Proton X70 may enter Thailand and Indonesia

PETALING JAYA: Proton Holdings Bhd is developing Thai and Indonesian voice commands for its first sport-utility vehicle X70, hinting that the countries are likely to be among the first export destinations for the vehicle.

Declining to reveal details on Proton's export plans, sales and marketing vice-president Abdul Rashid Musa said the company also obtained the rights for right-hand drive (RHD) technology development and production from its Chinese strategic partner Zheijang Geely Holding Group Co Ltd (Geely).

He said this was in line with the agreement inked between DRBHicom Bhd and Geely whereby Malaysia would be the Chinese auto-maker’s regional hub for RHD technology.

“Malaysia will be the hub (for RHD) because Geely Group only produces left-hand drive cars,” he told reporters after a second media preview of Proton X70 here yesterday.

During the preview session, Abdul Rashid said the Proton X70 would be equipped with the Geely Smart Ecosystem, an intelligent cockpit interaction system which featured an eight-inch touchscreen monitor, voice command, smartphone connectivity, Android online infotainment apps, over-the-air technology and personalised settings.

“It will also be equipped with a remote control feature that enables the car owner to check and control the vehicle anywhere, at anytime, via mobile app,” he said.