KUALA LUMPUR: Proton Holdings Bhd’s first new energy vehicle (NEV), the X90 sport utility vehicle (SUV), has made its debut in three export markets, namely, Mauritius, South Africa, and Brunei, with export sales growth in international markets being one of the key pillars for the national car maker’s long-term goals.

In a statement today, Proton said that Mauritius was the first export market to receive the X90 as it was unveiled on Aug 4, 2023, at the Le Salon de L’ Automobile, SVICC, Pailles.

“Next on the calendar will be South Africa as Proton South Africa showcased the Proton X90 at the Festival of Motoring at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit from Aug 25-27, 2023. The event had strong support from Malaysia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry as it was attended by Yap Wei Sein, the Acting High Commissioner for Malaysia in South Africa.

“Proton Brunei also unveiled the Proton X90 at a grand launch event attended by the High Commissioner of Malaysia to Brunei Darussalam, Datuk Raja Reza Raja Zaib Shah and Tan Kah Boon, the chairman of Proton importers and dealers, Pad and Econ Motors,” it said.

Proton international sales director Steven Xu said that this year has been challenging for its export business as many export markets are experiencing economic challenges resulting in capital market controls.

“However, our efforts to explore opportunities in other markets are continuing with groundwork underway in Fiji, Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Iraq, among others.

“Simultaneously, we remain focused on growing our presence in our current export markets. The debut of the Proton X90 in three export markets took place just three months after its Malaysian launch on May 7, 2023,” he said.

He added that those markets help uplift Proton’s brand image and view it as an investment to take advantage of improved market conditions in the future. – Bernama