Proton Hints 3 New Models For 2025, Aims To Match P2’s Output By 2030

Besides the e.MAS 7 EV, the face-lifted 2025 Proton X70 stand as the newest metal from national automaker Proton.

At a closed press CNY dinner session held this week, national carmaker Proton saw its both CEO Dr Li Chunrong and Deputy CEO Roslan Abdullah host a special briefing to press members in attendance. Here, both the firm’s 2025 and updated long-terms plans were laid out.

We’ll start with the most immediate matter and both execs hinted that at least three new models set to headline Proton’s product offensive for 2025. We’re already aware of one, that being the upcoming full model change (FMC) for the AMA-platformed Proton Saga compact sedan.

Spyshots of the upcoming Proton Saga (left) with an artistic render (right) of what it could like should it launch this year.

Confirmation by Proton’s top-tier management last night follows up from recent sightings of a test mule out in the open where we noted several key additions underneath its camouflage. Key amongst which were signs of new Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features added.

Said new ADAS features are poised to lead the model’s enhanced list of kit and amenities, which comes on top of a heavily redesigned exterior. Neither Dr Li or Roslan shared a timeline for the model's launch, but we reckon the new Saga should debut by the tail-end of the second quarter (Q2) earliest.

Recently launched Proton X50 Sport Edition (SE) pictured, which is limited to just 1,000 units. It seems a new version of the X50 with an equally new 4-cyl powertrain was hinted by Proton execs this week.

Besides that, Dr Li also confirmed at least one new addition for both the GMA and X/S Series platforms. The former refers to the X50 compact crossover – Proton’s second best-seller – whilst the latter likely entails to the X90 model – currently the oldest in its range.

Key to both here is the likely introduction of new versions of each primed with an also new 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol heart. Currently, both models employ similar 1.5-litre 3-cyl turbo petrol mills, albeit with variations depending on model and variant – i.e. MPI, TGDI and MHEV (X90).

Also set for a revamp this year is the X90 - the oldest metal in its range right now. Expect it to perhaps gain the same new 4-cyl powertrain as the X50.

Again, no specific timeline or details surrounding the changes expected in both models were revealed, so we’ll have to wait a little for either. We’re almost certain that the new and fully revamped Saga model mentioned will be the first of this trio to launch this year.

Products aside, Dr Li also took the time to share Proton’s renewed aim to match Rawang-rooted rivals Perodua in terms of output levels by the year 2030. For context, P2 ended 2024 with 358,102 units shifted – significantly higher than Proton’s 2024 total of 152,352 units.

CEO Dr Li Chunrong (left) and Deputy CEO Roslan Abdullah (right) presenting the 2025 Proton X70 facelift in East Malaysia last year. Dr Li said this week that Proton aims to match the outputs of Perodua by 2030.

Currently, Proton’s Tanjong Malim facility has an annual capacity of 250,000 units, whilst its soon-to-be decommissioned Shah Alam facility, which currently produces just the Saga model, has an 80,000 units annual capacity. The latter is set to transfer to Tanjong Malim fully by next year.

 “By 2030, we want to achieve 330,000 units annual sales. I wish we can achieve this before that,” said Dr Li in his address last night. Whilst this seem ambitious, the CEO also vowed that 2024 will be Proton’s final year within the 150,000-unit annual sales range.