North Western Proton Upington

Discover Affordable Luxury - Proton South Africa

Proton South Africa

Proton South Africa opens its doors with 2 SUVs on offer and 20 dealerships incoming

By

Proton South Africa back with two SUVs
Proton cars back in the South African market

Proton South Africa reopens its showrooms with two SUVs. The X50 and X70 SUVs from the Malaysian carmaker Proton are finally on sale in the country after the automaker announced its re-entry into the local market in May.

The introduction will be complemented by establishing 20 dealerships within the country’s borders by the end of 2022 along popular routes.

The X50 as the smaller model of the two is available from a starting price of R449,900 while the flagship X70 can be had from R529,900.

Combined Motor Holdings (CMH) is Proton’s official distributor in South Africa and the company said it already stocks a full range of replacement parts for the two SUVs.

Proton South Africa – X50 Specs

The new Proton X50 is available in four trim levels starting with the Standard, then the Luxury, Executive, and Premium.

Features fitted to every model include LED headlamps with daytime running lights, a multi-drive-mode programme, cruise control, keyless entry and start, manual air-conditioning with rear-row vents, four speakers, a reverse camera, rear parking sensors, ABS with brake assist, hill-hold assist, and hill descent control.

This is alongside an 8-inch infotainment system offering Bluetooth, voice control, and “smartphone connectivity” – though it must be noted that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not supported by Proton’s vehicles.

The X50 Luxury model further brings automatic headlight operation, front fog lamps, front parking sensors, and a leatherette steering wheel and seats.

Proton South Africa luxury
Proton cars back in South Africa

On the Executive, buyers can additionally expect roof rails, a digital driver’s display, automatic aircon, a larger 10.25-inch infotainment unit with more voice control functions, two extra speakers, a 360-degree camera, and a tyre-pressure monitoring system.

The range-topping X50 Premium then gets all of the above along with an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a panoramic sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, and a variety of driver aids such as autonomous emergency braking, forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, blind-spot information, and intelligent high-beam control.

The Standard and Luxury also wear 17-inch wheels, while the Executive and Premium stand on 18-inch alloys.

As for power, the Proton crossover makes do with a 1.5-litre, turbo-petrol motor and seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission delivering drive to the front wheels.

In the Standard, Luxury, and Executive this combination generates 110kW and 226Nm, whereas the Premium puts out a higher 130kW and 255Nm.

Proton X50
Proton X50 on sale in SA

The South African pricing and model line-up for the new Proton X50 are as follows:

  • Proton X50 1.5T Standard – R449,900
  • Proton X50 1.5T Luxury – 499,900
  • Proton X50 1.5T Executive – R535,900
  • Proton X50 1.5T Premium – R579,900

This price includes a 5-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and a 5-year/80,000km service plan.

Proton cars on the market in SA
Proton cars luxury

Proton Cars – X70 Specs

Unlike the X50, the big X70 is only available in Standard, Executive, and Premium X grades.

The entry-level model is equipped with automatic headlamps, LED fog lamps, a leather steering wheel, fabric seats, cruise control, a digital driver’s display, keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control, ABS with brake assist, auto brake hold, hill descent assist, rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, and 17-inch wheels.

Across the entire X70 range an 8-inch media display is also installed with between six and nine speakers, depending on the chosen specification.

The Executive steps it up with rain-sensing wipers, LED headlights, a powered tailgate, leatherette seats, a powered driver seat, ventilated front seats, two more speakers, front parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, and rims measuring 18 inches.

Notably, the X70 Executive is the only Proton car you can currently buy in South Africa in all-wheel drive.

Proton South Africa
All-wheel-drive Proton cars SUV

For the Premium X, additional bells and whistles comprise a foot sensor for opening the tailgate, Nappa Leather seats, an electric front passenger seat, autonomous emergency braking, forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot information, intelligent headlight operation, tyre-pressure monitoring, a door opening warning system, and 19-inch alloys.

The larger X70 also employs the same 1.5-litre drivetrain as its smaller brother, with the whole range putting out 130kW and 255Nm.

Proton South Africa back with X70
Proton X70

The South African pricing and model line-up for the new Proton X70 are as follows:

  • Proton X70 1.5T Standard – R529,900
  • Proton X70 1.5T Executive – R579,900
  • Proton X70 1.5T Executive AWD – R629,900
  • Proton X70 1.5T Premium X – R639,900

Each purchase comes with a 5-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and a 5-year/80,000km service plan.

