Proton New Energy Technology Sdn. Bhd. (PRO-NET), notched a new milestone in its New Energy Vehicle (NEV) development with the appointment of its first authorized dealer, Hap Seng Smart Sdn. Bhd.
As the official importer and distributor for smart vehicles in Malaysia and Thailand, this appointment will feature PRO-NET’s all-new innovative electric vehicles (EV), smart #1’s premium brand presence in this country by end of 2023.
The dealer appointment comes as part of smart Malaysia’s strategy to bring the EV automotive excellence to the Malaysian market which consists of two components – the appointment of new premium dealers and the establishment of all-new smart Brand Centre or smart Space.
Hap Seng Smart is the first appointed smart dealer
As a showcase of luxury automotive brands, Hap Seng Smart's appointment reflects PRO-NET’s commitment to penetrate the affluent market as well as to be the leading EV automotive brands in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
Hap Seng Smart will leverage on the technical expertise of the parent company, Hap Seng Group which has established a foothold as one of the leading automotive dealers in Malaysia with over 50 years of history in automotive retailing.
With their inclusion into the smart EV family, the new dealership will enhance smart’s brand visibility and awareness in the central region. The first showroom is scheduled to be opened in the fourth quarter at Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur followed by another showroom in Balakong, Selangor.
“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 Zhang Qiang, CEO of PRO-NET.
Harald Behrend, Group Chief Operating Officer of Hap Seng Consolidated Berhad and Chief Executive of Hap Seng Automotive Division, expressed his excitement for this new chapter with PRO-NET, stating that it aligns with their aim to be at the forefront of the EV industry and support Malaysia’s EV aspiration.
“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,” said Harald.
The Mercedes DNA that connects Hap Seng Group and smart
Hap Seng Group has grown to become one of the leading Mercedes-Benz dealers in Malaysia.
Hap Seng Group’s relationship with the Mercedes-Benz brand started back in 1969 as an authorised dealers for Mercedes-Benz trucks, buses, passenger vehicles as well as spare parts.
Embracing the company’s commitment to delivering excellent service and customer-centricity, Hap Seng Group will offer a premium automotive retail experience that is in line with smart’s brand, the Mercedes-designed EV, coming to Malaysian shore in 2023.
The smart #1 continues the smart legacy of offering a pioneering approach to urban mobility. It is a masterpiece of engineering between smart and the Mercedes-Benz design team that perfectly encapsulates the smart’s purpose - to design a smarter future, together.
PRO-NET is set to become premium EV segment leader in Malaysia
The notable partnership with Hap Seng Smart marks PRO-NET’s entry into Malaysian premium retail automotive market. smart will continue to work with outstanding business partners in the industry to introduce the premium brand experiences, products, and services.
“Our team is making amazing progress ever since we began the journey last year, and we are very confident that the Malaysian market will embrace the unique, premium all-electric urban mobility experience by smart," added Zhang Qiang.
Meanwhile, more dealers are coming on board and the names will be announced soon.