Peter Lyon
May 31, 2024
In the same vein as BMW’s i, Mercedes-Benz’s EQ, and Hyundai’s Ioniq, Proton will soon be launching a new sub-brand for its EVs. The name hasn’t been decided yet, so that’s why the firm has opened the naming process to Malaysian motoring fans. Since announcing a naming contest earlier this month for the company’s new EV sub-brand through its Proton New Energy Technology (Pro-Net) subsidiary, the national automaker has received over 22,440 suggestions.
Would-be name appliers have until 11:59 pm on June 5 to enter their guesses on what name Proton should use for its new EV range. If your name is chosen, you could win a grand prize of RM5,000 in cash, or RM1,500 for second place, and RM1,000 for third place.
The contest can be accessed here.
Pro-Net Chief Executive Officer Zhang Qiang said, “The tremendous response to the Proton EV Brand Name Contest is a testament to the passion and excitement shared by Malaysians as we usher in a new era of automotive excellence.”
“As we approach the finish line, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to all of the competitors and inspire those who haven’t joined to take advantage of this last chance to make automotive history.”
The most convincing hint yet that the country’s largest automaker would release its first EV is the impending introduction of the Proton EV sub-brand. Although the car’s specifications are still unknown, the artwork on the contest page provides some insight. It appears that Proton’s first electric vehicle will be modelled after the Geely Galaxy E5, as many have speculated online.
This seems obvious from the Geely Galaxy E5’s shape and right-hand drive configuration. It is based on the brand’s new Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture (GEA), which will accommodate plug-in hybrid and range-extender EV powertrains in addition to full EVs.
Public reports, based on the model’s filing with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), indicate that the EV version will be powered by a single front-axle motor that can produce up to 218 horsepower and reach a maximum speed of 175 km/h. Official powertrain details are not yet available but will come soon. An LFP battery pack will supply power to the motor, and its 800V electric design will enable quick charging.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
Having the public do the creative thinking for you is a little cheeky to say the least, especially when you consider that car companies usually pay huge fees for ad agencies to come up with new catchy names. Yes, at least Proton is offering a small reward of RM5000, which may just be enough to cover the cost of a new set of tyres. Proton had previously stated that, in response to encouragement from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), it is on schedule to introduce its first-ever EV model by 2025. Let’s hope the naming is decided by then.
