Latest news with #e.MAS7
The Sun
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Tun Mahathir drives Proton's first electric vehicle ahead of 100th birthday
FORMER Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, 99, was seen behind the wheel of Proton's first electric vehicle, the 7, just weeks before his 100th birthday. In a video by on his Facebook page, the soon-to-be centenarian is seen driving the electric SUV. The SUV, rebranded from the Geely Galaxy E5 for the Malaysian market, marks a new chapter for the national automaker. Dr Mahathir, who will turn 100 on July 10, has long been associated with Proton, having initiated the national car project in 1979 as deputy prime minister. Proton was officially launched in 1983 during his first term as PM, with the iconic Proton Saga debuting in 1985. The 7, available in Prime and Premium variants under Proton's PRO-NET division, boasts a range of up to 410km and supports DC fast charging, reaching 80% in 20 minutes. However, real-world usage suggests a more practical range of around 350km per charge. Dr Mahathir's test drive symbolizes his enduring connection to Proton, which he nurtured from inception. Despite Proton's later challenges, including being overtaken by Perodua in sales and its 2017 acquisition by China's Geely, Mahathir's legacy with the brand remains strong.
Focus Malaysia
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- Focus Malaysia
May auto sales rebound on more working days, but yearly trend still soft
The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) reported a TIV of 68,007 units in May, with total production volume (TPV) reaching 66k units (-12% YoY). The stronger sequential performance was largely expected, given the more working days post Aidil Fitri festivity. As the sector continues to face challenges amid price competition and the softening of overall consumer sentiment, we maintain our NEUTRAL call, for now. May TIV came in at 68k units (+12% MoM, -3% YoY), bringing 5M25 TIV to 316,722 units (-5% YoY). The MoM recovery was as expected given the higher number of working days vs April and delivery of vehicles booked in 1Q25. The pick-up in sales volume was mainly driven by the major marques, namely Honda (+38% MoM), Perodua (+15% MoM), and Proton (+5% MoM). Chinese car maker Chery also saw an increase of +18% MoM (mainly contributed by Jaecoo), while BYD recorded a slightly modest growth of +6% MoM. Mazda sales volume, meanwhile, slipped 14% MoM. The national carmakers' TIV share rose to 64% in YTD-May 2025 from 62% in 2024. TPV saw a 17% MoM uptick (-12% YoY) in May, in line with the increase in TIV numbers. The TPV's MoM increase was mainly contributed by Proton (+33%), Perodua (+16%), and Toyota (+14%), but slightly offset by Honda (-6%). Moving forward, we expect to see a MoM output decrease in June, leading to an overall QoQ decline in 2Q25. This is largely due to seasonal plant shutdowns by major automakers during the Aidil Fitri (April) and Aidil Adha (June) holiday periods. Tesla ended Proton's run as the top-selling EV brand in May. Based on Road Transport Department (JPJ) figures – which include non-MAA members – while BYD still leads the EV market adoption, Tesla Model Y recorded the highest units registered (985 units) in May while 7 came second (862 units). Total EV registrations rose 69% YoY in May to 4,152 units, bringing YTD-May 2025 registrations to 13.9k units (+59% YoY), making up 4.1% of total cars registered, vs 2.5% in 2024. 'While we expect EV numbers to continue picking up in the coming months, growth is likely to remain moderate due to structural headwinds – high pricing & limited availability of charging infrastructure. As such, EVs are unlikely to influence overall TIV in the near term,' said RHB. Remain NEUTRAL, 5M25 TIV largely in line with our 2025 forecast of 730k units, making up 43% of full-year assumptions. We expect 2Q25 to soften QoQ on the back of scheduled factory maintenance shutdowns by major marques. We remain wary of the sector's outlook however, due to the intense price competition in the non-national segment and lack of catalysts to boost sales and earnings for the sector. Additionally, the impending subsidy rationalisation and the implementation of expanded sales & service tax (SST) may dampen overall consumer sentiment. Hence, we maintain our sector rating, with Sime Darby (SIME) as our sole BUY call. Key downside risks include softer-than-expected orders and deliveries, and resurgent supply chain issues. The opposite represents upside risks. —June 23, 2025 Main image: Shutterstock
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Proton mulls BEV plant in Kazakhstan
