PROTON launched the X70 SUV this evening, officiated by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
Available in four variants, the carmaker’s first SUV sells for between RM99,800 and RM123,800 (on-the-road, without insurance). Also the pricing is the same for both Peninsular and East Malaysia.
The variants* are:
- 1.8 TGDi Standard 2WD: RM99,800.
- 1.8 TGDi Executive 2WD: RM109,800.
- 1.8 TGDi Executive AWD: RM115,800.
- 1.8 TGDi Premium 2WD: RM123,800.
*All variants are petrol-powered.
The X70 is the first vehicle to be jointly developed by Proton and its China-based partner Geely, and is the first premium SUV by a Malaysian automotive brand.
It also introduces Proton to a new market segment and is the key catalyst for the total rejuvenation of the brand.
When developing the Proton X70, both Proton and Geely collaborated on multiple levels. From the cross deployment of staff in China and Malaysia, to testing in Malaysia’s hot and humid climate to the collaboration between local and international vendors, the goal was to ensure a product that is perfectly suited to the needs of Malaysian and Asean car buyers.
To prepare for its introduction, Proton embarked on a comprehensive marketing plan to build an unprecedented level of excitement amongst car buyers via on-ground events, the launch of an online booking portal and giving the SUV its public debut at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2018.
These efforts began in September and were further strengthened by social media campaigns that included a naming contest and numerous teaser videos on Facebook and YouTube.
At the same time, significant investments to Proton’s network were made for the arrival of the Proton X70.
Training activities for sales and service staff and the launch of the inaugural Proton After Sales Service Competition (PASSC) were part of efforts to ensure everyone had sufficient knowledge of the new vehicle.
The company also embarked on an ambitious network expansion plan by inviting new investors to start Proton outlets and offering generous incentives for existing dealers to upgrade their facilities to 3S and 4S centres.
To date 115 plans for such centres have been approved with 71 already launched thus far this year.
“The Proton X70 is the result of more than one year of hard work by Proton and Geely engineers, designers and hundreds of other people working together to develop the first premium SUV by a Malaysian car manufacturer,” said Proton CEO Li Chunrong.
“Proton is proud of our achievement and it is our belief Malaysian car buyers will be equally proud to own an SUV that will help to transform the Proton brand.
“With over 10,000 bookings, it already has a good start so we will work hard to deliver on our product and brand promise.
“Deliveries of the Proton X70 will commence over the coming weeks as we want customers to get their cars as soon as possible. Some have had to wait for over six months, having given their name to dealers before bookings were even officially opened, so Proton is thankful to them for their patience and incredible brand loyalty.”
Special packages and one price for all Malaysians
To enhance the ownership experience of the Proton X70, special value added packages were announced at the launch event.
Defined as “Xtra” packages, they affect four distinct areas.
The Xtra Service Package offers free parts and labour for the first service as well as free labour for five scheduled service appointments within 100,000km or five years.
Next, there is the Xtra Low Financing Package, offering low interest rates that start from 2.34% p.a. for qualified buyers.
Proton will be the first national automotive brand to offer an unlimited mileage warranty as the Xtra Warranty Coverage Package will cover the X70 for up to five years regardless of mileage.
Finally, to ensure owners enjoy a premium connectivity experience the Xtra Data Package offers free internet data for five years (capped at 1GB per month).
“The Xtra packages offered will enhance the experience for owners by offering peace of mind, savings for servicing and financing as well as free data,” Li added.
“Proton will also create history by offering the Proton X70 at one price for one nation. This means East and West Malaysia car buyers will pay the same price for the same vehicle, making Proton the first automotive brand to offer such a deal. It is our hope that by doing this, Proton proves that a Malaysian product can be offered at the same price for all Malaysians regardless of where they live.”