Proton South Africa
Leather upholstery exclusive to the X70 1.5T Pemium

Proton X50 and X70 (2022) Specs & Price

By

Proton, the Malaysian carmaker is back in South Africa after a hiatus and is launching its X50 and X70 SUVs in September 2022. Here’s what’s on offer.

We reported earlier this year that the Malaysian carmaker was making a return to South Africa with an arsenal of new products and CMH Group would be handling the dealerships and distribution of the X50 and X70 Proton cars.

As a reminder, the Malaysian brand is owned by Chinese carmaker Geely since 2017. Geely also owns Volvo, Polestar and Lotus, and has a stake in Mercedes-Benz.

We understand that CMH will have at least 25 Proton dealerships.

So, what can South African motorists expect? There’ll be two SUV models; the Proton X50 and the Proton X70. All are powered by a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine but there are 2 states of tune available including 110 kW / 226 Nm and 130 kW / 255 Nm for the range-topping derivatives. A 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is a standard across both vehicle ranges. We suspect this motor is similar to the one found in the XC40 T3.

Proton X50

Dimensions of 4 330 mm, 1 800 mm x 1 609 mm puts it in Toyota C-HR and Kia Seltos territory. Buyers have the choice of 4 trim levels including Standard, Luxury, Executive, and Premium.

The X50 1.5T Standard includes features such as 4 airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, fabric upholstery and an 8-inch infotainment system with a reverse camera. The X50 Luxury adds features such as automatic headlights, fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and leatherette upholstery. Opt for the Executive derivative and the specification is boosted further to include 18-inch alloy wheels, a larger 10-inch infotainment screen with a 360-degree camera and a tyre-pressure monitoring system. The range-topping 1.5 TDGI Premium derivative gains the 130kW engine as well as driver assistance systems, a panoramic sunroof and a 2-tone exterior.

How much does the Proton X50 cost in South Africa?

X50 1.5T Standard – R449 900

X50 1.5T Luxury – R499 900

X50 1.5T Executive – R535 900

X50 1.5 TDGI Premium – R579 900

The Proton X50 is sold with a 5-year/unlimited km warranty, 5-year/80 000km service plan and 5-year roadside assistance.

Proton X70

Dimensions of 4 519mm, 1 831mm, and 1 694mm puts the Proton X70 in the same bracket as the Volkswagen Tiguan and Mazda CX-5.

The bigger Proton X70 is offered in 4 levels of trim including Standard, Executive, Executive AWD and Premium AWD. Note that all X70 derivatives are powered by the

The X70 Standard is fitted with halogen headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, fabric upholstery, an 8-inch infotainment system, 6-speaker radio, an air purification system and 6 airbags. The Executive derivative adds LED headlights with Daytime Running Lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, welcome lights, an electric tailgate, leatherette upholstery, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, ventilated front seats, an 8-speaker radio system and a 360-degree camera. This Executive derivative can be had in all-wheel-drive guise too and then features such as driver assistance features, tyre pressure monitoring system, 19-inch alloy wheels, Nappa leather upholstery and a 9-speaker radio with amplifier and subwoofer. The range-topping X70 1.5TDGi Premium further adds a panoramic sunroof to the package.

How much does the Proton X70 cost in South Africa?

X70 1.5 TDGi Standard – R529 900

X70 1.5 TDGi Executive 2WD – R579 900

X70 1.5 TDGi Executive 4WD – R629 900

X70 1.5 TDGi Premium 4WD – R639 900

The Proton X70 is sold with a 5-year/unlimited km warranty, 5-year/80 000km service plan and 5-year roadside assistance.

Proton Motors is back in South Africa : X50 and X70 First Drive Review

By

The famous Malaysian automotive manufacturer returns to South Africa, bringing with them two contenders for the B- and C-segments. Here are our impressions on the X50 and X70 review.

CMH Proton
Proton returns to South Africa

Proton Motors is a Malaysian Automotive manufacturer that has been around since the 1980s. The brand first came to South Africa in 2005, introducing itself with the Gen2 sedan, proudly wearing the “Handling by Lotus” badge on its boot. After some success with the Gen2, Proton brought in some more vehicles until deciding to leave the South African market in 2013.