Proton Holdings Bhd is considering assembling battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the Central Asian country of Kazakhstan, according to local reports citing government sources. Malaysia's first national automaker is understood to be exploring opportunities to assemble its series of BEVs in the country. Proton launched production of its first BEV model, the 7, in Malaysia at the end of last year. It is based on China's Zhejiang Geely Holding Group's Galaxy E5 model. Proton began exporting the 7 earlier this year, to markets including Nepal and Trinidad and Tobago. Proton representatives recently travelled to Kazakhstan and held meetings with government officials, including Industry Minister Yersayin Nagaspayev. Following the meeting, Kazakhstan's Ministry of Industry said in a statement: 'Proton presented plans to produce electric cars under the brand. Discussions focused on potential production sites, export opportunities, and ensuring compliance with the technical and environmental standards of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).' Proton and the Ministry of Industry have agreed to establish a joint working group to 'develop a strategy to localize production and establish joint investment projects.' The Ministry revealed that Kazakhstan produced just over 134,000 passenger cars in 2024, by major international brands including GM-Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, JAC, and Jetour. Two new plants are scheduled to go into operation in the country this year, in Almaty and Kostanay. Cumulative BEV sales in the country amounted to 9,400 units as of the end of May 2025. "Proton mulls BEV plant in Kazakhstan" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
The Sun
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Proton e.MAS 7 is now available in Trinidad and Tobago
PETALING JAYA: Proton Holdings Bhd's international sales division (ISD) has launched its first electric vehicle, the Proton 7, in Trinidad and Tobago. The country is the second international market for the model and comes three months after its international debut in Nepal. Launched in Malaysia in December last year, the 7 is already the company's third most popular export model, behind the Proton Saga and Proton X50. Held at the capital city of Port of Spain, the launch event was officiated and witnessed by Ansa Motors Ltd sector head Jean-Marc Mouttet, and Ansa MCAL Ltd new business development general manager Alexander Sabga. Motors is Proton's official distributor in the dual island Caribbean nation. In conjunction with the launch and to better serve its growing EV customer base, Ansa Motors unveiled a new, state-of-the-art EV showroom at The City of Grand Bazaar. The new facility will offer customers to explore its EV lineup, learn about EV technology and receive specialised support. Building on the entry of the Proton X50 and Proton X90 into the Trinidad and Tobago market last year, this launch further reinforces Proton's continuous efforts in global expansion and bringing advanced automotive technology to its export markets. To date, 481 units of Proton vehicles have been exported to the country, which has a population of approximately 1.4 million. These include 271 units of the Proton X50, 141 units of the Proton X90 and 44 units of the Proton Saga. 'Proton's journey with the 7 into the Trinidadian market is a significant moment for for the company. It strongly reflects our commitment to leading the adoption of EVs in the nation and marks another pivotal step in our international expansion. This also clearly demonstrates Proton's dedication to leading the charge for EV adoption in our export portfolio and we can't wait to roll it out to additional export markets such as Mauritius and Singapore later this year,' said Proton International sales division director Edmund Lim Meng Thong.
New Straits Times
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Proton launches e.MAS 7 EV in Trinidad and Tobago
KUALA LUMPUR: Proton International Sales Division (ISD) has officially introduced its first electric vehicle (EV), the Proton 7, in Trinidad and Tobago, marking the Caribbean nation as its second international market for this popular EV model. The 7 was first launched in Malaysia in December last year and is now the third best-selling export model after the Proton Saga and Proton X50. This launch comes just three months after the vehicle's global debut in Nepal. Supporting this expansion, Proton's official distributor, Ansa Motors Ltd, unveiled a state-of-the-art EV showroom at The City of Grand Bazaar, featuring dedicated spaces for product exploration, EV education, and specialised services to serve the growing EV customer base. Proton ISD director Edmund Lim Meng Thong said this launch further reinforces the national carmaker's access to additional export markets such as Mauritius and Singapore later this year. "This launch strongly reflects our commitment to leading the adoption of EVs in the nation and marks another pivotal step in our international expansion," he said in a statement. The 7 arrives in Trinidad and Tobago following the earlier exports of the Proton X50 and Proton X90. A total of 481 units of Proton vehicles have already been shipped to the country, which has a population of around 1.4 million. These include 271 units of the X50, 141 of the X90, and 44 units of the Proton Saga. The new EV quickly earned praise among Trinidadian consumers, paving the way for its introduction. Meanwhile, Ansa Motors has also invested in local infrastructure and customer support to ensure a smooth ownership experience. The Proton 7 is available in premium specification and comes with a 5-star new car assessment programme for Southeast Asian countries' safety rating. It accelerates from 0 to 0–100 kilometres per hour in just 7.1 seconds and features a 12-in-1 electric drive unit producing 160 kilowatts and 320 Newton-metres of torque. Powered by a 60.22 kilowatt-hour Aegis Short Blade battery, it boasts a worldwide harmonised light vehicles test procedure rated range of 410 kilometres, making it suitable for long-distance use.
