Following the successful re-entry of Proton into the Egyptian market back in November 2018, the LHD version of the Proton Saga will be locally assembled (CKD) in Egypt. The first 120 units of CKD packs will be shipped out from Malaysia, marking the start of the Egypt’s CKD operation.
Ezz Elsewedy Automotive Factories (ESAF), a joint venture between Proton’s Egyptian distributor Ezz Elarab and Proton, has been tasked with assembling the Proton Saga in Egypt. Established in November 2023 with an investment of USD15 million (approx. RM56.40 million), the factory aims to achieve an annual production capacity of 50,000 units.
The CKD assembly of the Proton Saga aligns with the Egyptian government’s Automotive Industry Development Program (AIDP), launched in November 2023. This initiative aims to promote local vehicle production and reduce reliance on CBU vehicles.
Proton Director of International Sales, Steven Xu stated, “Proton is the leading exporter of vehicles in Malaysia and while our current volume is approximately 3% of our total sales numbers, efforts are being made to increase that number by focusing on multiple core areas. For instance, Proton engage with its vendors to reduce component costs and while also inviting them to collaborate with companies in other countries to develop supply chains for our overseas production activities. This will pay dividends in the long term not only for the company and its vendors, but also for the development of the automotive industries in these foreign markets.”
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Proton now has five active overseas CKD operations. Besides Egypt, Proton assembles cars in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, as well as Kenya. With these operations, Proton seeks to increase its overseas export quantity to 10,000 units in the coming years – up from the 5,000 units it exported to 20 countries back in 2022.
