PRO-NET invests in local talent and the infrastructure ecosystem to ensure that Proton e.MAS customers gain the necessary support and confidence throughout their EV ownership journey
ELECTRIFIED vehicles (EV) have already made their mark in Malaysia and are here to stay.
Once only a novelty topic amongst petrolheads, powertrain talk on hybrids and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are today the everyman’s general public discussion.
This is reflected in the market with PRO-NET alone having registered more than 6,000 Proton e.MAS vehicles as of Aug 31.
But as the number of EVs on Malaysian roads continue to grow the focus will inadvertently shift beyond the vehicles themselves and onto the wider ecosystem needed to support long-term ownership.
The development of a skilled and capable EV aftersales workforce will be increasingly important in supporting customers and maintaining high standards of service quality.
As the present market leader in the segment, PRO-NET has taken on the task beyond simply selling cars and to lead this necessary infrastructure transformation.
As a start, all of its e.MAS models and variants are now locally assembled (CKD) in Malaysia at Proton’s EV plant within the Automotive High Tech Valley (AHTV) at Tanjong Malim.
The requirements for local assembly directly supports the development of local suppliers, manufacturing capabilities and skilled employment opportunities.
Beyond manufacturing, localisation also extends towards building local talent and technical capabilities needed to support EVs throughout their lifecycle.
This effectively contributes towards Malaysia’s ambition of becoming a regional hub for electrified mobility.
The foundation for the growth of this movement lies in our local talent who are professionals in the field of EV.
As the automotive industry transitions from internal combustion engines (ICEs) to electrified mobility, new capabilities are required in areas such as EV diagnostics, high-voltage systems, battery technology, electrical systems and advanced vehicle technologies.
PRO-NET is thus working to build and strengthen Malaysia’s pipeline of future EV professionals by collaborating with educational institutions to bridge technical education with real-world industry requirements so that they are equipped with job-ready EV skills.
Most recently they entered a strategic collaboration with TVETMARA that was formalised through a Letter of Intent (LOI) signed on Sept 4.
The partnership will support its participants with hands-on training, on-the-job training (OJT), internships and apprenticeships.
The aim is to create pathways for Malaysians to pursue careers in the growing EV industry through two primary certified programmes.
Both the e.MAS Certified Technician Programme (e.CTP) and e.MAS Certified Service Advisor Programme (e.CSA) focuses on structured competency development covering EV maintenance, high-voltage systems, diagnostics and customer consultation.
Participants will be given continuous technical training to keep pace with evolving EV technology.
Service advisors would then be equipped to clearly explain what a vehicle needs.
The key is to maintain consistency between technical and customer service standards across the network when it comes to aftersales expertise.
As part of the collaboration, TVETMARA has also agreed to jointly organise the inaugural e.MAS Electrified Excellence Competition as a platform for EV technicians and service advisors to demonstrate their technical knowledge, practical skills and presentation capabilities in EV technology.
The competition which runs from Sept 1 to Oct 15 sees the participation from over 40 Proton e.MAS dealerships nationwide putting their technical, diagnostic, servicing and customer service capabilities to the test to come out on top.
It is designed to identify and recognise top-performing EV technicians and service advisors, while encouraging continuous upskilling as well as establishing stronger benchmarks for EV aftersales standards.
But even then trained professionals at the forefront of the industry can only do so much if they lack the proper equipment.
Which is why it is equally imperative that the tools of the trade match up in quality and readiness for it to ensure customers get the necessary support efficiency.
PRO-NET in that respect has assured that genuine e.MAS spare parts with 98.8% of common parts stock are readily available throughout its authorised network.
Centres are also fitted with professional EV diagnostics and specialised service equipment - with continued investment in EV-specific service and repair readiness.
Adequate parts supply and logistics capabilities support faster availability and minimise vehicle downtime.
Customer ownership confidence can be further built upon with a structured, clear and transparent communicated servicing journey.
PRO-NET believes this is done by offering convenient service booking and customer support throughout the aftersales journey, over-the-air (OTA) updates along with remote diagnosis for connected support goes beyond the workshop, and 24/7 roadside assistance is available for added peace of mind.
To ensure support for customers is always within reach, PRO-NET will continue to expand the Proton e.MAS’ nationwide footprint through a growing aftersales network so that access to sales and aftersales support keeps pace with its growing customer base.
Proton e.MAS currently has 60 dealerships, 46 service centres, and 10 Body and Paint facilities dedicated to it nationwide.
With charging experience at the heart of EV ownership its ecosystem too must be equally convenient and accessible.
Such is the purpose of the Integrated Live Charging Map within every Proton e.MAS vehicle and Proton e.MAS app.
Through infrastructure partnerships and technology integration, more than 4,700 charging points are accessible through the map which covers 90% chargers across Malaysia.
Proton e.MAS owners can enjoy a special rate of RM0.63/kWh via the Proton e.MAS App until Dec 31 this year across 1,500+ charging points at over 500 participating high-rise residences nationwide through charging networks such as ChargeSini, JomCharge, Charge+, Time Charge N Go and RExharge.
