The 2020 Proton X50 has been the talk of the town for the entire year, the first of the 27,400 bookings have already been delivered but we have learned that not all bookings made before the launch will be receiving their X50s just yet as there has been a mass confusion regarding the matter of optional accessories.

A buyer recently approached us with allegations that Proton dealers are forcing all Proton X50 buyers to purchase the “optional” accessory packages along with their cars. In the event the buyer refuses to add-on the accessory packages, they will have to wait until next year to receive their cars.

The accessory packages in question are the Urban and Utility package. The Urban package bundles a power tailgate, built-in toll reader, coil mats, and magnetic sunshades while the Utility package includes a power tailgate, PVC mats, a boot tray, and scuff plates on the door sills.

While power tailgate sounds like a good add-on, not all buyers are keen on throwing in money for the accessory packages as they don’t come cheap. The Urban package costs RM 3,500 while the Utility package adds on RM 3,300 to the X50’s overall price.

Proton has previously clarified that these are optional accessories offered by Proton though they will be fitted by dealers. Cost of the fitment can be included in the loan amount.

Yes, what Proton claims as an optional accessory package has now become a compulsory item from the dealers as is proof in the following conversation.

Another buyer has alleged that dealers have resorted to forcing buyers to purchase the accessories because Proton requires them to purchase the package with every Proton X50 that was booked regardless if the buyer will be purchasing the optional accessories or not.

This will mean that dealers will be left with unwanted and unusable items in their storerooms if the buyer opts not to add-on the packages.

Meanwhile, there are also rumours going around that dealers are currently withholding X50 bookings for those who refused to purchase the accessory package.

One dealer explained that all X50 units that arrive for delivery are currently already fitted with the accessories hence any buyers who prefers not to purchase the package will have to wait until next year. This also contradicts with Proton's claim that the accessories are fitted by dealers. 

This could mean that buyers who do not receive their cars by 31st December 2020 will also miss out on the SST exemption that is part of the government’s Penjana recovery plan during the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO).

We have reached out to Proton for their view on the matter and they have informed us that the company is aware of these practices. Proton is currently looking into resolving the matter so hang tight while Proton sort things out!