It looks like Proton’s first ever sport utility vehicle (SUV) – the Proton X70 is off to a flying start even before launch. Pre-launch bookings since 8 September have exceeded 10,000 units, with over 2,000 units made online via Proton’s new booking portal. The much-anticipated SUV is set to launch in November.
Proton also confirmed that it has exceeded its 3S/4S outlet submission approval target of 109, and more applications to open outlets were still being received.
The carmaker first opened pre-launch bookings for its SUV on 8 September 2018. Starting 17 October, interested customers could place a booking with a MYR1,000 fee online or at participating sales outlets.
Proton made available its online booking portal where customers can place their orders conveniently anywhere with an internet connection. Proton stated that the response to its new online booking platform reaffirms its decision to take bookings online and its success may influence how cars might be sold in the future.
From 17-20 October, the Geely-owned carmaker ran a three-day promotional “flash sale” where customers could place a booking for the SUV for just MYR99.
The Proton X70 is the first vehicle jointly developed by Proton and Geely. It’s Proton’s first ever SUV, and the most advanced vehicle in its product lineup.
It comes integrated with an embedded SIM, Wi-Fi connectivity, pre-loaded apps that offer online radio and music, navigation and weather forecasts. It also features voice recognition software that lets you control different aspects of the car by speaking a voice command.
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The car also has top-of-the-line safety features including a 360-degree camera that scans its surroundings for obstacles, as well as autonomous braking and adaptive cruise control.
While aesthetically it isn’t too different from the facelifted Geely Boyue in which the X70 is based on, there are “Malaysian” touches to the design, specifically on its front façade.
Proton says it spent much of its effort on “properly converting” the vehicle from left-hand drive to right-hand drive.
The Proton X70 is offered in four variants: entry-level Standard 2WD, Executive 2WD, Executive AWD and Premium 2WD. All variants will feature a 1.8-litre TGDI turbo-charged four-cylinder petrol engine outputting 181hp and 285Nm of torque.
Colour options include Snow White, Armour Silver, Jet Grey, Cinnamon Brown, and Flame Red (options depends on vehicle variants). Interior trim options include black fabric, black leatherette, and the top-of-the-line brown nappa leather (Premium 2WD variant only).
Beefing up sales and after sales support
It’s one thing to make a car, it’s another to ensure the best customer experience. Thus, Proton is ensuring it has the necessary sales and after sales resources to support the X70.
As far as customer touch points go, Proton announced that it has achieved the target of 109 submission approvals for 3S/4S outlets. To date, it has hit 113 outlet submission approvals, a 104 percent achievement against its set target.
“When JD Power released their 2018 Sales Satisfaction Index ranking (SSI) for mass market automotive brands, it showed PROTON had improved to sixth in the table with a score of 782 points. While we are not satisfied, we still managed to surpass the score of some of our major rivals, which is a sign our customers have responded positively to our efforts to serve them better. I believe with a concerted effort, we can achieve our target to be ranked in the top-3 by 2019,” said Dr Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer of Proton.
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The latest 4S outlet – Ming Heng Motor Sdn Bhd opened in Setapak – a facility with a built-up area of 3,074sqm. The MYR6 million facility houses 14 work bays with 12 service hoists, a customer lounge, coffee area, free Wi-Fi, kids’ play area, notebook and mobile charging facilities as well as prayer rooms. Ming Heng will be adding a body and paint shop and this will be operational by December 2018.
For more information about the PROTON X70, head over here.
Ready to book? Hit this link.
