Production of the 2023 Proton X90 three-row SUV has begun as announced by Proton at the launch of the company’s new stamping line. The X90 is based on the Geely Haoyue (or Okavango in the Philippines) and will be the third SUV in the Proton range after the X70 and X50.
The X90 will also be the first Proton model to offer hybrid technology according to the company. As previously speculated, this should be the same 1.5-litre TGDi three-cylinder petrol engine fitted in the Geely Haoyue and Okavango.
The engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to drive the front wheels, with 190 hp and 300 Nm. The new X90 will be assembled in Tanjung Malim alongside the X50 and X70. As no photographs are allowed, this was the only image by Proton of the X90 for now. Front grille looks like a Mercedes-Benz eh?
“Today’s ceremony marks the beginning of activities leading up to the official introduction of Proton’s latest model. This is an important step in our NEV journey which will gradually build emphasis on hybrid technology before we launch the first Proton EV,” said Proton deputy CEO, Roslan Abdullah.
The new RM140 million stamping line, which is the largest in Malaysia, will not only better serve the production of the X50, X70 and X90 but also reduce the dependency on 115,000 imported parts annually. The new stamping line utilises six robots using artificial intelligence and can produce up to 50 unique components including body panels.
“The increased use of locally-sourced parts for production is vital to the national automotive ecosystem and helps reduce the outflow of funds from the country. Aside from potentially reducing our use of imported parts by 115,000 units annually, the stampingline also allows for greater flexibility when deciding our production mix every month. It also shortens the time to produce new local models,” Roslan added.
GALLERY
