Proton Edar to sell smart EVs, Perodua checkmate

SMART is a Mercedes electric car brand that happens to be owned by Geely Auto.

 First previewed in 2021 at the IAA MOBILITY in Munich, the smart Concept #1 provides a clear insight into the first production model in smart’s new generation of all-electric vehicles.

This compact SUV concept electric vehicle takes the smart brand into the high-growth small and compact vehicle segment.

This new smart electric SUV concept measures 4,290 mm in length, 1,910 mm in width, and 1,968 mm in height with a 2,750 mm-long wheelbase. Compared to its nearest rival, the MINI Countryman (which is tagged as a compact SUV), this smart’s length is 7 mm shorter but the wheelbase is 80 mm longer.

Early reports coming from Europe say that this smart electric SUV will deliver about 19 bhp from a synchronous motor powering the rear wheels. It will be sold with two battery pack options and the extended range unit having a capacity of over 60 kWh.

Both battery packs will consist of CATL-made lithium-ion cells. The maximum WLTP range will be around 430 km with a real-life driving range probably around 380 km.

So, what will the selling price be? Well, many Malaysians want to know the selling price when launched here as there is still no electric car on sale which caters to middle and lower-middle class Malaysians who want to start saving the environment by reducing carbon emissions and have a trendy new shiny ‘environmentally friendly’ vehicle.

Estimates from Europe after its preview at IAA MOBILITY in Munich put the selling price at about 42,000 Euro which is about RM 199,999 before we add on delivery and warranty.

However, the biggest news is that Malaysia’s very own PROTON has just signed a Memorandum Of Agreement (MOA) with this EV brand SMART Automobile Company (smart) to work together to introduce the latter’s range of New Energy Vehicles (NEV) into the rapidly growing ASEAN automotive market.

However, the shared press information had no indication of the arrival date of this smart EV, the possible selling price, if it will be locally assembled, and the vehicle drivetrain details.

The press information only mentioned that this agreement will see both parties collaborating via Proton Edar (PROTON’s sales outlets), will be appointed as the importer (which means there will be no local assembly), distributor, and dealer for smart in Malaysia and Thailand, and smart Automobile (Nanning) Sales Co. Ltd. (a fully owned subsidiary of smart Automobile), who will fulfil the role of a gateway for smart to the region.

The signing ceremony took place virtually with Roslan Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of Proton Edar, and Ulf Nestler, Vice President of Finance for SMART, acting as signatories for their respective companies.

Also present to witness the event were Dato’ Sri Syed Faisal Albar, Chairman of PROTON, Tong Xiangbei, Chief Executive Officer of smart, and Dr. Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer of PROTON.

Also read: Proton accepts govt’s RM 1,000 voucher for servicing and part down payment for a new car