Over 40 Proton dealers meanwhile were treated to a trip to the Geely Research Institute in Hangzhou.
It would seem that Proton (or more specifically its PRO-NET subsidiary) is really wanting to make a big splash in the local EV scene, as it has recently revealed that a total of 36 e.MAS dealerships has since been appointed by the automaker, in preparation for the imminent launch of its debut e.MAS 7 EV later this year.
This latest tally is to be more than double the 17 dealerships initially announced when the Malaysian marque initially debuted its all-electric off-shoot earlier in June, though it is still currently on the lookout for even more retail partners to join its ever-expanding network.
PRO-NET’s expansion to 36 Proton e.MAS dealerships thus far has been touted by the automakers as being a crucial step in creating an extensive and far-reaching network of customer service touchpoints, across both Peninsular and East Malaysia. This rapid and strategic expansion underscores its commitment in providing accessible and comprehensive support to customers, while advancing the nation towards a future of sustainable mobility.
This recent expansion in the number of dealerships was supplemented by a visit to the Geely Research Institute (GRI) in Hangzhou, China, that was participated by over 40 Malaysian dealer executives and principals. This three-day tour aimed to provide attendees the opportunity to experience Geely’s advanced technology, as well as gain first-hand experience about the operations to sell and service premium EV models from the Chinese automaker’s stable of premium dealerships.
The visit to the GRI centre in Hangzhou Bay allowed attendees to learn more about the intelligent technology and innovations embedded within the upcoming Proton e.MAS 7. In addition to the technology sharing sessions, attendees were also able to get a hands-on experience of the technology by driving the Proton e.MAS 7’s Geely twin (the E5) on closed roads.
In an effort to benchmark standards and practices in customer service techniques, sales strategies, staff training and operational efficiencies, visits to various premium dealerships under Geely’s extensive network were also arranged. Dealers were impressed by the showroom experience, quality standards and modern practices and are set to incorporate the various elements for future Proton e.MAS dealerships.
“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 while the enthusiastic response received from our dealer principals who participated in the Geely tour has been overwhelming. 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,” said Zhang Qiang, CEO of PRO-NET.
“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).
“I am very impressed by not just the technology research and development undertaken by Geely but also 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.” Datuk Andrew Quek Tze Kean, Dealer Owner, Proton e.MAS Shah Alam – SG Car.
As mentioned right up top, PRO-NET is still interested in recruiting passionate and dedicated partners to join its expanding network of Proton e.MAS dealerships. For those interested in being part of the Malaysian marque’s journey towards a sustainable and electrified future, please shoot an email to either [email protected]m or [email protected].
