Proton’s Top Brass Attend Smart #3 Launch at Auto Shanghai 2023

The smart #3 EV recently made its global debut at the Auto Shanghai 2023. This coupe crossover EV is set to join alongside the smart #1 compact crossover, thus further extending  the marque’s next-gen EV line-up.

Interestingly, amongst the hundreds or even thousands of spectators witnessing the launch is a special delegation from national automaker Proton, composed of its top senior management members.

Proton CEO Dr. Li Chunrong (second from left) & Proton DCEO Mr. Roslan Abdullah (far-left)

As the official importer and distributor of smart cars in Malaysia and Thailand via its PRO-NET subsidiary, Proton CEO Dr. Li Chunrong and deputy CEO Roslan Abdullah were both invited to attend the unveiling of the new model launch, as the firm prepares to venture into the new energy vehicle (NEV) via the smart brand later this year.

Commenting on this launch event, Dr. Li Chunrong, who is also the chairman of PRO-NET, said, “Proton will soon enter the NEV market in Malaysia as we heed the government’s call to transform the country into a regional hub for next generation vehicles (NxGV). Our first step is to launch the mild hybrid powered Proton X90 followed by the introduction of the smart #1.”

smart #1 EV Crossover

In preparing for the smart brand launch, Proton is extensively testing out the smart #1 at the firm’s test track. This will be followed by a road testing period, as well as public preview sessions which will commence prior to its much-anticipated Malaysian debut.

“As it will be our first EV model, there are a lot of areas that require careful planning prior to launching the smart #1. We have recruited our dealers, are working on charging solutions, and are also considering new and innovative ways to deliver a brand experience in line with the core values of the smart brand,” the CEO added.

MITI Minister Datuk Seri Utama Tengku Zafrul & fellow MITI delegates, visiting the Zeekr HQ

On top of that, Dr. Li also unveiled that Proton is now considering to accelerate its timeline for model introductions, due to the recent Heads of Agreement (HoA) signed between Proton and its joint-venture partner Geely to possibly introduce the Zeekr brand – one of the EV brands under Geely – into Malaysia.

This revelation might signal some shifts in the firm’s new NEV model launches, which kick-started with the all-new Proton X90 later in May, followed by the smart #1 in Q4 this year.

“Our first step is to launch the mild hybrid powered Proton X90 followed by the introduction of the smart #1. However, following the signing of a Heads of Agreement (HoA) document with Geely earlier this month and the subsequent visit to the Zeekr intelligent factory by the MITI Minister, we are considering accelerating our timeline for model introductions,” said Dr. Li.

The smart #3 EV crossover is poised to go on sale in selected markets like China and Europe, followed by the rest of the world much later this year. With the smart #1 set to make its local debut by the end of this year, there’s a strong possibility that PRO-NET will also bring the new smart #3 into our local market later next year.

Folks, what are your thoughts on this revelation? Keen to see the newly-launched smart #3 EV rolling down our streets alongside the smart #1 next year? Or would you prefer to see the Zeekr-brand EVs coming in first? As always, leave your thoughts in the comments down below…