Proton New Energy Technology (PRO-NET) has appointed Hap Seng Smart, a new a subsidiary under the Hap Seng Group, as the first authorised dealer for the Smart brand in Malaysia. The latter’s first showroom is scheduled to be opened in the fourth quarter at Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, followed by another showroom in Balakong, Selangor.
Hap Seng Group, with over 50 years of automotive retailing experience, is also one of the largest dealers for Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Malaysia – giving it a unique relationship with the Smart brand. Based on the provided concept art, it appears that the Smart showroom will also be integrated into the company’s existing Mercedes-Benz dealerships.
“PRO-NET believes automotive excellence is more than creating the best vehicles. It also means providing a seamless and comprehensive retail customer journey and experience. The new dealership marks PRO-NET’s entry into the premium retail automotive market, as well as the latest EV market in Malaysia,” said PRO-NET CEO, Zhang Qiang.
“This partnership between Hap Seng Group through Hap Seng Smart and PRO-NET reflects not only our confidence in smart’s universal appeal, but also shows our commitment to promote a low-carbon mobility future in Malaysia,” added Hap Seng Consolidated COO and Hap Seng Automotive Division Chief Executive, Harald Behrend.
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PRO-NET says in a statement that “more dealers are coming on board”, with announcements to be made soon. Aside from just the appointment of new premium dealers, though, the company also intends to establish an all-new “Smart Brand Centre” or “Smart Space” for its customers to experience its vehicles.
The first model from the new Smart line-up – following the joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely – is the #1, a hatchback-shaped fully-electric crossover with 440 km of range (WLTP). The #1 is scheduled to make its Malaysian debut by the end of 2023, so expect more dealerships to pop up prior to that.
Aside from Malaysia, PRO-NET is also the official importer and distributor for Smart vehicles in Thailand, although no public timeline for the marque’s introduction in the Land of Smiles have been announced just yet.
RELATED: Smart #3 could enter Malaysian market, fastback EV debuts at Auto Shanghai 2023
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