SUBANG JAYA: National carmaker Proton has expanded its geographical reach in the Caribbean by partnering with ANSA Motors Limited in Trinidad and Tobago since March.
ANSA Motors has more than a century’s worth of experience in the automotive industry.
Proton has shipped 261 units to the country year-to-date, achieving 101% of its target volume and bringing the total number of Proton vehicles shipped there to 366 units since CY2023.
Proton X90 (left) and X50 being displayed in Trinidad and Tobago.
Proton launched its best-selling SUV models – the Proton X90 and X50 in the dual-island Caribbean nation on March 13.
ANSA Motors has raised its target sales to 300 units this year.
Proton models were chosen for their quality and proven record in Malaysia and the suitability of the geographic and demographic characteristics of the region.
Borde.
Despite its small population of 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).
ANSA Motors' parent company ANSA McAL Group of Companies is one of the largest conglomerates in Trinidad and Tobago.
The century-old company 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.
X90.
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 the company could leverage upon.
"We needed a value for money brand for segments we had no presence in, and the Proton brand certainly filled those spots," he said.
X50.
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 the company 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," he said.
Roslan.
