Launch is just around the corner.
Good news for Proton dealers and also for Malaysians who have been waiting patiently to take ownership of this all new Crossover from Geely. Yes, the Proton X50 which is the latest product from parent Geely is ready in their Tanjung Malim factory.
Based on the Geely Bin Yue, this new Proton is challenging a number of vehicles currently on sale in Malaysia.
The past week Proton dealers and selected invited guests have been getting a preview of the all new X50. Proton dealershave also been given their much needed sales training on this latest product which is scheduled to be launched in October 2020. Yes, it is all happening next month and the immediate competition needs to be a little worried as this Proton X50 hits a few segments, not just the compact Crossover segment.
Let us explain.
To start, the Honda HR-V buyer might look at the Proton X50 as a better priced option since the indicated price is between RM82,000 and RM92,000.
Then there is the soon to launch Hyundai Kona at RM115,000 and the Kia Seltos at an estimated RM120,000. The RM25,000 to RM30,000 price premium will be a deciding factor for Malaysian buyers who are feeling the economic pinch right now.
Next comes the Mazda CX-3 and Toyota C-HR buyers. Yes, both these crossovers are fully imported and have a higher standard of build and features, but their imported selling price gives them a huge disadvantage over the Proton X50 ‘national car status tax system’ which allows their selling price to be very favorable.
Now comes the other segments.
For the hatchback buyer, the selling price of this Proton X50 might persuade them to move their purchase from say the current segment leading Toyota Yaris or the soon to be replaced Honda Jazz to the X50.
Then there is a compact sedan buyer. Malaysians looking to buy the latest Toyota Vios, Nissan Almera and even the soon to be launched Honda City might be tempted to take ownership of this Proton X50.
This means, the Proton X50 will be in many ways the bread and butter model for Proton in coming years and will easily have Proton back on its feet with all government loans fully paid up very soon.
The market effect.
Well, if the Proton X50 does what it is supposed to do, then many other car brands in Malaysia will feel the pinch as the uneven market conditions will push some brands into the red, especially with already weak car sales and a slowing down of the economy. Plus, there is the issue of more companies closing down in 2021 and the increased loss of jobs in the horizon.
Still, let us wait and see if there will be Malaysians lining up to buy this new Proton as they did many many years ago when the Proton Wira was launched.
