Proton may export X70 to Bahrain & East Europe in the future

KUALA LUMPUR: While the national automaker, Proton is busy expanding and rebuilding its presence in the local market, the government is pushing the car manufacture towards export. On top of the list is Bahrain that has apparently expressed its interest towards the X70 SUV.

Entrepreneur Development Minister, Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan Yusof was recently quoted saying in an interview to Bernama that during his work visit to the Middle Eastern nation, he noted that Bahrain is keen to strengthen bilateral relationships. He further said that Proton could be one of the prime beneficiaries.

According to Mr. Yusof, the said information has already been passed on to the automaker, and it’s now up to them to work towards the matter. He also said, “Besides Bahrain, Proton can also look to enter the east European market. As entrepreneurs, we have to think of how to tap the overseas market and benefit from it.”

It is here that we’d like to point out that Geely already sells the Boyue (the car X70 is based on) in Bahrain where it is rebadged as the Emgrand X7 Sport. In Belarus and Russia, it is sold under the name Altas. It is to be noted that these markets are left-hand driven, so in case Proton decides to export the X70 they would have to come from China and not Proton Tanjung Malim plant.