PROTON R&D CHINA MAKES SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO NEW MODELS
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PROTON’s first overseas R&D facility celebrates anniversary in 2025
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Development of upcoming PROTON models accelerated by engineers in Hangzhou
Hangzhou Bay, China, 23 May 2025 – The establishment of PROTON's Research and Development Centre (PRDC) in Hangzhou Bay, China, through its collaborative partnership with Zhejiang Geely Holding Ltd (Geely), has helped to accelerate the technological advancement of the company’s products. A year after its formation, the partnership has empowered PROTON’s R&D capabilities directly, facilitating technological transfer that benefits all Proton models. At its core, the partnership has fostered a dynamic environment for knowledge exchange and innovation, enabling PROTON to cater to the demands and preferences of its customer base.
Leveraging on global expertise to benefit Proton owners
PRDC employs a structured new product development system (NPDS) that covers all critical phases from initial product strategy and definition to design freeze to final data judgement (FDJ). This ensures total engagement that guarantees alignment and efficient progress. Overseeing Electrical and Electronics (E&E) and integration work for the new project, Wan Fatin Nur Amira Binti Wan Rusli, Senior Engineer at the centre, noted that access to cutting edge platforms and tools has accelerated PROTON’s model development. “Over the past three months, I have seen how PRDC is contributing to the development of PROTON’s next generation of intelligent vehicles through the integration of advanced vehicle E&E technologies.”
Muhammad Hafiz Bin Zabidi, Lead Engineer in Engineering Performance in PROTON, alluded that substantial progress has been made in enhancing the driving characteristics of PROTON’s upcoming models with refined chassis and suspension settings for Malaysian roads, improved braking, optimized cabin noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), and enhanced fuel efficiency through advanced testing. On the other hand, the R&D centre also benchmarks against competitors to ensure PROTON’s competitiveness and promising customers a better driving experience.
PRDC helps power PROTON’s first EV development launch
The collaboration between PRDC and Geely has helped produce PROTON’s first EV, the Proton e.MAS 7 through the latter’s battery labs, powertrain test benches, and smart vehicle development centres in Hangzhou Bay. Since its debut in Malaysia last December, PROTON’s first EV model has positioned itself as the best-selling EV model in the country.
Over the past year, Omar Farhan Bin Omar, Senior Engineer at the center and his team took part in engineering coordination, timeline execution, and cross-functional collaboration to advance the project toward production readiness. They achieved key milestones by leading validation efforts for thermal management, charging efficiency, and regenerative braking – enhancing safety, durability, and range, which are crucial for Malaysia’s tropical climate. “Through these efforts, we are on track to introduce a reliable, high-value EV tailored to ASEAN consumers,” he added.
Chiming in, Zulkifli Bin Fadzlullah, Senior Engineer in Testing & Development, pointed out that facilities such as proving grounds and climatic chambers used by PRDC are important for PROTON’s extensive testing processes. He said, “We are in daily contact with PROTON R&D Malaysia, sharing technical knowledge and testing data that will help improve testing capabilities in Malaysia. This ensures Proton can develop more competitive and high-quality vehicles in the future.”
Conversely, by tapping into PROTON’s extensive experience in developing vehicles tailored for the Malaysian and ASEAN markets, Geely is better able to understand local customer preferences, road conditions and government regulations. PROTON also acts as a strategic partner for Geely in technology localization and expanding its presence within the ASEAN region.
Looking ahead, PROTON has ambitions to deepen its technical understanding and expand its R&D teams in Malaysia through enhanced exchange programs. The need for more real-world testing in Malaysia is also recognized. The centre is poised to play a crucial role in shaping PROTON’s future, particularly in E&E architecture and EV development, strengthening PROTON’s independent innovation in Malaysia.
Mohd Haizam Bin Ghazali, Head of R&D in Engineering & Technical, said, “This collaboration serves as a crucial bridge to PROTON’s product development capabilities by providing engineers access to advanced facilities and empowering them without shifting core R&D operations away from Malaysia. We're planning to double our workforce by the end of the year as part of our expansion efforts, which will significantly boost our R&D capabilities as a group. Moving forward, we can expect to see more technological advancements integrated into our latest models, reflecting our commitment to innovation and progress for both PROTON and Malaysia.”