Since that time, the Chinese Automotive firm and group Geely became a big shareholder in Proton Motors. Keep in mind, Geely acquired Volvo and Lotus over time and naturally you’ll see inklings of tech and refinement filter into Proton vehicles. As a result, we have the X50 and X70 SUVs which we had the opportunity to sample on launch.

CMH Proton
Proton X50 and X70

Styling

With a return to the South African market, you would have to have vehicles that stand out from the crowd. Proton Motors has a massive Malaysian manufacturing plant which encompasses an in-house design studio where designers can roam free but within the bounds of what the engineers can make into reality. In this instance for both the X50 and X70, there are many small design details you’ll pick up and elements that make the vehicles uniquely Proton. Unique in the sense that the styling inspiration was taken from a Malaysian Tiger in different stances or states if you will.

Let’s start with the X50

CMH Proton
The X50 at CMH Proton

The X50 looks like a tiger ready to pounce with its sharper, more angular lines going from the front to the sides of the vehicle. Its front fascia imitates a tiger bearing its teeth, closing its eyes slightly for a more mighty if not sporty look. Out of the X50 and X70, the X50 aims for a more youthful driver who wants sportier styling but at the same time is not over the top. In the rear, you’ll find quad exhaust tips housed in a rear diffuser, adding to the sporty motif with a large wing. The X50 is also the smaller of the two vehicles, placing itself in the B segment.

Now onto the X70

CMH Proton
CMH Proton brings you the X70

In contrast to the pouncing tiger X50, the X70 goes for more of a Tiger in a resting state. Of the two vehicles, the X70 is the more mature-looking model that it’s aimed at an older driver or rather a driver that favours luxury over sporty styling. It’s subtle but elegant with more smatterings of chrome trim on the exterior. The X70 is also the larger of the two SUVs which sits in the C segment.

Interior and Technology

CMH Proton
X50 Interior and technology

Going into the two vehicles, this is where you’ll see more of the Malaysian craftsmanship being shown off. There are plenty of soft-touch surfaces in and around the interior of both vehicles being broken apart with silver trim pieces. The design flows nicely around the cabin with lovely touches of pattern textured switchgear and even small details being paid attention to. Seating is comfortable for both front and rear passengers and they’ll fare well with longer journeys with a myriad of adjustment settings for the front seats (not electrically adjustable on the Standard variants). You can even get supple Nappa leather in top-of-the-range X70. The X50 feels more compact and everything is closer to you, sticking to that sporty theme that the vehicle has presented itself as. Whereas with the X70, everything is more spaced out but still easy to access nonetheless, showing off the notion that it’s a bigger vehicle and more spacious inside.

CMH Proton
X70 Interior and technology

In terms of technology, the X50 and X70 provide essential luxury features such as remote vehicle start on the key fob (X50), an air purification system (X70), ventilated seats (X70), power tailgate with foot sensor (X70) responsive infotainment systems with a good number USB charging ports in the cabin and lastly, Proton voice commands to operate certain interior technology and components. Unfortunately, the voice commands do need some refinement in the sense of initialisation and being able to hear South African accents better; at least that was our experience in an X70 we sampled. That being said, it was pleasant to see the 9-speaker audio system in the X70 Premium being a Kenwood system. That’s an established audio brand you don’t see too often in an OEM application.

Luggage capacity is as follows:

X50: 330 litres
X70: 512 litres

The luggage capacity in the X50 is adequate but could be better when compared to its rivals. With the X70, the luggage capacity is on par with its rivals such as the Mazda CX-5.

Drive and handling

X50 and X70 Review
1.5-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine coupled to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission

Powering both the X50 and X70 is a 1.5-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine coupled to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The engine is a result of a co-development between Geely and Volvo. In the X50, you get the engine in two flavours, a 110 kW / 226 Nm multipoint fuel-injected version and a 130 kW / 255 Nm direct injection version which was present for sampling. The X70 uses the higher output direct injection 130 kW engine across its range. The drivetrain is smooth, quiet, and pokey with a good implementation of a dual-clutch transmission. The gearbox changes seamlessly and on this drive, the ratios were matched nicely.

X50 and X70 Review
Proton Motors focused on lightness and agility.

With regard to handling, Proton Motors focused on lightness and agility. The vehicles are spritely and felt planted on the road in spite of the windy conditions on the day. On both the X50 and X70, you can adjust the feel of the steering between Normal, Comfort, and Sport, the same goes for the drive mode selection. The ride quality for both vehicles is premium feeling and NVH (Noise Vibration and Harshness) is good, even on bumpy roads. The vehicle is put together very well with no rattles.

