PROTON has made formal its deal to sell and service vehicles from premium EV brand smart Automobile Company (smart) in Malaysia and Thailand by signing a General Distributorship Agreement. In a ceremony witnessed by media and officials from various government agencies, both sides put pen to paper to pave the way for the introduction of new energy vehicles by the national car maker. The first smart model to be sold by PROTON during the first phase of the collaboration, the Smart#1 compact SUV, will be launched in early Q4 of 2023.
While PROTON’s collaboration with smart is primarily a retail operation, there are big picture developments to pave the way for its entry into the new energy vehicle market. For instance, the company announced its intention to invest in a charging network by collaborating with a local charging provider as well as to provide and install domestic units for customers who intend to charge their vehicles at home.
PROTON also announced its intention to model retail operations for smart on what the company does in other markets. Therefore, there will be a heavy emphasis on an integrated digital lifestyle and other elements that will marry customer preferences with a connected digital solution encompassing journey planning, charging availability and even purchase considerations.
Today marks a big step for PROTON’s entry into the new energy vehicle market. The first phase of business with smart is focused on retailing but it provides us with valuable knowledge and experience on not only how to service and charge EVs but also how to transform the way we interact with our customers.
Another facet the company is exploring is to use its entry into the market segment to attract young talents. With the rapid shift in job preference for new workers, PROTON will use its long-term plans for sustainability and energy efficiency as well as increasing its ESG scores to appeal to the next generation of automotive industry workers.
“Today marks a big step for PROTON’s entry into the new energy vehicle market. The first phase of business with smart is focused on retailing but it provides us with valuable knowledge and experience on not only how to service and charge EVs but also how to transform the way we interact with our customers. The move into this market segment will also help drive PROTON’s move towards being more environmentally friendly in all facets of our operations as we work to help Malaysia achieve its carbon neutrality target by 2050,” said Dr Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer, PROTON.
In April 2022, Smart announced the arrival of their all-new compact SUV – Smart #1
Featuring a 200kw rear-wheel-drive setup that produces 272PS of power together with 343Nm of maximum torque, the SUV has a maximum speed of 180km/h. Through the car’s 66kWh battery, smart says that its new SUV is able to reach a maximum range of between 420km to 440km, according to the WLTP standards.
The form of the smart #1 is shaped by new design, new technology and a new approach to create an urban companion. Just like the smart brand itself, the values of the design are an invitation to connect with the car on a purely personal level. The exterior is forward-thinking and progressive with elements such as concealed electric door handles, frameless doors, and the floating halo roof that users would not expect on a car in this category. At every angle there is always a new detail to explore. The space to footprint ratio is pushed to the maximum: The all-new smart #1 with its 4270 mm length, wheelbase of 2750mm and the max. 19” inch rims are creating an impressive interior space with an enhanced 360° view.
