Proton has officially launched a new local assembly (CKD) plant in Karachi, Pakistan, which is operated by its partner Al-Haj Automotive. This comes more than two years after both parties agreed to set up the facility in March 2019 with an initial investment of USD30 million (around RM125 million).
The first model to roll off the production line at the Al-Haj Automotive assembly plant is the Saga, which will then be followed by the X70 before the end of 2021. The sedan and SUV were launched in Pakistan in December 2020 and April 2021 respectively, initially fully imported (CBU) from Malaysia. In July this year, both received CKD pricing and were more affordable by up to 100,000 Pakistani rupees (RM2,422).
According to a prior report, the new plant has a planned capacity of 25,000 units per year and is expected to create around 2,000 direct employment opportunities within the first three years of operations, with a further 20,000 indirect jobs coming as a result of the formation.
The line-off ceremony and inauguration of the assembly plant were attended by the president of Pakistan, Arif Alvi, along with Al-Haj Automotive CEO Hilal Khan Afridi and the consul general of Malaysia, Khairul Nazran.
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What happened to the China plant?
The better question is what happened to Youngman.
Well, the Youngman was always a losing battle with a poor car ie Gen2 being used. Massive B-pillars, horrible engine and poor quality in general was always going to make it run with the chasing pack instead.
But the plant announced hastily in 2018 had its detractors, who unfortunately has been proven right. With a flurry of good Chinese cars to choose from, why would any Chinese buyer opt for a Persona, or worse, Saga? They’re not horrible cars of course but Chinese are spoilt for choice.
Iriz could have been an interesting one, fitted with a proper Geely powertrain. Alas, another foreign market that Proton has failed to enter, let alone steal a portion of the pie.
Is it? The Gen2 was doing quite well for start, but later Youngman put their own spin onto it which quickly lost public interest & confidence. There was nothing wrong with the car, which are still in demand at the Middle East, in fact. But in a market of a billion people, if they could lose that market it showed how incompetent was Youngman.
Congrats Proton,for going radioactive in nuke capable Pakistan.
Terbaik P1! To pakistan, sudan, syria, nigeria n beyond!!
Next Uganda, Burkina Faso,Afghanistan ( withe the help of Duta Timur Tengah)
Smart business go where the money is.
Gandooan
Afghans prefer Toyotas, especially the Corollas.
Any news on the new model that Proton promised for 2021?