smart and PROTON have officially signed a general distributor agreement for the Malaysian and Thai markets
Mr. Tong Xiangbei, Global CEO of smart Automobile (middle); Mr. Yang Jun, Vice President of R&D of smart Automobile (second from left); Mr. Du Hanbin, Chief Engineer of Research and Development of smart Automobile (second from right)
(August 18, 2022, Hangzhou/Kuala Lumpur) Following the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement on regional partnership in January this year, smart, the premium all-electric automobile and technology brand, together with PROTON (Malaysia's national automotive manufacturer), today officially signed a general distributor agreement for the Malaysian and Thai markets. As a regional strategic partner of the smart brand, PROTON will establish a comprehensive multi-level sales and service network for smart’s new generation all-electric product portfolio, and bring a premium brand, product, and service experience to customers in the region.
As the first of smart’s new generation all-electric product family to enter the Southeast Asian market, the all-new smart #1 is expected to be delivered to Malaysia in the fourth quarter of 2023. In the future, smart will continue to explore the huge potential of the new energy vehicle (NEV) market in Southeast Asia, helping to accelerate the brand’s global development.
Mr. Tong Xiangbei, Global CEO of smart Automobile Co., Ltd. said: “Based on our forward-looking ‘China-Europe dual-home’ global development strategy and solid foundations in these two major NEV markets, we are expanding our global business at full speed. Today’s signing ceremony marks the upcoming development of the smart brand as we enter the promising NEV market in Southeast Asia. Going forward, smart will work together with PROTON to bring a premium, intelligent, all-electric urban mobility experience with unique brand characteristics to customers in the Malaysian and Thai markets, a win-win for all parties.”
ato' Sri Syed Faisal Albar, Chairman of PROTON (third from right); Mr. Li Chunrong, CEO of PROTON (third from left); Mr. Roslan Abdullah, Deputy CEO of PROTON (middle)
Dr. Li Chunrong, CEO of PROTON said: “The cooperation with smart brand is a big step forward for PROTON in the field of NEVs. Not only will we establish a comprehensive retail network, but also accumulate valuable NEV sales and service experience. At the same time, this partnership demonstrates PROTON’s determination to transform into an environmentally friendly company, in addition to contributing to the achievement of Malaysia’s 2050 carbon neutrality goal.”
smart recently completed a comprehensive renewal of its brand, product and business model. Since its world premiere in April, the all-new smart #1 has wowed the world and received wide recognition from global media and customers. With the first batch of products for China set to be delivered in September, more than 150 independent points of sale and services will be established in 2022. In Europe, smart is cooperating closely with long-term strategic partners and will take the lead in establishing 300 points of sale and services in 14 European markets (including the UK and Switzerland).