SHAH ALAM (June 8): Proton Holdings Bhd is on track to launch its first sports utility vehicle (SUV) as early as September 2018 to grow the Malaysia national car manufacturer's automotive market share in the country.

Proton Holdings' manufacturing arm Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Dr Li Chunrong said Proton is still deciding the launch date for the SUV, which will be based on the Geely Boyue SUV.

"Yes, we are on track to launch the SUV. It could be in September or October, but [most likely] in the fourth quarter of this year as we find the right date to launch," Li told reporters after launching the first upgraded Proton 4S centre here today.

According to Li, the Proton SUV will be launched in two phases. He said the first phase will involve completely built-up units, which will be imported from China, while the second phase will see Proton producing the SUVs at its plant in Tanjung Malim.

"The new SUV will arrive in July, and subsequent to the launch, we will monitor demand for the car. Once we are able to gauge that, then we will start rolling out the locally-assembled models," Li said.

Li said Proton took around 18 months to design the SUV, which is tailored for right-hand drive market.

"Boyue in China is left-hand drive. It takes substantial time to redesign the SUV. We have no problems to produce the car locally, but is there a demand for it? That's what we have to find out," Li said.

On the price of the Proton SUV, Li said, "It should be affordable and comfortable for the people to buy."