Proton seems to be doing well in South Africa. According to a report by Business Day, sales of Proton vehicles exceeded the Imperial Group’s optimistic forecasts after the launch of the marque in South Africa last month.
Proton models currently offered there are only the Proton Gen2, with the Proton Arena coming in November. Proton is distributed in South Africa by Imperial Group’s Pearl Automotive.
Analysts have said that Imperial Group might replicate the success of the Tata brand of cars in South Africa which it also distributes and is the group’s best seller so far.
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Paul Tan
After dabbling for years in the IT industry, Paul Tan initially began this site as a general blog covering various topics of personal interest. With an increasing number of readers paying rapt attention to the motoring stories, one thing led to another and the rest, as they say, is history.
Comments
AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments generally express optimism and support for Proton's success in South Africa, with hopes that the brand will establish a strong presence there. Some comments mention past challenges, such as quality issues with certain models, and emphasize the need for improved quality control. There is enthusiasm for Proton's exports, particularly the Arena and Savvy models, and suggestions for market adaptation. Some negative concerns relate to past failures in other markets and worries about maintaining consistent quality.
I hope this sales momentum no just a start, just before ppl knew the problems of cars. Hopefully POTONG already did something on Quality before sell to Africa!
If not maybe this Sales momentum will be decreased very soon. I am not that OPTIMISTIC on this!!!
A ray of hope? Not much serious competition there and the local tastes for cars is less discriminate compare to the Brits or Aussie. So, a good footing in Africa is good in the long term. Should do more 4×4 models, its the right market.
One thing I will like to see is the Proton executives tie their salary to performance. Why is this not done? Right now they are just going through the motions, and attempting to kill everything, like removal of APs and high import duties, that will make them work harder.
Its a high time for Proton to venture into a new market and increase their export volume, thus balance their revenue which dampened in the domestic market. Proton should send their expertise as well and not leave the business alone to the appointed dealer. Let them work there for 2 – 4 years, so they can optimize the Proton's car to the liking of African terrain and cultures. Petronas is a good example.
I hope PROTON won't go ahead with releasing ARENA in Africa. Because once the Africans see the ARENA, their whole perception on PROTON would change in a blink of an eye.
cheers proton! well done!infact, with sooo many second hand cars already berlambak in m'sia, why dun they export it as a recondition cars to africa, eastern europe etc, good idea?
Arena is not a bad car…to be fair to proton. Maybe Family truck concept is not so popular in Malaysia. But in Australia and Thailand, family truck is popular because of its multi-purpose utility.
In fact, Arena is well received in Australia as budget truck because it is more fuel efficient due to smaller engine capacity.
Don't worry, all export model have had excellent quality with the expense of Malaysian tax payer's money. They will do 200% ~ 300% inspection before deliver as "Export model" :)
good…congratulation Proton…hope when Proton already well accepted in other country,can walk by itself..our local car industry will be widely open for all slowly….thank to all reader for not bashing P1 blindly on this news…applaud to all…
Proton done bad in the UK when we were in deep financial trouble way back in 1998 – 2000… and too bad, it couldn't recover back the market. Anyway, read some good reviews on the Gen2 and the incoming SRM. But .. anyhow, I wouldn't touch Proton .. I rather drive Kancil .. but owell, I'm driving C200 now ..
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Paul – friends just playing the fool a bit only … nothing serious one. We all wish Proton well in Africa – but at the same time want to remind them not to let us down – malu lah.
paul, i found a really neat picture of a savvy already fully modified. its actually a first prize object for winners of a competition.hope u could review it and let people see it and critisize it. its awsome man.
i bought Proton Saavy in August 2007, since then I experienced problems when I realised that the vehicle could not start when I turned the key on. there was however sound of a starting car but could not run the engine. I had to take the car to the dealer in Klerksdorp which is about 300km from Mafikeng where I am staying. I was told that this was a problem with the key.
The same problem was again experienced early this year where I also had to pay the same amount.
Yesterday my wife experienced the same problem where the car could not start and this means that i have to take to car to Klerksdorp again and will be expected to pay the same R2000.
When will I start to enjoy my car and speak well about proton as many people are in this website? Did I buy a "factory fault" or a used car under the impression that it was new.
Mrena i must say as a south sfrican sudying here in malaysia where poton is manufactured, in general only a few cars from the brand are a joy to own cars such as the Gen 2, Waja and the new Exora yet to reeach Msanzi, but then The executive Perdana has a xconsistent problem wityh the gear box, and te savy pips hardly ever complain bout it but the only problem which is persistant on this side of the earth is the Gearbox and the heavy clutch,as time goes on u will expeience a problem with the gear two(2) of the vehicle..
I also will be bringing a modified version to south africa mayb u may get to see it when i cum thru
AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments generally express optimism and support for Proton's success in South Africa, with hopes that the brand will establish a strong presence there. Some comments mention past challenges, such as quality issues with certain models, and emphasize the need for improved quality control. There is enthusiasm for Proton's exports, particularly the Arena and Savvy models, and suggestions for market adaptation. Some negative concerns relate to past failures in other markets and worries about maintaining consistent quality.