KUALA LUMPUR: Proton Holdings Bhd's second sport utility vehicle (SUV), the X50, has rolled off the RM1.2 billion extended production line in Tanjung Malim, Perak.
Proton chairman Datuk Seri Syed Faisal Albar has confirmed the B-segment SUV would be named the X50 as the national carmaker expands its range of SUV offerings.
The addition of Proton's new model was realised from the partnership with Geely.
As a locally-assembled vehicle, the purchase intent for the X50 production is expected to amount at least RM1.8 billion annually, that will benefit the local vendors.
With another RM1 billion in parts purchases for the X70, the combined annual contribution to automotive vendors by Proton's two SUVs are estimated at RM2.8 billion.
Built on the Geely's BMA (B-segment Modular Architecture) platform with Volvo, the X50 is equipped with turbocharged engines, a seveno-speed dual-clutch transmission gearbox as well as the next generation of advanced driver assistance systems.
As of August this year, Proton was the only automotive brand ahead of its sales volume from the previous year as the industry comes to grips with lower sales caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
"As a company that manufactures locally, Proton's growth means more money is injected into Malaysia's automotive vendor ecosystem leading to more jobs and wealth creation. This is vital at a time when Covid-19 has significantly hit Malaysia's economy," said Syed Faisal in a statement today.
The X50 will be opened for booking tomorrow at all Proton's showroom and customers can place their bookings with a minimum RM500.
Meanwhile, customer preview sessions will be held at four separate locations (closed-door events) from September 19.
Proton also announced a contest for all Malaysians to vote for a slogan for its new SUV.