In a series of setbacks for Proton Pakistan, the fifth car dealership has parted ways with the company. This marks a concerning trend as four other dealerships made similar announcements in September and October, each citing different reasons for their decision. Complaints ranged from the lack of information on delivery dates for vehicles booked as far back as 2020 to repeated price revisions despite delayed deliveries. Some even reported price changes after receiving full customer payments.
To make matters worse, fake news circulated suggesting that Proton was winding up its operations in Pakistan, and the start of 2024 doesn’t seem all that good for the company.
The latest resignation comes from South Motors in Karachi, which declared that it is immediately cutting ties with the company and resigning from its 3S dealership status for the Proton brand. The decision, according to the dealership, followed extensive legal and general discussions with all stakeholders.
Expressing disappointment over Proton’s management by its assembler and distributor in Pakistan, M/S Al Haj Automotive Pvt. Limited, South Motors highlighted ongoing issues such as miscommunication regarding vehicle deliveries, repeated dishonoring of customer refund cheques, and damage to the brand and dealer image due to Al-Haj’s business practices.
In an official press release, South Motors stated all customers are informed that all “pending deliveries and refund payments are the sole responsibility of Al-Haj Automotive.” however, the dealership stated that it stands by their customers in efforts to make the car assembler pay the refunds as soon as possible.
The dealership management urged customers to visit the head office of Al-Haj Automotive for any inquiries about deliveries and refunds. The non-delivery of cars, particularly the Proton X70, remains a significant issue for the company, leading to protests and legal actions by numerous consumers.
