Proton has returned to South Africa with the launch of the Proton X50, the Proton X70 and dealerships countrywide, including Sandton, through CMH (Combined Motor Holdings).
- The new Proton models are right-hand drive versions of GEELY vehicles sold in left-hand markets around the world.
- From key activated engine starting to foot sensor boot systems, the Proton X50 and Proton X70 are loaded with technology.
- There are 20 dealerships in major hubs across South Africa including the CMH Proton Sandton.
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CMH was founded in 1976 and has been a notable force in the motor industry ever since its conception, launching some of the country’s biggest names such as VOLVO back in 1995. The company made the decision to bring Proton back to South Africa based on many discussions, trips to Malaysia, viewings and test drives of the vehicles coming into the country. Based on current market demand, the new Proton X50 and Proton X70 are deemed to be quality SUV vehicles set within an affordable pricing bracket.
This is not just the launch of the Proton X50 and Proton X70 – this is the launch of a brand you have heard of, but not met in its partnership with Geely.
// CEO of CMH, Jebb McIntosh
The purchase of a 49.9% stake in Proton in 2017 by the Zhejiang GEELY Holding Group – a Fortune 500 company which owns VOLVO and Lotus – has transformed Proton through its additional finance, technical expertise, and products. When the Proton brand became available, CMH jumped at the opportunity for several reasons, but mostly, by seeing a gap in the market for a quality SUV within an affordable price bracket, believing that many SUV’s launched by luxury brands are unaffordable to the average South African.

The new Proton X50 and Proton X70 benefit from shared group engineering expertise including technology solutions also found in VOLVO models. The Sandton Times had a chance to test-drive the latest Proton releases, preferring the newer Proton X50 for its fresher look, latest features, and overall driving experience.
The fuel consumption of the Proton X50 is 6.5L/100km and the fuel consumption of the Proton X70 is 7.8L/100km.
// Managing Director of Proton SA, Marius Smal
Beyond this, the Proton X50 and X70 offer enhanced features for the driver and passengers’ comfort, as well as a sophisticated look. Some of these features (depending on the variant and class) include chrome finishing on the front and rear bumpers, alloy wheels, power tailgate with foot sensor and Nappa leather seats with black headlining.

The Proton X70 comes with the Proton Intelligent Air Purification System (P-IAPS) – a combination of N95 cabin filter (incorporated into the air-conditioning) and air purifier system; combined they work twice as efficiently to improve the air quality inside the cabin. The Proton X50 and Proton X70 also feature voice-activation, active and passive safety features as well as parking systems.
Along with the 20 dealerships that are currently up and running, and selling our Proton X50 and Proton X70 vehicles, we will have at least another 5 opening between now and February 2023. This is the confidence that we, and many dealers across the country have in the PROTON South Africa brand.
// Managing Director of Proton SA, Marius Smal
The Proton X50 starts from R449’900, and Proton X70, starts from R529’900.
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