Hap Seng Smart Is First Dealer For smart New Energy Vehicles

Proton New Energy Technology Sdn Bhd (PRO-NET) has signed up Hap Seng Smart Sdn Bhd as its first authorised dealer for smart New Energy Vehicles (NEV). PRO-NET is the the official importer and distributor for smart vehicles in Malaysia and Thailand, and the first model i.e. smart #1 is expected to arrive by the end of 2023.

The appointment of Hap Seng Smart as a dealer reflects PRO-NET’s aim to penetrate the affluent market and be one of the leading EV automotive brands in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Hap Seng Smart is able to leverage on the technical expertise and experience of the Hap Seng Group which has established its reputation as one of the leading automotive dealers in Malaysia, with over 50 years of history in automotive retailing.

Hap Seng Group is one of the leading Mercedes-Benz dealers in Malaysia. Its relationship with the Mercedes-Benz brand started back in 1969 as an authorised dealer for Mercedes-Benz trucks, buses, passenger vehicles as well as spare parts. The smart brand of vehicles is equally owned by Daimler (parent of Mercedes-Benz) and Geely.

With the experience and commitment to delivering excellent service, Hap Seng Group offers a premium automotive retail experience that is in line with smart’s brand. The smart #1 will also continue the legacy of offering a pioneering approach to urban mobility. It is a masterpiece of engineering between smart and the Mercedes-Benz design team that represents the future of urban mobility.

“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.

The partnership with Hap Seng Smart marks PRO-NET’s entry into the Malaysian premium automotive retail market. “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.

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 the group’s 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 first smart showroom will be on Jalan Sultan Ismail in Kuala Lumpur. It is expected to open in the 4th quarter in time for the launch of smart #1. This will be followed by another showroom in Balakong, Selangor.

PRO-NET will continue to appoint new premium dealers and establish smart Brand Centres or smart Spaces.