National carmaker Proton has unveiled a new stamping line at its plant in Tanjung Malim. The RM140 million line is the largest in Malaysia, with machinery capable of producing 50 unique components and stamping parts using up to 2,500 tonnes of force. This investment is expected to reduce the company’s reliance on imported parts by 115,000 units annually, improving local parts supply and reducing the risk of import disruptions.
During the same event, Proton also previewed a new SUV, which will be assembled at Tanjung Malim alongside the Proton X50 and Proton X70. The new model is the third SUV in the Proton range and the first to offer hybrid technology, marking the company’s entry into the New Energy Vehicle (NEV) space. 
Proton has committed to introducing more NEV models to its range in the lead up to its first locally produced Electric Vehicle (EV). Prior to this, the company had signed a deal to distribute smart EVs in Malaysia and Thailand, and sent 16 engineers to China for a six-month work attachment focused on all aspects of these vehicles. 
Construction of the new stamping line began in April 2021 and was completed in December of the same year. The line uses IR 4.0 technology, including real-time data and machine learning, to improve the quality of parts produced. With five stamping machines, the new line will increase local content for Proton’s SUV models, helping to reduce the company’s reliance on imported parts and insulating it against potential disruptions to global trade.
