Proton X70 becomes local carmaker's first Geely-derived export model
The locally-assembled 2020 Proton X70 is now officially an international product. In spite of the ongoing Recovery MCO, the Perak local managed to venture beyond Malaysian borders recently, with Brunei becoming the first export market for the popular SUV. The X70 was initially launched there last year as a CBU from China, but this latest shipment marks the start of export activities for a Geely-derived model manufactured in Tanjung Malim. It will be sold in three variants (Standard, Executive and Premium X) and with a five-year warranty in Brunei.
Although Brunei has one of the smallest automotive markets in the region by volume, it has the highest ratio of cars to population in Asean. The X70 is already among the top three SUVs in segment in Brunei even though it was only launched there in July 2019. The model's re-entry in CKD format signals development in plans to transform the company's Tanjung Malim facility into an export hub for Geely-based models like the X70 and upcoming X50 for global RHD (right-hand drive) markets that Geely isn't able to penetrate with its primarily LHD line-up.
“Proton is excited the Malaysian-made 2020 Proton X70 has been launched in its first export market as exports will play an increasingly important role in growing our sales. With its combination of innovative features and comprehensive list of safety equipment we believe the X70 will gain support from car buyers not only in Brunei, where it has already attracted a strong following, but also wherever it is sold around the world”
Roslan Abdullah (inset), CEO of Proton Edar
