366 days since the official launch of the Proton X70, the CKD model has officially rolled off the production line from the new plant extension in Tanjung Malim
The CKD Proton X70 has rolled off the line at the new RM1.2 billion plant extension in Tanjung Malim. But even when the X70 was first launched back in 12 December last year as a CBU, it was a hit among car buyers in Malaysia.
Among the dignitaries in attendance at the event were YB Datuk Darell Leiking, Minister of International Trade and Industry, Dato’ Sri Syed Faisal Albar, Chairman of Proton, Mr An Conghui, President and CEO of Geely Auto Group as well as senior management members of Proton.
The plant extension at Tanjung Malim was built in record time at a cost of RM1.2 billion. Simultaneously, Proton worked together with local and overseas vendors to ensure a supply chain for parts required to locally assemble its first SUV.
Dato’ Sri Syed Faisal Albar said in his speech,
“Today marks a historical milestone for Proton as we take another step towards being a global automotive brand. By producing the Proton X70 in Tanjung Malim, we have taken a quantum leap in our abilities as this is by far our most ambitious undertaking to date. This new plant will not only produce future products jointly developed with Geely but it will also be a centre for right-hand-drive production as we begin exports to countries all over world,”
Speaking during the event, Mr An Conghui commented about Proton’s position within the Geely Auto Group as a valuable partner to grow sales in ASEAN markets.
“Proton has undergone a tremendous transformation over the past two years. This experience has worked out very well for us at Geely Auto as we are happy to help PROTON realize its global aspirations. We will continue to support Proton as it grows in the Malaysian market and in the wider ASEAN region and beyond,”
Proton said that it has unofficially started new developments in Malaysia’s automotive vendor ecosystem by working closely with its local vendors to match them with other companies who were already supplying components for the CKD X70 SUV.
This has resulted in seven new joint ventures formed as both locals and foreign companies based in Malaysia joined to share competencies and production resources. Moreover, with deals achieved including technical agreements and foreign direct investments, the effort resulted a total investment of RM263 million and the creation of 1,084 jobs. This enable vendors to gear up to meet supply demands for the X70 and future Proton models.
Datuk Darell Leiking said,
“By committing to produce the Proton X70 and future models at Tanjung Malim, Proton has helped develop the vendor community. This is vital as vendors are the anchor for Malaysia’s automotive industry and are a major contributor to the economy. The introduction of new technologies will help develop industry competencies and going forward, the government is hopeful this will allow Malaysia to penetrate global markets and be a leader in the supply of automotive components. For Proton, a local supplier base will help them develop future models better suited to the wants and needs of Malaysian car buyers. With their aggressive future business expansion plans and their commitment to developing local vendors, more Malaysian companies and consumers will soon be able to benefit as a whole,”
