KUALA LUMPUR — Proton Holdings Bhd (Proton) is working closely with its partner Zhejiang Geely Holding Ltd (Geely) to explore model enhancement activities.
Proton said collaborative efforts between the duo have been conducted over the years and continue to accelerate after the Proton research and development (R&D) centre (China) was established in April this year.
“The upgrading of Proton’s homegrown models will involve leveraging joint resources with Geely to support the work led by Proton R&D engineers in Malaysia.
“Proton will also be able to enhance its competitiveness by leveraging on Geely’s global footprint,” it said in a statement today.
The national carmaker said the ability to conceptualise, design, develop and manufacture vehicles from the ground up is unique for Proton as a national brand.
“These abilities have now been strengthened by enhancing the synergies of Proton’s existing in-house competencies with the resources and know-how of Geely,” it said.
In another development, Proton said entering its 39th year of continuous production, its first-ever Malaysian car, the Proton Saga, raked in sales of 7,855 units last month, the model’s best single-month achievement since October 2013.
Cumulatively, year-to-date sales for the Saga have grown 8.8 per cent year-on-year to 42,693 units, setting the stage for a stellar sales year ahead.
Sales have surpassed the two million mark this year since the first Proton Saga rolled off the production lines on July 9, 1985, solidifying its status as the most popular model from a Malaysian auto brand perspective.
“Today, the Saga retains its position as the mainstay of Proton’s range of offerings, having proven time and again its reliability and affordability. It remains relevant and resonates well with our target audience over the past three decades,” it added. — BERNAMA