Latest news with #ZhangQiang
The Sun
20 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
New Proton X50 attracts 5,000 bookings in just 10 days
The All-New Proton X50 has captured the attention of Malaysians nationwide, with 5,000 bookings recorded within just 10 days of opening its order books on 5 July. The overwhelming response follows a highly successful nationwide prelaunch tour that brought the new SUV to major city attractions, where eager onlookers turned up in droves for a glimpse of Proton's latest B-segment contender. According to Proton, one booking for the All-New X50 is received every three minutes. This impressive rate reflects a 50 per cent take-up of the early bird promotion, which offers a RM1,000 cash rebate, a special edition Touch 'n Go card, and an exclusive GEMPAK! Deal. These incentives are reserved for the first 10,000 customers, with only half of that number still available. The full pricing structure of the All-New X50 will be disclosed during its official launch event, scheduled for the evening of 24 July. Ahead of that, Proton has announced that public test drives will commence at showrooms nationwide from 19 July, giving potential buyers the opportunity to experience the vehicle's performance and features first-hand. Zhang Qiang, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Proton Edar, noted that the company is humbled by the extraordinary interest shown in the new model. He confirmed that production at the Tanjong Malim plant has been accelerated to meet the strong demand, with a target of delivering at least 5,000 units by the end of August. This strategic move is aimed at minimising the waiting period for customers post-launch. The All-New Proton X50 arrives with a raft of upgrades designed to appeal to drivers with active, modern lifestyles. The model features new exterior and interior styling, an enhanced Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), and a newly developed 1.5-litre turbocharged i-GT engine paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. This combination delivers 181PS and 290Nm of torque, enabling a 0–100 km/h sprint in just 7.6 seconds — an improvement of 0.3 seconds over its predecessor — while also achieving a 4.7 per cent boost in fuel efficiency. With the initial 5,000 bookings already snapped up and only 5,000 units remaining under the early bird campaign, prospective buyers are being urged to act quickly to take advantage of the READY TO ROAR package. The package includes the RM1,000 cash rebate, a limited edition Touch 'n Go card, and the yet-to-be-revealed GEMPAK! Deal, which is set to be announced during the official launch. The All-New Proton X50 represents a significant step forward for the national carmaker as it continues to elevate its product offerings in both performance and design. With demand surging and vehicles prepared for immediate delivery post-launch, the SUV is poised to reaffirm Proton's dominance in Malaysia's competitive B-segment SUV market.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Proton all-new X50 draws 5,000 bookings in 10 days ahead of launch
KUALA LUMPUR: Proton Holdings Bhd has received 5,000 bookings for its all-new Proton X50 just 10 days after opening orders on July 5, averaging one booking every three minutes. This accounts for half of the 10,000 early bird units under a special launch promo, which includes a RM1,000 cash rebate, a limited edition Touch 'n Go card and an exclusive 'Gempak! Deal'. Full pricing will be revealed at the official launch on the evening of July 24, Proton said in a statement today. Proton Edar Sdn Bhd deputy chief executive officer Zhang Qiang said the strong response underscores Malaysians' enthusiasm for the model. "To build on this momentum, we'll begin offering test drives at our outlets from July 19 so customers can experience the X50 firsthand," he said. Zhang said Proton's Tanjong Malim plant has ramped up production to ensure immediate availability. "Our goal is to have at least 5,000 units ready for registration by end-August to minimise waiting times," he added. The new Proton X50, aimed at buyers with active lifestyles, features refreshed styling, a more powerful engine, and an upgraded 14.6-inch infotainment display. It also debuts Bahasa Melayu voice recognition and an enhanced Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System with semi-autonomous driving functions.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Proton's all-new X50 draws 5,000 bookings in 10 days ahead of launch
KUALA LUMPUR: Proton Holdings Bhd has received 5,000 bookings for its all-new Proton X50 just 10 days after opening orders on July 5, averaging one booking every three minutes. This accounts for half of the 10,000 early bird units under a special launch promo, which includes a RM1,000 cash rebate, a limited edition Touch 'n Go card and an exclusive 'Gempak! Deal'. Full pricing will be revealed at the official launch on the evening of July 24, Proton said in a statement today. Proton Edar Sdn Bhd deputy chief executive officer Zhang Qiang said the strong response underscores Malaysians' enthusiasm for the model. "To build on this momentum, we'll begin offering test drives at our outlets from July 19 so customers can experience the X50 firsthand," he said. Zhang said Proton's Tanjong Malim plant has ramped up production to ensure immediate availability. "Our goal is to have at least 5,000 units ready for registration by end-August to minimise waiting times," he added. The new Proton X50, aimed at buyers with active lifestyles, features refreshed styling, a more powerful engine, and an upgraded 14.6-inch infotainment display. It also debuts Bahasa Melayu voice recognition and an enhanced Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System with semi-autonomous driving functions.
