Latest news with #ProtonX70
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Proton sales up 6pct in May, marking third straight month of growth
KUALA LUMPUR: Proton Holdings Bhd sold 13,328 vehicles in May, comprising domestic and export sales as well as units from its smart and Proton ranges. In a statement today, the national carmaker said the figure represents a 6.1 per cent increase from May 2024 and marks the third straight month of sales growth. For the March-to-May period, year-on-year (YoY) sales rose 10 per cent, bringing year-to-date (YTD) sales to 61,087 units. Proton estimates a 19.2 per cent market share for May, based on a projected total industry volume (TIV) of 69,495 units. The YTD market share is also forecast at 19.2 per cent. According to Proton, individual volume drivers this year include the Proton X50 and Proton X70, which have sold strongly since the introduction of their updated variants last year. Export sales have also been strong, now 36.6 per cent ahead of 2024, while the Proton 7 led EV sales for a fifth consecutive month in May while breaking through the 900-unit sales barrier for the very first time. Proton chief executive officer Dr Li Chunrong said after a slow start to 2025, sales of Proton vehicles have shown an upward trend over the last three months. He added that this is a direct result of the group's promotion efforts as well as the strong attraction car buyers have to our range that offers stylish, technology driven products sold via an industry leading network of 3S/4S outlets. "Going into the second half of 2025, Proton is confident we can maintain our momentum as we initiate a flurry of events and model introductions in line with the next phase of our overall business plan," he said. With new vehicle sales in Malaysia nearing saturation, Proton said it is ramping up efforts to strengthen its presence in overseas markets. It added that 2025 has seen multiple events promoting its overseas presence, kicking off with the launch of the CKD Proton Saga in LHD form for the Egyptian market and two 7 focussed activities in Nepal and Singapore. The carmaker noted that June will see the introduction of the company's EV in Trinidad & Tobago, its second export market after Nepal, which is expected to increase its numbers beyond the 233 units exported thus far. The top export model is the Proton Saga with 710 units followed by the Proton X50, which has grown its YTD export sales by 360 per cent to 694 units. "The increased focus placed on growing export sales is paying short term dividends as we see an immediate uptick in volume. "Penetrating and being successful in overseas markets requires long-term commitment and Proton is confident we can achieve our goals with a structured plan to manage our expansion," Li Chunrong said.
New Straits Times
23-05-2025
- New Straits Times
'Datuk' civil servant charged with misappropriating RM200k
SHAH ALAM: A civil servant holding a "Datuk" title has been charged at the Sessions Court with the misappropriation of RM200,000. The accused, Datuk Azlan Johar, 54, pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to him before judge Awang Kerisnada Awang Mahmud. According to the charge, Azlan is accused of dishonestly misappropriating part of an allocation from the Felda Madani Empowerment Programme 2024, amounting to RM200,000, by handing it over to his 57-year-old elder brother for personal use. He allegedly committed the offence inside a Proton X70 that was parked by the roadside in Section 9, Bandar Baru Bangi, on the morning of Sept 7, 2024. Azlan is currently assigned to the Public Service Department. In a separate case in the same court, the managing director of a travel company was charged with misappropriating RM128,399 belonging to the company. The accused, Mohamad Anas Mohamad Naem, 33, pleaded not guilty before Judge Awang Kerisnada. He was accused of committing the offence at a bank branch in Denai Alam between Nov 16, 2023, and Sept 6, 2024. Both Azlan and Anas were charged under Section 403 of the Penal Code for the dishonest misappropriation of property. The offence carries a punishment of up to five years' imprisonment, whipping, and a fine. Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin proposed that each accused be granted bail of between RM20,000 and RM30,000, with one surety each. He also proposed additional conditions, including that both accused surrender their passports to the court and refrain from contacting any prosecution witnesses. Lawyer Zainal Omar represented Azlan, while lawyer Muhammad Kausar Mohd Khairi represented Mohamad Anas. Both requested reduced bail amounts. The court then set bail at RM25,000 for each accused, with one surety, and allowed the additional conditions proposed by the prosecution. The case involving Mohamad Anas was fixed for mention on June 25, while Azlan's case will be mentioned on July 23.
New Straits Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Rolex, Proton X70 bought with illicit funds, director lands in court
SHAH ALAM: A company director has been charged in the Sessions Court with allegedly purchasing a Rolex watch and a Proton X70 using proceeds from illegal activities. Liew Yew Wei, 45, the director of Ecorigin PLT had yesterday claimed trial to the two offences before judge Awang Kerisnada Awang Mahmud. The two money laundering charges read that he had on Oct 21, 2021 used proceeds from illegal activities worth RM20,000 to pay for the deposit of a Proton X70 car. He had also on Sept 6, 2021 allegedly used RM9,996.46 from illegal proceeds to buy a Rolex Sea-Dweller watch priced RM75,000. The charges were under Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing, and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001. Liew was also slapped with 12 counts dishonestly misappropriating the proceeds of sales of 480 bottles of Ecorigin PLT worth RM40,800 by depositing the monies into his bank account through 12 transactions. He had allegedly committed the offences framed under Section 403 of the Penal Code between Dec 1, 2021 to Nov 1, 2022. Another company director Ding Foong Piek, 52, claimed trial to 12 charges under Section 403 of the code. She was accused of dishonestly misappropriating proceeds from the sales of 436 bottles of Ecorigin worth RM36,768 by channeling the monies into her own bank account via 12 transactions. The duo were jointly charged with dishonestly misapropriating RM105,400 which were proceeds from the sales of 1,159 bottles of Ecorigin Plt via 23 transactions into their joint bank account from May 12, 2020 and Nov 1, 2021. The judge set bail at RM50,000 in one surety for each accused and ordered them to surrender their passport to the court. The court fixed Aug 19 for mention. Deputy public prosecutor Alis Izzati Azurin Mohd Rusdi prosecuted while lawyer Shalehhuddin Salam acted for both accused.
