Proton New Energy Technology Sdn Bhd (PRO-NET) has just announced the appointment of Edaran Otomobil Nasional Berhad (EON), the automotive retail arm of DRB HICOM, as an official dealer for the sales of Smart cars in the country.

The addition of EON to the Smart Malaysia sales network adds further lustre to the rapidly expanding list of reputable businesses appointed by PRO-NET to grow the Smart brand locally, following a signing ceremony with Hap Seng Smart earlier this month.

Furthermore, an additional 5 other dealership appointments are expected to be announced soon.

Building the support network for the Smart brand here is key to raising the EV brand’s visibility and awareness amongst Malaysians in the build up towards the launch of the brand’s award winning Smart #1 in Q4 of 2023.

Also Read: Review: Behind the wheel of Smart #1 in Malaysia, the Mercedes EV for people who can't afford a Mercedes

This partnership showcases another historic milestone for Proton and its subsidiaries group, coming almost 40 years after the company and EON pioneered the evolution of Malaysia’s automotive industry with the latter’s appointment as the first and exclusive dealer for Proton cars.

“We’re very excited to be partnering with a well-established and trusted brand in the automotive industry. PRO-NET believes EON’s vast knowledge and experience coupled with DRB-HICOM’s extensive customer reach will create an ideal synergy that will propel Smart Malaysia’s vision to great heights, and we will continue to work with outstanding business partners in the industry to introduce premium brand experiences, products, and services,” said Zhang Qiang, CEO of PRO-NET.

“EON is committed to contribute towards the success of this new partnership. We’re led by a dynamic team with vast experience which gives us the advantage to create synergy with Smart Malaysia to meet the demand for the Smart #1 and yield a significant impact on the local market,’’ said Akkbar Danial, Chief Executive Officer and Head of Automotive Distribution for DRB-HICOM.

“We’ve chosen to start our pure EV journey from our iconic building along the Glenmarie automotive corridor to serve customers from the region”, added Akkbar Danial.

Also Read: First EV to be sold by Proton, are Malaysians willing to pay RM 120k for the Smart #1?

The appointment of its new dealerships is part of Smart Malaysia’s strategy to shape its new all-electric brand into the ideal urban companion to Malaysian EV buyers. Smart is therefore building an ecosystem that enables e-mobility in its entirety for commuters.

A key part of this strategy is the Smart app that enables customers to embark on a digital journey and enjoy online services such as providing easy access to an EV charging map and DC charging facilities.

Smart dealers are also fully equipped with complete support from sales to service to deliver a premium customer experience. All dealers will also house quick charging, quick repair services and a delivery centre.