Electrification can be a hot new fad, but not every brand jumps on it. Take the example of two national automakers, Proton and Perodua. Both say they won’t be in the game anytime soon, and this was echoed in a recent automotive investor note by RHB Investment Bank.
In it, the investment bank pointed out that Proton expects to launch its first electric vehicle (EV) in 2027, while Perodua is set to launch its first hybrid EV in 2024. No surprises. Of course, the first one repeats what was claimed by Proton, which is plans to produce and launch its own EV in 2027.
Mentioning Perodua isn’t exactly a revelation either, at least not regarding the specific format that will be adopted – the company said from as of 2019 It’s a the first step into the new frontier will be created with hybrids, repeat that again very clear last November. The new point is the 2024 timeline for that journey to officially begin.
Officially, because it already has a combined presence, through a unique rental scheme involving Ativa hybrid. In August of last year, the automaker announced that it would bring back 300 units of Daihatsu Rocky e-Smart Hybrid for research and evaluation purposes, with special invitation registration program for the vehicle to be renamed for the purpose of collecting data during the 5-year trial period.
The report’s suggestion of a Perodua hybrid to go on sale next year would bring the Ativa Hybrid likely to market, as it’s the only hybrid in Daihatsu’s portfolio right now, but it looks pretty decent odd if there is one long-term rental program run alongside direct consumer sales of what are essentially the same vehicle.
With Daihatsu indicating last year that it will follow up the Rocky e-Smart Hybrid with other hybrid offerings, the planned vehicle could be a different model, but we’ll have to wait and see what happens. appear on the horizon.
For Proton, the waiting time for electrification from it will be much longer. Like Perodua, it says keeping an eye on costs is an important factor in how it proceeds, but unlike before, the outline of what it will bring to the market remains undetermined.
According to Proton Deputy CEO Roslan Abdullah, the company is looking to ensure that it adopts the right technology at a fair price. “Technology is always innovating. In the next two years, there will probably be competitors that come up with new technology for electric vehicles and have better prices, so this (timeframe) gives us time to thoroughly study both the technology and the technology. technology and the local market to find the most acceptable. to maintain and be affordable for consumers and us,” he said last November.
