No New Proton Model This Year – Focus on Backlogged Orders & Supply Issues Instead

Well, it appears the highly anticipated Proton X90 – this is expected to be Proton’s naming for the Geely Haoyue seven-seater SUV – and new Saga will not be launching this year. In fact, no new Proton model is expected to be launched in 2022; any launches are supposedly rescheduled to 2023 next year.

This came from a report by The Edge. Citing a Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB) Research analyst, the report states that new Proton model launches are expected to be rescheduled to 2023. This is done so that the national carmaker can focus on backlogged orders (60,000 units were mentioned) and resolving supply chain issues.

Interestingly, the report also states that Proton will “likely” venture into the electric vehicle (EV) market by 2027. The carmaker will supposedly release some hybrid vehicles too, though the mention of “minor stepping stone” for the segment seems to suggest only mild hybrids instead of plug-in ones.

While some folks may not be thrilled that Proton will not be releasing new models this year – though it’s possible things may change – it’s great that the national carmaker is focusing on backlogged orders instead. Resolving its supply chain issues (especially in terms of spare parts) should keep existing customers happy too.