Claimed combined fuel consumption on the X50 is 6.5l / 100 km and on the X70 7.8l / 100 km. Not terrible.

These vehicles are quite suitable for daily usage as well as long road trips. The driving experience on open roads left us with a good impression of good driving dynamics.

Safety

X50 and X70 Review
5-Star ASEAN NCAP rating

Proton Motors hasn’t skimped on the safety of the X50 and X70. To summarise, both vehicles have a 5-Star ASEAN NCAP rating.

Overall X50 and X70 Review

On the standard models, you’ll get :

  • 4 airbags (X50 front and side)
  • 6 airbags (X70 front, side and curtain)
  • Brake assist
  • Hill hold and Hill descent control
  • Auto brake hold
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS and EBD
  • Rear parking sensors with reverse cameras

On the premium model, in addition to the Standard variant’s features:

  • 6 airbags (X50 and X70 Front, side and curtain)
  • Autonomous emergency braking
  • Forward collision warning
  • Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go
  • Intelligent cruise control
  • Lane Keep Assist with departure warning
  • Auto Park Assist
  • Blind Spot Information System
  • Intelligent High Beam Control
  • Front and read parking sensors with 360-degree camera

X50 and X70 Review Verdict

CMH Proton
B- and C-SUV segments’ contender

With the return of Proton Motors to South Africa, it seems like the brand is ready to rumble with the ever-competitive B- and C-SUV segments thanks to a good strategy. The products on offer show promise, with the key takeaway being ‘affordable luxury. This is quite pertinent considering that Proton Motors aims to compete with the likes of BMW, Mazda, and Volkswagen in the aforementioned segments, and the pricing speaks of this too.

It’s going to be tough considering what’s on offer with the competition but if this first impression drive has said anything, it’s that Proton Motors is ready to be a global player and wants to show off its bespoke identity. The Proton Motors X50 and X70 are worth a shot and a test drive to be under your radar.

Which would we pick between the X50 and X70? The X50 stands out as the bolder of the two.

CMH Proton
Experience the Proton sound

Pricing

Proton Motors X50

X50 1.5T Standard from R449 900

X50 1.5T Luxury from R499 900

X50 1.5T Executive from R535 900

1.5 TGDi Premium from R579 900

Proton Motors X70

X70 Standard 2WD from R529 900

X70 Executive 2WD from R579 900

X70 Executive AWD from R629 900

X70 Premium X 2WD from R639 900

*All Proton Models come with a 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty which is transferable to subsequent owners, a 5-Year 80 000 km service plan and 5-Year emergency roadside assistance.

Proton Returns to SA with Big Ambititions

By

With ‘affordable luxury’ as its catchphrase, the Malaysian brand launches its X50 and X70 SUVs

Proton has returned to SA a decade after leaving the country, initially launching two attractively priced SUVs that will be joined by another SUV and two sedans in the next 18 months.

The brand returns under new ownership after being purchased in 2017 by Chinese automaker Geely, which also owns Volvo and Lotus, and is a significant shareholder of Mercedes-Benz.

The Malaysian carmaker has locally teamed up with Combined Motor Holdings (CMH), one of SA’s largest dealer groups and the company that reintroduced Volvo to SA in the 90s. Proton will initially be supported by 20 dealers in SA, growing to 35 dealers by 2024.

All vehicles are supported by a five-year/unlimited distance warranty, a five-year/80,000km service plan and five-year emergency roadside assistance.

Proton, which was founded in 1983, previously imported models including the Gen-2, Satria Neo, Saga, Savvy, Persona and Arena bakkie to SA, but quit the country in 2012.

Speaking at the launch event in Johannesburg this week, Steven Xu, Proton Malaysia’s director of international sales, said the brand returns much stronger and intends to stay. He said Proton’s new-generation cars are superior to their predecessors with the brand having access to the Geely group’s technology, and they are built at Proton’s plant in Tanjung Malim.

“The purchase of a 49.9% stake in 2017 by Geely has transformed Proton through its additional finance, technical expertise and products,” says Jebb McIntosh, CEO of CMH.

“When the Proton brand became available, we jumped at the opportunity for several reasons, but mostly, we saw a gap in the market for a quality SUV within an affordable price bracket.”

