRB-HICOM CEO and head of automotive distribution, Akkbar Danial said, “EON is committed to contribute towards the success of this new partnership. We are led by a dynamic team with vast experience which gives us the advantage to create synergy with smart Malaysia to meet the demand for the smart #1 and yield a significant impact on the local market. We have chosen to start our pure EV journey from our iconic building along the Glenmarie automotive corridor to serve customers from the region.”

A brief about upcoming smart EVs 

The first smart EV earmarked to launch in Malaysia this year is the #1. It measures 4,290 mm in length, 1,910 mm in width, and 1,968 mm in height, and carries a wheelbase of 2,750 mm. The powertrain setup comprises a single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) motor churning out a maximum power of 272 hp and a peak torque of 343 Nm. The motor is fed by a 66-kWh battery pack that lets the EV cruise up to 440 km on a single charge.

Equipment kit is likely to include LED light all-around, a powered tailgate, a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, a 9.2-inch digital instrument panel, dual-zone climate control, powered seats, vehicle-to-load function, a 64-colour ambient lighting, seven airbags, and advanced driver-assistance systems.

Also read: New Proton 3S Centre opens in Puncak Jalil