PRO-NET increases Proton e.MAS dealerships to 36

With electrification of motor vehicles being given priority by the government, the push is on by the local auto industry to build up the ecosystem to grow and support the electric vehicle market. Proton has already created a new brand dedicated to EVs known as e.MAS which will launch its first model before the end of this year.

The network to provide sales and aftersales has therefore to be set up quickly and initially, the Malaysian automaker had announced 17 dealerships. Now it has raised the number of appointed dealership to 36, an indication of its commitment in driving Malaysia’s EV market forward and growing the EV ecosystem.

“Since the launch of the Proton e.MAS brand in June, the pace of development ahead of our first model launch has been breathtaking. The addition of 19 new dealerships to our ecosystem shows the enthusiasm surrounding the impending arrival of Proton’s first EV [the e.MAS 7] while the enthusiastic response received from our dealer principals who participated in the Geely tour has been overwhelming,” said Zhang Qiang, CEO of PRO-NET, the Proton subsidiary which handles New Energy Vehicles, including smart EVs.

“Geely’s extensive research into intelligent technology development has enhanced their readiness to operate their Proton e.MAS dealerships while growing Malaysia’s EV ecosystem,” he added.

PRO-NET’s expansion to 36 Proton e.MAS dealerships marks a crucial step in creating an extensive and far-reaching network of customer service touchpoints across Peninsular and East Malaysia. The strategic expansion underscores its commitment in providing accessible and comprehensive support to customers while advancing Malaysia towards a future of sustainable mobility.

Visit to see Geely operations in China
To familiarize e.MAS dealers with the business of selling and supporting EVs, a 3-day tour was organised by PRO-NET to see Geely operations in China. Over 40 Malaysian dealer executives and principals, led by Mr. Zhang Qiang.

The group visited dealerships in Geely’s extensive network to observe first-hand the standards and practices in customer service techniques, sales strategies, staff training and operational efficiencies. What they saw impressed them and provided ideas and inspiration for them to use in their own e.MAS dealerships in Malaysia.

“I was very impressed by the premium experience of the dealerships we visited. Personally, I left feeling inspired and eager to bring elements of that experience into our own Proton e.MAS dealerships in Malaysia,” said Datuk Andrew Quek Tze Kean, Dealer Owner of Proton e.MAS Shah Alam – SG Car.

Glimpse of the future
To get a glimpse of what would come in future, they also visited the state-of-the-art Geely Research Institute in Hangzhou Bay. There they also learnt about the intelligent technology and innovations that are embedded in the e.MAS 7. In addition to the technology-sharing sessions, attendees were able to get a hands-on experience of the technology by driving a Geely E5 on closed roads.

“The opportunity to visit and tour the GRI was eye-opening. Experiencing the remarkable technology being developed, tested and validated has solidified our confidence in the global technology and innovation that was co-developed between Geely and Proton that will be deployed in Malaysia’s first electric vehicle,” said Abdul Hakim Bin Basri, Dealer Principle of Proton e.MAS Kota Bharu – JM Otomobil (EV).

The e.MAS network will not be limited to 36 dealers and PRO-NET anticipates growing interest and demand for EVs. It is therefore looking for passionate and dedicated partners to be part of its expanding network of e.MAS dealerships.

Proton e.MAS 7 Tour to start on October 5