According to Azmil Abu Bakar, Proton’s senior director of group technical procurement, one of the national carmaker’s models will be discontinued by the end of this year. This was revealed during today’s Global Investors & Vendors Convention 2023 that focused on the Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (AHTV).
“The distinct models that we are still running… six… four original models of Proton, we’re still holding except for one model that we have announced to the supplier that we are going to EOP (end of production) by the end of the year,” said Ainol.
“The other three models are going to be here for quite a long time, and the X series is obviously going to stay for probably, I would say, 10 years, but my message to the local suppliers is very simple: as much as you keep on being competitive for the current models, if you were thinking of expanding I think this is a good opportunity to have a study of potential collaboration with those suppliers who possess a higher level of technology and look into the possibility of supplying (components) for EV cars,” he added.
No mention was made as to which Proton model is facing EOP. At present, the “original” models are the PIES range, which includes the Persona, Iriz, Exora and Saga. Of the four, the Exora is the oldest in the line-up as it was released back in 2009, although it has been updated over the years, with the latest version being revealed in August last year.
By comparison, the Iriz has been around since 2014, the second-generation Persona since 2016, and the third-generation Saga since 2016. Again, it’s not said which model is facing EOP, but the Exora makes for a very likely candidate given its age – it has been rumoured that the Geely Jiaji will form the basis for the MPV’s replacement.
Ainol was responding to a question posed on the specific components and technologies that Proton is currently seeking in anticipation of future models. He also noted that with AHTV, the company is prioritising more towards electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous vehicles, and components relevant to these fields like EV-specific tyres, battery packs, battery management systems, electric motors, EV platforms are the sort of parts being looked at.
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No prizes to which model will be eliminated, but with the X models sticking around, still in doubt if homegrown Protons will ever return
You know it, I know it. We are just a re-badger and they know it.
yes they will. Proton is catching up with the tech first before going back to designing their own car. ignore the bottom comment. he don’t read enough.
Of both your comments, I’m rooting for yours to come true for sure
*Comment edit, they meant the X nameplates will stay. Hopefully it could be our own designs of course.
Glad these Vendors finally able to compete instead of bleeding Proton and Malaysian tax payers money for decades.
My guess would be the Iriz.
On the other hand, Iriz and Persona share the same platform and many parts too (unlike the Exora). But we have to wait and see.
perdana
Proton Persona replacement is coming.
My guess:
Either Exora or Iriz. People loving MKII Persona, but people disliked Iriz. Couldn’t see on the road often like MKII Persona.
Might be the end of exora
My exora been paid more workshop to repair n maintenance. Regret so much until ecu i hv changed but can’t detect what is the problem….
End the other 3, Saga remains.
Wildcard genocide of Proton
Most probably Exora coz it’s the oldest & longest model present… It’s replacement will be major facelifted X90 (Geely Haoyue L).
Not a replacement at all. How you replace 70k car with 150k car?? Aiya malas nak makan MCD mom no la sayang, jom gi Restaurant Gordan Ramsay.
Dear Proton,
Hopefully Exora will have end of life bare naked specs like axia E and priced below 40k.
CSR for malaysian.. pls pls pls…
Iriz lah. Kena bantai myvi. Berapa kerat je jual bulan2.
most likely exora… barely see any new one on the road nowadays.
Because the new ones also look like the old ones. Hard to differentiate.
I’ve seen a good several Exoras with the Thundercat badge few times per week, I’m surprised there’s still buyers,
I even sat in one on a Grab ride back from airport, all I’ll just say is, its hard to improve anything on a decade old design
Hopefully not persona, best value sub rm60k sedan at the moment.
exora end is here, simply cos its the oldest model and ppl are crazy for suv, although the body type isnt really good for 7 seater.
iriz sales bad but since same platform as persona, unlikely one go, other stay. saga will stay cos is export model with strong sales.
So many expert here share their worthless view I say Exora was value for money no turbo trouble only dumb people never maintain car complain. I using from 2013 no problem carry heavy load no loss of power.
Scrap’em all, bring Lynk & Co 06!
x70 is super outdated dah
So become PIS or PSI or ISP or IPS or SPI or SIP?
Haha from PIES to PIS
Exora must gi
Exora and preve must go and maybe if proton wants to design themselves instead of relying on Geely line-ups, maybe can start with A and B car segments to replace saga and iriz. Do your wonders proton.
We malaysian’s don’t deserve to get new models every 5 or 6 years like every other country! 10 years is considered very good already! Well done Proton!!
Exora end production, but then Proton relaunch into E70 barebone model to cater panel van buyers, while launching the V70 Jiaji.