It was previously reported that Zhejiang Geely would use Proton’s Tanjung Malim plant as a base to build right-hand drive versions of the Lynk & Co 01 SUV, and there’s more evidence to support the matter.
Recently, a paultan.org reader spotted a left-hand drive 01 being driven on Malaysian roads, with only a few parts of the SUV covered up. The unit most certainly belongs to Proton, as the number plate ‘B4158A’ has also been used on X70 test mules in the past.
So, just what is a 01 doing in our country? Our guess is the unit is being used to develop a RHD conversion, which will then allow Lynk & Co to penetrate RHD markets within and outside the ASEAN region.
Proton has already announced that its Tanjung Malim facility will be transformed into an R&D and production hub for right-hand drive models within the Geely Group. The upgrading works comes with an investment of RM1.2 billion, and production is set to kick off in September 2019.
Currently, production of the 01 has already begun in China, a LHD market, and will reportedly be expanded to Volvo’s plant in Ghent, Belgium and South Carolina, USA – the former is said to cater to RHD countries in Europe.
Keep in mind that this 01 unit is not an early test mule for an upcoming Proton compact SUV (the fabled X50), which is more closely linked to the Geely Binyue/SX11. This is because the 01 rides on the larger Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform instead of the Binyue’s B-segment Modular Architecture (BMA).
Also, the vehicle is likely not being used as a test bed for a 1.5 litre turbocharged three-cylinder/seven-speed dual-clutch automatic powertrain, as there are already X70 mules seen with the new electronic gear lever that accompanies the transmission.
As a brief recap, the 01 was designed and engineered in Sweden, and is available with turbocharged 1.5 or 2.0 litre engines – transmission options include a six-speed manual, seven-speed DCT, and eight-speed automatic.
Dimension-wise, the 01 measures 4,512 mm long, 1,857 mm wide, 1,673 mm tall, with a 2,734 mm wheelbase. By comparison, the X70 is 4,519 mm long, 1,831 mm wide, 1,694 mm tall, with a 2,670 mm wheelbase. The difference is mainly due to the platform used, as the X70 (like the Boyue), rides on Geely’s NL architecture, while the 01 gets the CMA.
GALLERY: Lynk & Co 01
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So…will we be able to purchase it? Coz AFAIK they only lease their vehicles to customers on a subscription basis….much alike how to subscribe to Spotify.
I don’t see why they would change their business model just for puny Malaysia market.
I am fine with subscription basis of car usage. As long as the pricing is fair. You pay what you use…
Actually it is X50 mule lor…
Superb transformation of Proton R&D and production hub. Many ex proton staff who left earlier regretted and keen to rejoin proton again. much alike how Volvo revival under geely..
This is a luxury brand? The frontal inspired by Jar Jar Binks.
When BMW now goes for oversized nostrils, looks is something else to those with money. Nobody ever said a Veyron was pretty anyways.
Ya Lexus board of directors are having sleepless nights
LnC, Geely, P1, Mesidis, VolvoCar, VolvoTrucks, Lotus > all
All, LnC, Geely, Mesidis, VolvoCar, VolvoTrucks, Lotus > P1
“former is said to cater to RHD countries in Europe.”
Really? The only ones I can think of is United King… oh wait they Brexited. Malta & Gibraltar is the others I guess.
“1.5 litre turbocharged three-cylinder/seven-speed dual-clutch automatic powertrain, as there are already X70”
Wait, what? Oh, habislah Aruz when this comes here at much cheaper prices and eligible for petrol subsidi too. Basher is crying now. Lolz!
So rapid, we can alredi see the synergy of P1 within Geely group. The engineers gets to work on hi tech cars instead of like others rehashing outdated and unsafe dinosar junks only sold in 3rd world countries by stingy Jepunis lords.
BTW this looks like taken on NKVE heading towards Mont Kiara toll.
Actually John, if you had think before typing, you will realized that you can’t exit from a continent. Even with Brexit, UK will remain in Europe. Only they won’t belong to the European Union (EU).
Please bring in my dream car the 02 model
beautiful front and ugly back
You mean Jar Jar Binks is handsome?
Some says he looks cuter than fugly Vios keli.
Why suddenly proton news popped up so many times today? On the very day a perodua suv comes out? Which actually a toyota with perodua batch and 25k less?
Come to think of this again, this proton isnt going to cut it for them. The next exora is. Priced at a good number not over 100k then perodua will cease
Geely are using Protons facilities for hot weather testing.