The inauguration of a cutting-edge assembly plant by the Al-Haj Automotive Pvt. Ltd., the authorized assembler and distributor of PROTON vehicles in Pakistan, also hosted the much-anticipated, roll-out ceremony of the PROTON SAGA, locally assembled in Pakistan for the first time. Mr. Hilal Khan Afridi, the Chief Executive Officer of Al-Haj Automotive, expressed how the culmination of the PROTON Pakistan project was the ultimate product of the persistent efforts of vendors and suppliers.

“This assembly plant will set New Industry Standards and enable us to introduce New Generation of Products by following international quality standards set by PROTON,” Mr. Afridi added.

At present, the plant has an initial production capacity of 25,000 units per annum, which can be further expanded in line with the market demand. The deployment of artificial intelligence for the production of PROTON vehicles includes robots for welding and painting. To ensure the production of quality vehicles, top-notch Multi-function Testing Equipment and Advance Driver Assistance System are also installed. For automated monitoring and production control, a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) has also been put in place.

Dr Arif Alvi, the Honorable President of Pakistan, also graced the event with his presence, congratulating Al-Haj on achieving the milestone. Dr. Arif Alvi additionally shared how he hoped to see Pakistan thrive in the upcoming years. He expressed, ” Pakistan needs to increase the skill set of its youth to increase the employment rate of the country. The branding of a country is very important and Pakistan’s branding should be based on honesty and integrity. The Muslim States should implement policies of worthiness and morality in international relations which is missing currently.”

Mr. Khair ul Nazran, the Malaysian Consul General, was also present at the event to congratulate Al-Haj on its successful completion of the plant despite the doom and gloom caused by the pandemic. He also communicated his certainty about increased bilateral trade between Malaysia and Pakistan in the following years. With over 35 years of legacy, SAGA has been the highest selling sedan in Malaysia and Mr. Khair ul Nazran acknowledged PROTON as the pride of Malaysia’s mechanical advancement and headway. He also hoped and prayed that it will soon become the bestselling sedan in Pakistan too.

This post is sponsored by PROTON Pakistan.

Cover image via PROTON Pakistan