Proton to launch Geely Jiaji (Proton V70?) in Malaysia in Q4 2022 – supplier claims

Proton is set to launch a new 7-seater MPV model in Malaysia in Q4 2022, if claims by Proton supplier JHM Consolidation Bhd, which makes LED lighting and audio visual systems for Proton, is to be believed.

Note that Proton has not said anything about its next new model, and the following are claims made by JHM, in a recent interview with The Edge.

The business publication reported that JHM had signed a technical collaboration agreement with Jiangsu Dekai Auto Parts Co Ltd (Dekai) last month, to supply automotive lighting to Geely-Proton companies in Malaysia. The supply is principally for Proton’s new seven-seater MPV model, expected to be launched in the final quarter of 2022.

“For this model, Proton’s forecast is about 50,000 units a year for the Southeast Asian market, translating into lighting revenue of about RM100 million a year for JHM,” said JHM’s CEO Datuk Tan King Seng.

The Geely VF11 (Jiaji) MPV was mentioned in the Proton’s licensing agreement signed with Geely  in 2018, so there was a plan for the Jiaji to be introduced in Malaysia. However, the licensing agreement expired on 31-December 2020 and was not renewed.

In December 2020, Proton told its investment bank partners that it will be launching a third Geely-based model (after Proton X70 and Proton X50) in 2021 but of course, Covid-19 happened and the original timeline is no longer realistic.

Also read: Proton to launch third Geely-based model in 2021, Proton V70?

Later, our sources shared that Proton has dropped the Geely Jiaji in favour of the Geely Haoyue, a 7-seater SUV, for the simple reason that SUVs have a much bigger market potential than MPVs.

Even in China, the Geely Jiaji is considered to be a commercial flop, selling just 7,229 units in the first half of 2021 – a negligible sum in the China, which sells 25 million cars annually.

Also read: Proton V70 (Geely Jiaji) might be dropped in favour of Proton X90 (Geely Haoyue)

Also read: Spied: 2021 Geely Haoyue spotted on Malaysian roads - Proton X90 is real after all?

JHM’s claims however, runs counter to what we’ve learned so far, so perhaps they know something else, or did someone mix up?

Both the Geely Jiaji and Geely Haoyue share the same (ageing) CV platform. In China, there are three powertrain options available:

• 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbo - 177 PS, 255 Nm, 6-speed manual
• 1.8-litre 4-cylinder turbo - 184 PS, 300 Nm, 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
• 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbo mild hybrid (MHEV) - 190 PS, 300 Nm, 7-speed dual-clutch automatic

We have reviewed the Geely Jiaji in detail here.