Proton in Partnership with Smart Automobile
Subang Jaya, 20 January 2022 – PROTON will introduce smart Automobile’s range of New Energy Vehicles in the region.
Both parties will collaborate via Proton Edar, appointed as the importer, distributor, and dealer for smart in Malaysia and Thailand.
Meanwhile, smart Automobile (Nanning) Sales – fully owned subsidiary of smart Automobile – will act as smart counterpart.
On the other hand, the two companies will fulfil the role of a gateway for smart to the rapidly growing ASEAN automotive market.
The signing ceremony took place virtually with Roslan Abdullah, CEO of Proton Edar, and Ulf Nestler, VP of Finance for smart, as signatories. Witnesses were Dato Sri Syed Faisal Albar, PROTON Chairman, Tong Xiangbei, CEO smart and Dr Li Chunrong, CEO of PROTON.
Signing ceremony between Proton and Smart 
The MOA signing ceremony between smart and Proton Edar was held virtually
“With the signing of the MOA, PROTON is taking its first steps on its NEV strategic journey. By collaborating with smart, we will be able to gain experience in the selling, servicing, and charging of NEVs. We can build up the skill sets we require to be a force in ASEAN’s rapidly expanding NEV sector.
“This is also an opportunity to tap on smart’s customer base, which will open up more opportunities for the Proton brand,” said Syed Faisal.
Growing NEV Market
On the other hand, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the NEV market will grow to around 10 million units in SEA by 2025.
However, smart’s all-electric new upcoming portfolio helps it to take advantage of growth in the region.
“With smart’s ‘dual-home’ (Europe and China) business strategy, the company already covers two of the world’s largest automotive markets. Now, as part of our forward-looking strategy, we are joining hands with PROTON in Southeast Asia. With minimal investment, the agreement will allow us to enter the Thai and Malaysian markets in the near future.
“As our regional partner, PROTON has a first-class corporate reputation, extensive experience and valuable knowledge of local operations. We look forward to working together to provide consumers in Southeast Asia with a new premium, intelligent, all-electric driving experience.” said Tong Xiangbei.