Why is Proton so popular in Malaysia?

The popularity of Proton in Malaysia can be attributed to multiple factors, including its status as a domestic brand, affordable prices, and the government's policy support for domestic vehicles. As Malaysia's first domestic car manufacturer, Proton has held a special position as a national brand since its establishment in 1983. Many consumers choose to buy Proton cars out of a sense of patriotism. Moreover, Proton models are reasonably priced. The cost - advantage brought by local assembly makes them the top choice for budget - conscious buyers. The government has further reduced the ownership cost of Proton through policies such as tax exemptions for domestic cars. In recent years, after Proton's cooperation with Geely, the design, technological level, and quality of its models have significantly improved. For example, SUV models like the X70 and X50 have won wide acclaim for their high cost - performance and modern configurations. Proton also has an extensive after - sales service network. Maintenance is convenient and relatively inexpensive, which is particularly important for consumers who focus on long - term usage costs. It's worth noting that Proton has also made continuous progress in safety performance. Some new models have achieved a five - star rating in the ASEAN NCAP, which has boosted consumers' confidence. In addition to being cost - effective, Proton also carries the national sentiment of Malaysians. Its development process, to some extent, reflects the achievements of the country's industrialization. This emotional factor is also one of the reasons for its continuous popularity. As new - energy vehicles become a global trend, Proton has also started to explore the field of electrification and may launch more models that meet the needs of the times in the future.