• Delegation previews PROTON's future business direction and upcoming AMA-based models

• Minister officially initiates start of production for advanced hybrid components at engine plant

Tanjung Malim, 3 August 2026 – PROTON reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Malaysia's automotive industry during a working visit by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to its Tanjung Malim manufacturing complex. Led by Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Deputy Minister Sim Tze Tzin, the visit showcased how the national carmaker is expanding local manufacturing capacities, integrating new automotive technologies and directly contributing to the country's ambition to become a regional hub for Next-generation Vehicles (NxGV).

During a closed-door briefing, the MITI delegation was updated on PROTON's latest progress and future business direction, which includes a special preview on the company's strategic initiatives based on its proprietary Advanced Modular Architecture (AMA) platform. The visit concluded with a tour of the production facilities, including the Powertrain Plant where the Minister officiated the commencement of local production for the dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) and electric drive unit (EDU) used in PROTON's electrified vehicle range.

The new production milestone raises local ecosystem participation for the locally produced Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV and makes PROTON the first automotive manufacturer in Malaysia to locally produce both DHT and EDU, which are categorized as critical components for electrified vehicles (xEV). The investment also strengthens Malaysia's supplier ecosystem, with eight of the sixteen suppliers supporting the RM121 million facility currently being local companies, while creating new opportunities for skilled employment and future export growth.

Commenting during his visit, MITI Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani reinforced the ministry’s efforts of calling on OEMs to invest and source parts locally for their CKD operations, helping to build Malaysia’s technical base and to close the nation’s trading deficit.

“I was briefed today that PROTON has achieved a high amount of localisation for their models and it is clear related industries involved in supporting their efforts have benefitted from their activities. PROTON today is not the same company as it was before, owning its own technology IP developed together with Geely, and this an example of how an international partnership with a foreign partner has revitalised a national brand to where today there are now approximately 9,700 workers in the company with a production output of more than 150,000 units.

“This is an example of mutual benefits that can be obtained from such a partnership, and I call on OEMs in Malaysia to look beyond selling cars and coexist with the current vendor ecosystem by introducing new technologies and encouraging investment in parts manufacturing and supply. This will bring benefits to the company, the industry and the government by acting as a multiplier for economic activities and even job creation.”

Echoing the minister’s comments, Dato’ Ir. Abdul Rashid Musa, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of PROTON, said the company has progressed beyond just vehicle production.

"For more than four decades, PROTON has played an important role in developing Malaysia's automotive industry, especially after the company’s first vehicle ground-up development program, the Proton Waja, that was eventually launched in May 2000. Today, that role extends far beyond production of vehicles. We are investing in engineering capability, advanced manufacturing and local supplier development to ensure Malaysia remains competitive as the industry transitions towards electrified and intelligent mobility.

"The commencement of local DHT and EDU production is another significant milestone in that journey. Together with initiatives such as the Automotive High-Tech Valley (AHTV), it demonstrates how close collaboration between PROTON, MITI and our industry partners is creating higher-value manufacturing activities, strengthening local capabilities and generating long-term opportunities for Malaysian talent," he added.

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