• Local assembly of Proton e.MAS 5 to start as company ramps up NEV production capacity

Subang Jaya, 29 May 2026 – National carmaker PROTON is accelerating its electric vehicle ambitions with plans to significantly expand the capacity of its New Energy Vehicle (NEV) assembly plant at the Automotive High-Tech Valley (AHTV), Tanjong Malim.

The expansion, expected to incur RM37 million, comes less than a year after the facility began operations and follows overwhelming market demand for the Proton e.MAS range in Malaysia and export markets. It also aligns with Malaysia’s broader aspirations to strengthen local EV manufacturing capabilities and accelerate the growth of the country’s automotive ecosystem.

Built with an investment plan of RM82 million and inaugurated by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, the NEV plant currently has the capacity to assemble 20,000 vehicles annually. Designed as a highly flexible manufacturing hub, the facility integrates advanced robotics, cloud-based production management, and Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, enabling the assembly of multiple vehicle models on a single line.

Following the planned expansion, the plant’s annual production capacity will increase to 42,000 units, supporting both domestic demand and export opportunities while also positioning Tanjong Malim as a regional hub for NEV manufacturing within the Geely Group ecosystem. Currently operating with a staff strength of 391 employees the investment is also expected to generate new employment opportunities and further strengthen Malaysia’s EV supply chain and technical capabilities.

Proton e.MAS momentum drives expansion plans

The decision to accelerate the plant expansion has been driven by exceptional market response to the Proton e.MAS lineup, which has quickly emerged as one of the strongest performers in Malaysia’s fast-growing EV segment.

Leading the charge is the Proton e.MAS 5, which recorded 8,472 deliveries in the first four months of 2026, making it Malaysia’s best-selling EV model by a significant margin. Combining accessible pricing, practical features, connected technology and dependable EV performance, the model has resonated strongly with Malaysian buyers seeking an attainable entry into electric mobility.

Together with the Proton e.MAS 7 and e.MAS 7 PHEV, total sales for PROTON’s NEV range reached 11,617 units between January and April 2026, representing a 329% increase compared to the same period last year. The rapid sales growth has firmly established the brand as one of the leaders in Malaysia’s electrified vehicle market.

To support growing demand and shorten delivery times for customers, the Proton e.MAS 5 will soon join the Proton e.MAS 7 on the local assembly line in Tanjong Malim, becoming the company’s second locally assembled EV model.

Strengthening Malaysia’s EV ecosystem

According to Dato’ Ir. Abdul Rashid Musa, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, PROTON, the expansion reflects both strong consumer confidence in the company’s products and PROTON’s long-term commitment to supporting Malaysia’s EV transformation.

“The need to expand the capacity for PROTON’s NEV plant has come earlier than anticipated due to the exceptionally strong market acceptance for our Proton e.MAS models. Customer demand has exceeded our initial projections, and this has accelerated our plans to localise production capacity,” he said.

“Beyond increasing production volume, this investment also reflects PROTON’s commitment to helping develop Malaysia’s EV ecosystem. By expanding local assembly activities, we are also creating opportunities for talent development, job creation, and the strengthening of the local automotive supply chain as Malaysia moves towards a more electrified future.”

The expansion of the NEV plant also marks another important milestone in PROTON’s transformation journey as the company continues to evolve into a regional automotive player with a growing focus on electrification, advanced manufacturing, and future mobility technologies.

As Malaysia’s EV adoption continues to accelerate, PROTON’s latest investment reinforces confidence in the country’s automotive future while underlining the company’s ambition to play a leading role in shaping the next chapter of mobility for Malaysians and the wider ASEAN region.

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