Proton has officially launched the locally assembled (CKD) Proton Saga in Cairo, Egypt, and has commenced sales of Malaysia’s beloved budget compact sedan.
The evergreen model of 40 years will be assembled in the Ezz Elarab Elsewedy Factories (ESFA) facility, with production already started in November last year, three months after its inauguration by Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Being a left-hand drive (LHD) nation, Egypt is also Proton’s first-ever market to produce LHD vehicles overseas.
The EASF factory was completed with an investment of USD50 million (approx. RM223 million) with a planned annual production of 40,000 vehicles. Egyptian news platform Al-Masrya Al-Youm cites Ezz el Arab El Sewedy Group Board of Directors Chairman, Hisham Ez El Arab, that a paint shop has also been contracted and expects it to be operational in 15 months.
This will be followed by the completion of another factory to double the annual production capacity to 80,000 vehicles.
Furthermore, Hisham Ezz Al Arab adds that the factory will also begin assembling a new Proton sedan in 2026 – likely a Proton S70 or Proton Persona – followed by an SUV in 2027 – which could be a X70, X50, or X90.
He also says that the factory will also pave the way for the production of electric vehicles (EV) in Egypt, and that the company is currently negotiating with other car brands to produce EV cars.
The ESAF facility’s usage of locally-sourced components and plans for future expansion is said to align with Egypt’s 2030 goals – which includes increasing the production of locally-assembled cars, promoting EVs, and reducing emissions.
According to Egypt Telegraph, the ESAF factory aims to produce 5,000 CKD Proton Saga units this year.
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The launch of the first CKD Proton Saga in Egypt is a testament to 20 years of the national carmaker’s close partnership and collaboration with the Ezz Elarab Group, who had been Proton’s distributor since 2004.
As reported by Egypt Telegraph, the Egypt-spec Proton Saga is priced at EGP629,900 (approx. RM56k), EGP120,000 (approx. RM11k) less than the imported version launched there in 2018.
Mechanically, the Egypt CKD Proton Saga remains largely unchanged from the Malaysian-made model. It’s still powered by the 1.3-litre inline-four engine with 95 hp and 120 Nm of torque paired together with a four-speed automatic transmission.
Safety features include two airbags for both the driver and passenger, rear parking sensors and camera, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD), and brake assist (BA).
Additionally, the exterior of the Egypt-made Proton Saga also has LED daytime running lights (DRL), 15-inch wheels, and rear spoiler. The interior sees a seven-inch infotainment screen, front and rear USB ports, multi-function steering wheel, and 420-litre trunk space.
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