The Sun
10-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
2025 Geely Monjaro L in China
Geely has given us a close-up of the 2025 Monjaro L, known in its home market as the Xingyue L, during a special preview at its test drive facility in China. The updated SUV could signal the arrival of the next-generation Proton X70 in Malaysia, given the close alignment of Geely and Proton's product strategies. Physically, the Monjaro L has grown slightly in size compared to its predecessor. The new model measures 4,770mm in length, 1,895mm in width, and stands 1,689mm tall, with a wheelbase stretching 2,845mm. These dimensions place it marginally above the current Proton X70, suggesting more interior space and a bolder road presence. The exterior design receives a modest refresh. The most prominent change comes in the form of a vertical bar front grille that now protrudes outward slightly, flanked by Geely's revised silver emblem. The signature LED headlamps and the shape of the front bumper's air intake remain largely unchanged, but a new set of 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels adds a more premium stance. Geely has yet to confirm whether the 2025 Monjaro will be sold as a new variant or completely replace the existing version, although indications point toward the latter. Under the bonnet, the 2025 Monjaro will be offered in two variants, both powered by a 2.0TD four-cylinder turbocharged engine. The high-output version delivers 234hp and 350Nm of torque and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The lower-tuned EVO version, already available in the current model, produces 214hp and 325Nm, coupled with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The top-tier model includes an adaptive all-wheel-drive system for improved traction and stability, while the entry-level model sends power to the front wheels. Geely will offer two specific trims: the two-wheel-drive 'Lanxing' edition and the all-wheel-drive 'Wangyue' variant. Additionally, a new body colour option called 'Stone Green' has been introduced to expand the SUV's visual palette. Inside, the Monjaro L maintains its technological edge with a triple-display setup that includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a central infotainment touchscreen, and a dedicated passenger entertainment screen. Premium variants will also be equipped with an augmented reality (AR) heads-up display. While more interior upgrades may follow, Geely has yet to disclose further revisions to cabin materials or infotainment features. The Monjaro continues to hold a strong position in China's highly competitive compact SUV segment. Over the past six months, it has achieved domestic sales of 90,646 units, placing it sixth in the category. With its blend of power, technology, and premium styling, the Monjaro targets mainstream petrol-powered rivals such as the Honda CR-V. As anticipation builds, the possibility of this updated SUV forming the basis for the next Proton X70 seems increasingly likely. If so, Malaysian buyers can look forward to a more spacious, powerful, and tech-forward SUV that builds on Proton's growing reputation for offering high-value, globally engineered models.
New Straits Times
21-04-2025
- New Straits Times
Online marijuana cookie ring crushed by KL cops
KUALA LUMPUR: Police crippled a drug syndicate selling cannabis-laced cookies online following the arrest of eight individuals, including two women. Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said in an operation on April 16, police raided two residences in Mont Kiara, detaining seven locals — five men and two women aged between 20 and 28. A search of one of the units uncovered 32 kilogrammes of cannabis and two kilogrammes of cannabis cookies hidden in bags. The next day, a follow-up raid in Jalan Duta led to the arrest of a 31-year-old man, with police finding seven more kilogrammes of cannabis cookies in his vehicle. Apart from the drugs, police also confiscated cash, a motorcycle, and three vehicles — a Honda City, Honda Civic and Proton X70 — with the total seizure in this operation alone valued at RM385,620. Six out of the eight suspects tested positive for cannabis," he told a press conference at the Kulal Lumpur Police Headquarters today (April 21). Rusdi said the group obtained drug supplies from a neighbouring country through online orders and distributed them locally via digital platforms. Two suspects had previous criminal records related to false police reports and vehicle theft. Separately, in a second operation on April 18, police raided an entertainment outlet in Kepong Baru and arrested a 49-year-old man. A search revealed 3.5 kilogrammes of MDMA powder, 112 cannabis cigarettes, Erimin 5, ketamine and ecstasy pills hidden in a locked cabinet. "A separate raid at the same premises later that day led to the arrest of two local men and four foreign women, aged 26 to 44. Police also found 350 grammes of MDMA powder in a paper bag. Five suspects tested positive for methamphetamine and ketamine, and one local male had a prior gambling-related offence," he added. All suspects have been remanded until April 23. Investigations are ongoing under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, with police working to identify other syndicate members and seize assets under the Dangerous Drugs (Forfeiture of Property) Act 1988. — BERNAMA
