KUALA LUMPUR: The national automaker Proton has hit yet another significant milestone in its 41-year history by producing its five-millionth car. The 5 millionth unit, a Proton X90, was unveiled during a recent event commemorating the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations.

The event was attended by Y.B. Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Malaysian Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, and Jin Zhuanglong, Chinese Minister of Industry and Information Technology. Other notable attendees include - Y.B. Ng Sze Han, Selangor state Executive Committee member for Investment, Trade, and Mobility, Eric Li Shufu, Chairman of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar, Group Managing Director of DRB-HICOM, Dr. Wei Mei, CEO of Geely International Holdings (Malaysia), Dr. Li Chunrong, CEO of Proton, and Roslan Abdullah, Deputy CEO of Proton.

The credit for this success goes to the international partnership as Proton collaborated with the Chinese Geely Group in 2017 to enhance its product offerings and market reach. Since then, it has successfully launched four new models jointly developed with Geely that have received much fanfare.

Along with that, the national automaker has upgraded its locally designed models and integrated advanced intelligence and connectivity features across its entire lineup. It has also made 

significant improvements in product quality, invested in after-sales and parts management, and enhanced its market presence with the establishment of a strong dealer network. Proton has the highest number of 3S (Sales, Service, Spare parts) and 4S (Sales, Service, Spare parts, Survey) outlets in Malaysia.

These comprehensive efforts have led the brand to achieve five consecutive years of sales growth and a corresponding increase in production.

Figuratively, the automaker has sold more than 2 million units of the Saga, making it the most popular “Malaysian-made car of all time.” Proton has also delivered over 217,000 units of its X-series SUVs (X50, X70, and X90) in domestic and export markets.

“Proton was tasked with mobilising Malaysians and to establish a local automotive ecosystem when it was formed in 1983 and today, we continue to play a critical role in the nation’s economy. Over 100,000 people earn a living through activities linked to PROTON and each of them played a role in driving the company towards this landmark achievement of five million units,” said Dr Li Chunrong.

“The five millionth unit produced by PROTON is a Proton X90 Flagship, which is symbolic of how far the company has progressed since the beginning of the partnership with Geely. Just last week, we confirmed e.MAS as the brand name for future Proton EV products and today as we set yet another milestone, the future is ripe with opportunities for PROTON to continue to provide sustainable mobility for Malaysians and our export markets, added Dr Li Chunrong.

Also read: Proton grabs “Excellence Award” for its innovative safety technologies