The Sun
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Pro-Net partners Amtel for cleaner EV battery disposal
SUBANG JAYA: Proton New Energy Technology (Pro-Net), the new energy subsidiary of national automaker Proton Holdings Bhd (Proton), signed a MoU with Amtel Cellular Sdn Bhd, a unit of Amtel Holdings Bhd for the proper transportation, disassembly, and disposal of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. This collaboration will see Pro-Net tap into Amtel's expertise in maximising the lifespan of EV batteries for a more sustainable, circular economy. This will ensure that the battery's valuable materials can be recovered and repurposed for secondary applications, such as to manufacture new batteries or as energy storage solutions, thus minimising waste. Pro-Net CEO Zhang Qiang said the company is fully committed to sustainability and helping the nation transition to green mobility. 'We also want to ensure that in doing so, the process remains green as well. While there isn't an official government mandate yet, we are taking early steps to safeguard the proper disposal of EV batteries, ensuring that the recycling process remains economically viable while being environmentally friendly,' he said in a statement. Based on projections by the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), it is estimated that by 2050, 870,000 EV batteries will require recycling in Malaysia, which calls for the necessary frameworks to guide the proper collection, processing, and disposal of EV battery waste. This is critical for the long-term sustainability of EVs amidst their rapid adoption. The EV battery disposal will be conducted in accordance with government-mandated regulations under the Department of Environment's Electronic Scheduled Waste Information System (eSWIS). Amtel invests heavily in research and development including exploring new uses for EV battery cells. A key focus is repurposing these cells for secondary applications such as energy storage solutions to support a sustainable and circular energy ecosystem. Amtel Cellular CEO Lim Hun Teik said this partnership underscores the mutual commitment to not only advancing electric mobility, but also building the essential ecosystem around it – including high-quality after-sales support, safe battery management, and responsible end-of-life handling. 'We are fully aligned with Pro-Net's mission to deliver innovation on wheels, and we are excited to play a vital part in ensuring peace of mind for EV owners throughout their vehicle lifecycle,' he said. The Proton 7 utilises a high-tech short-blade LFP battery that is designed to help prevent battery-related issues and ensure the safety of the vehicle and its occupants. It is one of the biggest selling points that has made the Proton 7 the best-selling EV in Malaysia for 2025 to date.
The Sun
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Proton ends first six months of 2025 with increased market share
PETALING JAYA: Proton has closed its books for the first six months of the year with an increased share of the Malaysian automotive market. Group sales in June amounted to 11,069 units, a slight increase over the same month in 2024, while total year-to-date (YTD) sales totalled 72,156 units, the second highest in the industry. Market share for the month is estimated to be at 20.7%, an increase of 1.1% over the previous month and 1.2% ahead of the YTD figure of 19.5%. Conversely, total industry volume (TIV) is estimated to have closed at 53,500 units in June, a reduction of 21% compared to the TIV figure of 68.007 in May. One of the constants for Proton's sales performance has been the strong performance of its B-segment SUV model, the Proton X50. Launched in October 2020, over 140,000 units have been sold in Malaysia and overseas markets, firmly cementing its position as the sales in its class for five years in a row. For June 2025, 1,657 units of the Proton X50 were sold, keeping it ahead of all competitors in the class. The total includes 353 units for the export market where the model accounts for 47% of the company's total export volume. For the first half of the year 11,361 units have been sold, marking an increase of 11.3% over the first six months of 2024. While sales of the current model remain strong, Proton is launching an all-new Proton X50 this month. Depressed market conditions in June resulted in lower sales compared to May but there were three Proton models that ended the month as segment leaders. One of these was the Proton X50 while the other two were the Proton X90 and Proton S70, which continued to lead the D-segment SUV and C-segment sedan markets, respectively. The model with the highest sales growth figure for the first half of 2025 is the Proton X70. 'After performing strongly in May, automotive sales dropped by 15,000 units in June due to external factors such as rising tensions in the Middle East and the expansion of the scope of SST affecting buyer sentiment. Despite this, Proton managed to outperform the market to increase our market share percentage ahead of a busy second half of the year where we have a full slate of events and model introductions. With new models arriving in our showrooms, the outlook is for the company to have a stronger second half to 2025 as we seek to increase sales for our ICE and EV offerings,' said Proton Edar deputy CEO Zhang Qiang.
