Proton’s South African distributor dropping the brand, according to annual report – will Geely take over?

According to a Cars.co.za report, the Combined Motor Holdings (CMH) Group – Proton’s South African distributor – has reportedly confirmed in an annual report that its distribution agreement with the Malaysian brand will soon “terminate”. CMH Group has been distributing the Saga, X50, X70 and X90 there since September 2022.

“The products have proven to be of good quality, with low warranty-claim rates, but the import pricing is uncompetitive. The [CMH] Group will continue to support [Proton] customers with workshop and parts facilities through its retail outlets until the local Geely operations are ready to take over,” CMH Group CEO Jebb McIntosh wrote in the company’s 2026 integrated annual report (for the year ended February 28, 2026), adding that the “Proton import/distribution operation will terminate when the remaining inventory is sold”.

Asked if there were plans to take over Proton’s distribution in the country, Geely Auto South Africa told Cars.co.za: “We are aware of the market speculation regarding Proton’s future distribution arrangements in South Africa. Discussions are currently ongoing, however no formal decisions or announcements have been concluded at this stage. As such, it would be premature for us to comment further at this time.”

It added that any “confirmed information” would be “communicated through the appropriate formal channels”. Geely returned to South Africa in late-2025 with the E5 (Proton eMas 7) before launching the E2 (Proton eMas 5) in April this year.

According to Cars.co.za, Proton sold 640 units in South Africa in the second half of 2023, 888 in 2024, 459 in 2025, 20 in the first quarter of 2026 and just seven in April, based on data reported to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA). SA was once Proton’s second-biggest export market.

The publication further reports that according to the carmaker’s website, Proton currently has 10 dealerships in South Africa, down from 17 in May 2025 and 20 at launch in 2022.

AD: Drive the Proton model of your dreams. Submit your details and Proton PJ will get in touch with you.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.