With “affordable luxury” as its catchphrase, Proton will initially offer local customers two SUVs — the X50 and X70 — and it is aiming high in its ambitions.

“We are targeting brands like Volkswagen, Mazda and BMW, not Haval and Chery,” says Greg Snodgrass, Proton SA’s sales manager.

The X50 and X70 are powered by a Volvo-sourced 1.5l three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine tuned to deliver 110kW and 226Nm, or 130kW and 255Nm depending on the model. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is standard in both. While the X50 is available only with front-wheel drive, the larger X70 can be had with the option of all-wheel drive.

The X50 is available in four derivatives with the Standard model offering features like fabric seats, four airbags, electronic stability control, full LED headlamps, a reverse camera, aircon, rear air vents and an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen. The Luxury model adds another pair of airbags, automatic headlamps, and leatherette seats, while the Executive version ups the ante with tyre pressure monitors, automatic climate control, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a 10-inch infotainment screen and a 360° camera.

The range-topping X50 Premium further adds the high-output 130kW engine (the other versions have the 110kW unit), a panoramic sunroof, a dual-tone exterior, and a driver-assist system that includes adaptive cruise control, intelligent high-beam control and lane-keeping assist.

With a length of 4,330mm the X50 is a midsized crossover pitched against rivals like the Mazda CX-30, Toyota Corolla Cross and VW T-Roc.

The larger X70, with a length of 4,519mm, competes with crossovers including the Mazda CX-5, VW Tiguan and Volvo XC40.

It has four models all powered by the higher-output TDGi 130kW engine. The Standard model is kitted out with six airbags, halogen headlamps, fabric seats, an eight-inch infotainment system, and electronic stability control.

The Executive in addition comes with LED headlamps with daytime running lights, a power tailgate, leatherette seats, ventilated front seats and a 360-degree camera. The Executive AWD adds all-wheel drive, a driver-assist system, larger alloy wheels and a more powerful audio system. The range-topping Premium model is front-wheel drive but adds a panoramic sunroof and Nappa leather seats to the tally.

I had a brief drive in the X70 Premium and initial impressions are positive. It is a big step up from earlier Protons in terms of refinement and builds quality. With its Nappa leather upholstery and soft-touch surfaces, the roomy cabin has a premium ambience, and the digital instrument panel and large infotainment screen lend a hi-tech feel.

The 1.5 turbo engine felt reasonably punchy and quiet, and a slick-shifting seven-speed transmission added to an overall smooth driving experience. Yielding suspension and high-profile tyres gave the car a plush ride even on a bumpy road.

Proton Pricing

X50 1.5T Standard — R449,900

X50 1.5T Luxury — R499,900

X50 1.5T Executive — R535,900

X50 1.5TDGI Premium — R579,900

X70 1.5 TDGi Standard — R529,900

X70 1.5 TDGi Executive — R579,900

X70 1.5 TDGi Executive AWD — R629,900

X70 1.5 TDGi Premium — R639,900

Launched: The Proton X50 and X70

By

You may have heard the name Proton in the motoring industry. It was a few months ago that the company decided that Mzansi is an ideal place to bring in their vehicles. This has led to the launch of Proton cars in South Africa and the launch of the Proton X50 and Proton X70. “This is not just the launch of the Proton X50 and Proton X70 – this is the launch of a brand you have heard of, but not met in its partnership with Geely,” says Jebb McIntosh, CEO of Combined Motor Holdings (CMH).

CMH was founded in 1976 and has spearheaded the motor industry successfully ever since its conception, launching some of the country’s biggest names such as Volvo in 1995. They made the decision to bring Proton back to South Africa based on their many discussions, trips to Malaysia, viewings and test drives of the vehicles coming into the country.

Based on current market demand, the new Proton X50 and Proton X70 are quality SUV vehicles set within an affordable pricing bracket.

Proton purchase

“The purchase of a 49.9% stake in Proton in 2017 by the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group; a Fortune 500 company which owns Volvo and Lotus, has transformed Proton through its additional finance, technical expertise and products.

“When the Proton brand became available, we jumped at the opportunity for several reasons, but mostly, we saw a gap in the market for a quality SUV within an affordable price bracket,” says Marius Smal, managing director of Proton SA.

The new Proton models are right-hand drive versions of Geely vehicles sold in left-hand markets around the world. The new Proton X50 and Proton X70 benefit from shared group engineering expertise including technology solutions also found in Volvo models.

