Proton will soon launch a new SUV with an updated design, confirmed Deputy CEO Roslan Abdullah at a media event yesterday evening. Although Roslan didn’t mention the model, it’s clear that he was referring to the new 2024 Proton X70 facelift.

The new 2024 Proton X70 will likely adopt a new front-end design similar to the Chinese market Geely Boyue Pro. However, finer design details will be adapted to meet local taste, probably mimicking the design of the Proton X90’s grille.

Also read: 2024 Proton X70 facelift spied with X90-style grille; shot in the arm to fight CR-V, upcoming Chery models

The infotainment could also be updated to feature Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Proton has previously confirmed that its next new model will finally include the often-asked feature, but stopped short of saying it will be introduced in an all-new model, or a mid-lifecycle update.

The outgoing Proton X70 is still on sale, priced from RM 98,800 to RM 128,800. Bookings made between now until 30-April will receive RM 8,888 Duit Raya.

Also read: Confirmed: Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to finally make its way into the next Proton model - Is it the X70 facelift?

Production at the Tanjung Malim has also eased. Only 954 units of the Proton X70 were made between January to February 2024, with zero units of the highest specifications 1.8 TGDI Premium variant made.

In that same two-month period, UMW Toyota Motor’s manufacturing subsidiary Assembly Services Sdn. Bhd. built 2,719 units of the Toyota Corolla Cross at its Bukit Raja plant, Mazda Malaysia built 1,822 units of the Mazda CX-5 at the Inokom plant in Kulim, Honda Malaysia built 2,339 units of the Honda CR-V in Pegoh.

On battery EV (BEV) models, Roslan reiterated Proton’s goal of launching a fully electric model by 2025.

On the increasing number of Chinese brands entering the local market, especially in the BEV market, Roslan says Proton’s partner is also from China (Geely), and that Proton welcomes the new competition, as it will benefit consumers.

“We will keep to our promise to the Malaysian government to launch a Proton (battery) EV by year 2025,” added Roslan.

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