Smart EVs will soon launch in Malaysia and Thailand

Smart Automobile is a joint-venture company of Geely and Daimler, which unveiled its Smart Concept #1, a near-production-ready electric SUV concept last year. The EV brand is now o set to enter the ASEAN automotive market. It recently signed an MOA with the Malaysian automaker Proton to import and distribute smart EVs within the region. 

Proton and smart will work together to introduce the smart range of New Energy Vehicles (NEV) into the rapidly growing ASEAN automotive market. The NEV market will reach around 10 million units in Southeast Asia by 2025, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

Proton Edar will act as the importer, distributor, and dealer for smart in Malaysia and Thailand, while a fully-owned subsidiary of smart Automobile, smart Automobile (Nanning) Sales Co. Ltd. will be a gateway for smart to the region.

The MOA was virtually signed by Proton Edar Chief Executive Officer Roslan Abdullah and Vice President of Finance Ulf Nestler. During the signing ceremony, Dato’ Sri Syed Faisal Albar, Chairman of PROTON, Tong Xiangbei, Chief Executive Officer of smart, and Dr. Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer of PROTON were also present.

As per the MOA,  a multi-level sales and service network of smart EVs will be established in Malaysia and Thailand, providing local markets with sales and after-sales services. A brand experience centre will also be set up. 

“With the signing of the MOA, PROTON is taking its first steps on its New Energy Vehicle strategic journey. By collaborating with smart, we will be able to gain experience in the selling, servicing, and charging of NEVs and 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 Albar.

“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.

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