Fuel efficient

Considering the need for fuel efficiency, Proton has created this product that fulfils the desire for an SUV that is not only outstanding in performance, features and aesthetic appeal but is also affordable to own and run.

“With Geely providing resources and support for Proton cars, we can ensure that the runway for vehicles being released in the near future is exciting. The fuel consumption of the Proton X50 is 6.5L/100km and the fuel consumption of the Proton X70 is 7.8L/100km,” says Smal.

Beyond this, the Proton X50 and X70 offer enhanced features for the driver and passengers’ comfort, as well as a sophisticated look. Some of these features (depending on the variant and class) include chrome finishing on the front and rear bumpers, alloy wheels, a power tailgate with a foot sensor and Nappa leather seats with black headlining.

The Proton X70 comes with Proton Intelligent Air Purification System. This improves the air quality inside the cabin.

Add colour to the drive

Exterior colour options for the 2022 Proton X70 are Snow White, Armour Silver, Jet Grey, Ruby Red, and Space Grey, offered in accordance with the variant chosen.

Proton cars backed by a 1.5TD engine

1.5TD is a 1.5L three-cylinder turbocharged direct injection engine jointly developed by Geely Auto and Volvo Cars to become the leading engine in the industry. It’s compatible with hybrid powertrains and made to fit in the world-class compact modular architecture CMA also co-developed by Geely and Volvo as well as Geely Auto’s other modular architectures.

This highly efficient engine meets the CN/Euro 6 emission standards while putting out a 132KW of power with 265Nm of torque. It is used throughout Geely Auto’s product line as well as in Lynk and Co and Volvo’s CMA-based models.

The Proton X50 and Proton X70 exhibit exceptional technology, and incredible connections. The voice-activation active and passive safety features as well as parking systems, really do leave you more than impressed. From key-activated engine starting to foot sensor boot systems, the Proton X50 and ProtonX70 are loaded with world-class technologies.

Proton cars pricing

X50

  • Standard: R449,900
  • Luxury: R499,900
  • Executive: R535,900
  • Premium: R579,900

X70

  • Standard 2WD: R529,900
  • Executive 2WD: R579,900
  • Executive AWD: R629,900
  • Premium 2WD: R639,900

Customers will receive a five-year unlimited warranty which is transferable, a move that backs up the quality promise of the product, according to Trevor Morey, head of sales and Marketing of Proton South Africa. Also offered is a five-year roadside assistance as well as a service and maintenance plan.

Proton to export rebadged Geely crossovers to South Africa

By

X50
Proton X50 coming to South Africa

Proton Holdings, the Malaysian carmaker partly owned by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, plans to launch sales of two rebadged Geely crossovers – the X50 and X70 in South Africa in September, expanding its global presence.

The X50 and X70 are right-hand-drive versions of Geely’s Binyue and Boyue compact crossovers. Local dealer CMH Group will distribute the crossovers in South Africa under the Proton brand.

Geely acquired a 49.9 per cent stake in Proton in 2017 from Malaysian conglomerate DRB-Hicom.

With new investments and products developed under Geely, Proton’s sales have increased for three straight years, with 2021 volume rising 4.5 per cent to 114,708.

Proton’s exports also climbed to 3,018 vehicles in 2021 from 248 vehicles in 2017.

The number of its export markets has reached 13, most of which are countries in Southeast Asia and South Asia, according to Proton.

In 2022, it aims to boost exports to 10,000 vehicles, Proton said.

Source: https://www.autonews.com/china/proton-export-rebadged-geely-crossovers-south-africa

Proton returns to South Africa market

By

CMH Proton cars
Proton X50

KUALA LUMPUR: National carmaker Proton Holdings Bhd has signed an agreement to appoint CMH Group as the distributor of its vehicles in South Africa, which will see the first shipment of fully imported models going on sale in September.

The company said the Proton X50 and X70 models will lead sales there, followed by the Proton Saga, which is making a return to the nation 10 years after its sales ended in 2012.

“Proton is bullish about its sales prospects in South Africa, projecting strong sales this year, and targeting to more than double its volume in 2023. For the first quarter of this year, the total export sales had increased by 175% over the same period from 2021,” it said in a statement.

“That number is expected to increase as the company takes aim at growing export sales by more than 300% by the end of the year.”

For 2022, the company’s international sales department is targeting to grow export sales exponentially to 10,000 units by entering new markets and growing assembly or knocked-down operations overseas.

