Circulating on social media is a photo mentioning that Proton has opened no less than 30 new positions for its New Energy Vehicle (NEV) - a Chinese term for electrified vehicles (xEV,new energy vehicle, including mild-hybrids and plug-in hybrids). The job vacancy poster carries the 2022 Smart #1 photo, an all-electric SUV that will be sold by Proton subsidiary Proton Edar. 

Positions mentioned in the post include product management, marketing, sales, information technology, and support.

Also Read: Mercedes-Benz's Smart EVs are coming to Malaysia, under Proton Edar as importer and distributor

No surprise there, really, as Proton has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Mercedes-Benz-Geely jointly-owned Smart brand back in January, which will see Proton Edar as the importer, distributor, and dealer for Smart-branded electric vehicles (EVs) in Malaysia and Thailand.

The first model by Smart under Geely’s purview is aptly called the 2022 Smart #1. The model made its global debut a couple of days ago and will soon find its way here.

Also Read: First look at Smart #1 - Soon to be Proton Edar's first EV, developed by Mercedes-Benz, built by Geely

It is powered by a rear-mounted motor – making it a rear-wheel drive model – that makes 272 PS and 343 Nm. Smart hasn’t given a 0-100 km/h sprint time, but top speed appears to be capped at 180 km/h.

The 2022 Smart #1 is based on Geely’s modular SEA platform with a 66-kWh battery that allows for a WLTP range of around 420 to 440 km. It uses the CCS Combo 2 type charging connector, supporting up to 22 kW AC charging and a maximum DC charging of 150 kW.