KUALA LUMPUR: Proton Holdings Bhd (Proton) is set to commence its completely knocked down (CKD) and sales operations in Kenya and Pakistan this month.
The national carmaker said it will also debut an international export market of the Proton X50 in Brunei, followed by virtual product launches for the current Proton Saga in Bangladesh, Egypt and Nepal.
Chairman Datuk Seri Syed Faisal Albar said it is equally vital for the Proton marque to build up its presence internationally representing both the company and Malaysia, while focusing on its target for local market leadership.
"This was part of the 10-year plan that was devised at the beginning of our strategic partnership with Geely," he said in a statement today.
Syed Faisal said parts of the export plans were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic as each country had different responses and restrictions.
"Still, thanks to our diligent work and the strong support of various government agencies, we are finally getting back on track," he added.
While Proton has continued to buck the local industry trend with steady growth in 2020, its export activities have also been able to sustain some momentum.
Proton said its export business has grown 10.6 per cent so far this year despite global restrictions put in place to curb the coronavirus pandemic.
Exports of Proton cars began with the Proton Saga in 1989.
Since then, 405,267 units had been sold in various markets globally.
At the end of November 2020, Proton said the number of vehicles exported to other countries had already exceeded the total from the year before.
