Proton X90 Debuts In Bangladesh, CKD Planned This Year Too

The Proton X90 has gained a fourth export market following its official launch in Bangladesh on Feb 29.

National carmaker Proton sees its new X90 model gain a fourth new export market this week in Bangladesh. This was announced via press release issued by Proton earlier today, further citing that an official launch event was held for the model in Bangladesh’s capital of Dhaka on Feb 29.

Present during said launch event were Proton’s CEO Dr Li Chunrong, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Bangladesh Haznah Md. Hashim, as well as Romo Rouf Chowdhury, Group MD of RANCON Holdings Limited – Proton’s exclusive distributor in Bangladesh.

Present at the X90's launch in Bangladesh, organised by distributors RANCON Holdings Limited, was Proton's CEO Dr Li Chunrong (second from right).

Unlike Malaysia, just two variants of the X90 are being offered in Bangladesh, those being the 7-seat Premium and 6-seat Flagship guises. Proton further notes that 25 units have been registered since its launch event mentioned, and more orders have been confirmed.

As a refresher, the X90, which is Proton’s third Geely-based product, was introduced locally back in May last year where it stood as Proton’s first New Energy Vehicle (NEV) offering thanks to its mild-hybrid (MHEV) powertrain.

Prior to Bangladesh, the X90 has already been exported to three other markets  - Brunei, Mauritius, and South Africa. However, unlike said three export markets, Bangladesh will stand more prominent as Proton plans to locally assemble (CKD) the X90 there this year too.

Unlike Malaysia, Proton offers just two variants of the X90 in Bangladesh - 7-seat Premium and 6-seat Flagship. Moreover, Proton seeks to establish a local assembly (CKD) effort there with partners RANCON Holdings Limited.

The X90 will soon roll off the line from a newly established manufacturing plant spearheaded by RANCON Holdings Limited. According to Proton, this will see its products to qualify for more favourable tax rates and encourage development of skilled local workers while energising the vendor ecosystem through tech transfers.

Dr Li expressed his confidence that Proton can be a major fixture in Bangladesh through this upcoming CKD effort.

Operations are set to begin as early as this year, with strict production standards enforced to ensure the output matches the quality of vehicles built in Tanjong Malim. “Proton is leaning on its experience of using the Volvo Global Quality Standard, which has been instrumental in improving the quality of our products,” adds Dr Li Chunrong regarding this upcoming CKD effort in Bangladesh.

The exec also acknowledged that there is a lot of work ahead for Proton to reach this level, and for this partnership with RANCON Holdings Limited to meet its goals. Nevertheless, Dr Li expressed his confidence that Proton can be a major fixture in Bangladesh through which.