Proton director for international sales Steven Xu said the company’s long-term goals required exports to play a major role to grow the company’s overall sales as the total industry volume in Malaysia is expected to remain flat.

“We are exploiting the strength of our new products, brand, and even the links Malaysia has with other countries to establish a foothold in many new markets,” he said. — Bernama

Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2022/04/29/proton-returns-to-south-africa-market

Proton cars to make return to South Africa later this year

By

Malaysian carmaker Proton makes a return to South Africa by entering into an agreement with Combined Motor Holdings to be a distributor for its vehicles locally.

The deal will see the first shipment of fully imported models go on sale in September, with the Proton X50 and X70 currently confirmed for sale later this year. The Proton Saga is also expected to be made available for sale in the country at a later date.

In 2015, Proton announced that it would halt sales in South Africa, citing deteriorating market conditions. At the time it said that the brand would remain active in the country, with after-sales support continuing for as long as there is demand.

“We are exploiting the strength of our new products, our brand, and even the links Malaysia has with other countries to establish a foothold in many new markets,” said Proton international sales director Steven Xu.

“Our new model range offers advanced features that are on par with many competitors from other brands and in many of our markets, the X50 and Proton X70 sit near the top of their class in terms of specifications yet are sold at prices equivalent to or less than their direct rivals,” he said.

  • The Proton X70 costs RM94,800 in local currency – R348,000
  • The Proton X50 costs RM79,200 – R290,000

CMH Group confirmed to BusinessTech that it has been appointed as the importer and distributor of Proton vehicles for South Africa.

“Proton is a member of Geely Holdings which is a Fortune Global 500 company and now the 9th largest automotive group globally. Volvo, London Electric taxi, Polestar, Lotus and Zheekr are all subsidiaries of Geely Holdings.

“The new Proton range will make use of the new generation energy-efficient drive train developed jointly by Geely and Volvo. Dealer development and set-up costs will be absorbed during the current year, so it is unlikely that the project will have a significant impact on earnings during the year to February 2023.”

The return of Proton to South Africa follows the news that Japanese vehicle manufacturer Nissan has ceased all production under the Datsun brand. Datsun gained traction in South Africa’s lower-end market through the sale of its popular GO sub-brand.

“As part of Nissan’s global transformation strategy, Nissan is focusing on core models and segments that bring the most benefit to customers, dealer partners, and the business,” Nissan South Africa said.

“We can reassure all existing and future Datsun owners that customer satisfaction remains our priority, and we will continue to provide the highest levels of aftersales service, parts availability, and warranty support from our national dealership network.”

Sail set for Proton’s return to South Africa

By

Proton X50 and X70 - CMH Proton
Proton X50 and X70 making their way to South Africa

Its return to South Africa rather quietly announced back in April, the first batch of models from Malaysian brand, Proton, has departed ahead of the marque’s relaunch in September.

Reportedly on track to dock in Durban around July, the ship carrying an unspecified number of Saga sedans, X50 and X70 SUVs, left the port city of Klang last week Friday (27 May) for the almost 9 000 km journey following the signing of an agreement with Combined Motor Holding (CHM) for the sale and distribution of Proton vehicles in South Africa.

Last present a decade ago with a line-up consisting of the Savvy, Gen.2, Persona, Satrio Neo and Arena, the now streamlined three-model range is set to be largely spearheaded by the X50 and X70 that originate from Geely products as a result of the Chinese brand’s acquiring of Proton five years ago.

“This shipment marks another significant milestone achieved by Proton this year. South Africa is a matured and competitive market, but we are confident the Proton X50, X70 and Saga have the right combination of features and value to compete with other brands there,” Proton’s Director for International Sales, Steven Xu, said.

“CMH Group is working diligently to prepare their distribution network and the current plan is to launch our models by the end of the third quarter of this year. Ahead of this, several members of the CMH Group visited Malaysia last week to have discussions with our team and visit dealers as well as the Tanjung Malim plant.”

Proton’s return to South Africa will see it expand its footprint to 14 countries and the second in Africa after Kenya following the opening of a plant there two years ago using complete knockdown kits (CKD) of the Saga.

At present, nothing is known about the model’s pricing or which derivatives South Africa will be getting.

Source: https://www.citizen.co.za/motoring/3109733/protons-return-to-south-africa-officially-at-sea/