Local carmaker Proton has exceeded its export target to Trinidad and Tobago with a total of 261 units exported in 2024 so far, 101% of its initial target. So far, Proton has shipped a total of 366 cars to Trinidad and Tobago since CY2023.
With the positive growth of Proton in Trinidad and Tobago, its local distributor, ANSA Motors aims to increase the sales of the X Series models. On March 13, 2024, Proton launched the Proton X50 B-segment SUV and Proton X90 7-seater SUV in the country.
In a press statement by Proton, the company says that its emergence is “finding unprecedented acceptance in the country. Despite its population of merely 1.5 million, Trinidad and Tobago’s automotive industry mirrors that of more developed countries, with car buyers increasingly gravitating towards the new “bells and whistles” such as hybrids and electric vehicles (EVs). As there is more wealth creation in that part of the world, luxury vehicles are growing more desirable”.
With over 25 subsidiaries across the Caribbean, the ANSA McAL Group of Companies is one of Trinidad and Tobago’s largest conglomerates. Founded in 1919, its subsidiary ANSA Motors has been a pioneering force in the automotive industry, introducing leading global automotive brands to the country. Notably, the century-old dealer was the first Ford dealer in the Caribbean and has played a pivotal role in transforming the automobile industry over decades, making it a subject of study in local schools today. Its history ranges from personal interactions with Henry Ford to establishing an assembly plant in Trinidad & Tobago.
ANSA Motors Head of Regional Business, Jerome Borde said, “The technology and pricing of Proton vehicles are a strength we hope to exploit so we are very enthusiastic about the future. We needed a value-for-money brand for segments we had no presence in, and the Proton brand certainly filled those spots,”
Since launch, Proton has exported 6,501 X series vehicles to 18 other countries, including Trinidad and Tobago, Brunei, Egypt, Nepal, and Ghana, paving the way for future expansion into more export markets.
Proton Edar Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Abdullah said, “Building a strong alliance with a local distributor with a solid presence in the region is crucial for us to expand to a new territory. Together, we can harness our collective strengths to navigate challenges, seize opportunities and drive lasting success in automotive markets overseas, thus expanding Proton’s footprint and creating opportunities for the local ecosystem through increased production volumes,”
