Proton establishes PRO-NET, a new subsidiary for new energy vehicles

KUALA LUMPUR: One of the biggest transformations the global automotive sector witnessed in recent years is the development of battery electric vehicles. All big or small automakers worldwide are embracing EVs with open arms and we must say that the local auto industry is also not behind in this race. With non-national brands like BMW, Hyundai, and Nissan as the forerunners, Proton and Perodua are also gearing up to electrify the Malaysian automotive market.

We already know that Proton has finalized a deal with smart and will soon start selling smart EVs in Malaysia. To make that happen, the local carmaker has now announced the establishment of a separate entity named New Energy Technology Sdn. Bhd. (PRO-NET). 

As a fully owned subsidiary of PROTON, the new unit will handle the sales and distributorship of smart EVs and the brand’s own NEVs (New energy vehicles) in the future. It will be managed by a separate management team with operation staff consisting of industry experts. 

Among the key members of Proton’s New Energy Technology Sdn. Bhd (PRO-NET) are -

• Zhang Qiang - Chief Executive Officer - He holds vast experience in the automotive industry in China and has been handling sales and network development at Proton for the last five years
• Salawati binti Mohd Yusoff - Chief Brand Officer - a 25-year auto industry veteran 
• Sua Chek Hoong - Chief Information Officer - a newcomer to PROTON with two decades of experience in the communications and IT industry

The management of the PRO-NET will report to a board of directors headed by Proton CEO Dr Li Chunrong, supported by Deputy CEO Roslan Abdullah, CFO Wang Huaibing, and VP (Human Capital & Admin) Amran Mohd Tomin.

As announced earlier, the smart EVs will hit Malaysia roads in Q4 2023 with the smart #1 EV to be rolled out as the first electric car. To start with, the new entity will be focussing on the deployment of charging solutions and deployment of home-based and public charging networks. 

"Our studies show consumer hesitancy to adopt new energy vehicles is tied to their concern about charging availability. PRO-NET intends to address the issue with a two-pronged approach combining the installation and maintenance of home-based chargers with a comprehensive public network to be built with partners specializing in the development and running of charging stations. As a PROTON subsidiary, PRO-NET has a responsibility to ensure our products and services are accessible to all Malaysians regardless of where they reside so in addition to fixed chargers, we are also considering mobile solutions to expand our reach,” said Dr Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer, PROTON. 

"The new energy vehicle industry is growing exponentially, and PRO-NET wants to be a major part of it both in Malaysia and abroad. As these new offerings will not be weighed down by previous model lines or even traditional service operations, it is an opportunity for PROTON to reframe its customer experience and reposition itself as a mobility provider that can attract new and traditional buyers. We are at the beginning of our new energy journey but with today’s official announcement regarding PRO-NET, our plans will gain momentum leading to more developments in the months and years ahead,” added Dr Li Chunrong.

Also read: Proton ended August 2022 with record-breaking sales results