Why was the launch of the Proton X90 on a Sunday? This is highly unusual, and our initial assumption was that the date was chosen to accommodate the schedule of Malaysian prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. However, it turns out that Proton chose the date on purpose, as it is the carmaker’s birthday.
Yesterday was Proton’s birthday, and it was a significant one, the big 4-0. Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional was founded forty years ago on May 7, 1983, and the first Proton Saga was introduced on July 9, 1985. At MITEC, the original Saga based on the Mitsubishi Lancer Fiore was displayed alongside other iconic sedan models such as the Waja, Persona, and Perdana.
Obviously, this is only a limited selection of past Proton models. We’ve compiled a list from memory; have we forgotten anything? Saga (3x), Wira, Satria (2x), Putra, Arena, Perdana (2x), Tiara, Juara, Waja, Chancellor, Gen 2, Persona (2x), Savvy, Exora, Iriz, Preve, Suprima S, Inspira, Ertiga, X70, X50 and the latest X90.
There are automobiles based on Mitsubishi, Renault, Citron, Suzuki, and even Honda models. Obviously, the X family of SUVs is manufactured by Geely, the parent company of Proton. Which three Protons have been your top three favorites over the past four decades?
“Proton’s 40th anniversary is a major event and a chance for the firm to momentarily reflect on its voyage and look to the future.
Proton’s contribution over the past four decades can be measured not only by the number of sales achieved, but also by the number of engineers and professionals involved, the number of jobs created, the value added to the ecosystem in the form of local purchases, and the overall improvement of the economy as a result of our business activities, according to Proton chairman Datuk Seri Syed Faisal.
As buyers begin transitioning to NEVs, we will investigate new segments that are aligned with the government’s aspirations and shifting consumer demand. Our mission to provide mobility solutions to our customers while assisting to develop the nation’s automotive industry has not changed.
The Proton X90 is our first step in implementing this new strategy, and Proton has many more products in the works to expand its presence in this intriguing new market segment,” he added.
Proton unveiled its 40th anniversary logo at the occasion, which combines the circular tiger head logo with the phrase “40 years of growing together.” Syed Faisal stated in his speech that Proton has contributed RM25 billion in taxes to the Malaysian government over the course of its nearly five-million-vehicle production run.