Proton inks a new deal to explore local assembly of smart EVs

KUALA LUMPUR: At the recently held 2023 China-ASEAN Expo, Proton signed a new Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with smart Automobile. The latter is a German EV carmaker, set to enter the local market soon with the launch of the smart #1 EV.

Also read: Smart #1 EV to come in three variants; est. price begins at RM 200k

Roslan Abdulah, Deputy CEO of PROTON, signed the MoA on behalf of Proton, while Mandy Zhang, Vice President of Global Sales, Marketing, and After-Sales, signed on behalf of smart Automobile.

Also present at the signing ceremony were Dr Li Chunrong, CEO, PROTON, Tong Xiangbei, Global President of smart Automobile, and Zhang Qiang, CEO, PRO-NET, and Mr Unny Shankar, Director for the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI).

The two companies signed their first MoA 20 months ago to explore the potential of Proton selling smart electric cars in ASEAN markets. However, the second agreement aims to study the feasibility to locally assemble smart vehicles at the brand's Tanjung Malim plant.

According to Dr Li Chunrong, “The new MoA between PROTON and smart Automobile brings our collaboration to a new level as now we are talking about assembling smart models in Malaysia. As an automotive manufacturer, PROTON always intended to raise our involvement with smart beyond distribution for the ASEAN region as there are many efficiencies to take advantage of because both companies are members of the Geely Group.” 

After signing the agreement in 2022, Proton has taken the following steps to represent smart in the region:

• The company inked the General Distributorship Agreement (GDA) and created PRO-NET, a subsidiary focused on electric vehicles (EVs)
• It sent a team of engineers to China for EV training
• smart #1 underwent thorough Malaysian testing, and partnerships were formed with GENTARI, PETRONAS' renewable energy arm, and other EV stakeholders 
• Appointed ten smart dealers and introduced the smart #1 to the public at various events
• “Hello smart App” launched, offering four first-in-Malaysia features including Live Charging Map & Navigation System, Vehicle Booking & Financing Loan Application, One-Stop Service Home Charging Solution, and Community Engagement

“PROTON has committed to introducing more New Energy Vehicles (NEV) in the future. After the launch of the Proton X90, our first NEV, we are excited by the opportunity to learn more about EVs from our collaboration with smart. Going forwards, all our production activities will be centred at the Automotive High Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjung Malim, which will also help in our goal to turn Malaysia into a regional EV hub,” added Dr Li Chunrong.

Also read: Proton identifies root cause of X90 fire incident; inspection required