Proton’s Plan To Go Into New Energy Vehicles

Proton, a Malaysian car manufacturer, is expanding its efforts in the production of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs). The Minister of International Trade and Industry, Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, visited the Zeekr Intelligent Factory in China, where Geely Group showcased their NEV models. Zeekr is a premium electric automobile brand owned by Geely Automobile Holdings that specializes in electric cars and operates on a user-oriented enterprise philosophy.

During the visit, the minister toured the facilities, discussed NEV and Intelligent Technology strategies with Geely and Proton, and test drove their NEV product range. The Malaysian and Chinese governments also held a business forum, during which DRB-HICOM and Geely signed an agreement to develop the Automotive High Tech Valley into a smart city and hub for Next Generation Vehicles.

Proton mostly sells cars with regular gas engines right now, but they are also working on making electric cars. They are teaming up with another company called Geely to try and make these electric cars more affordable and easier to produce in Malaysia. They are starting with a new SUV called the Proton X90, which will get the mild hybrid technology with the 1.5L TGDI engine. In late 2023, they plan to introduce another new electric car called the smart #1 by PRO-NET. They also want to make other kinds of cars in the future.

Proton has invested over RM3.3 billion since 2018 to improve their products, technology, manufacturing, and human resources with the help of DRB-HICOM and Geely. They plan to invest more in new energy solutions and intelligent technologies with the development of AHTV. Proton’s partnership with Geely in technology development is crucial for their transformation initiatives to achieve strategic goals.

To reach their long-term goals, Proton has set up a permanent office at Geely’s Automobile Research Institute in Hangzhou Bay, where 18 engineers are currently working on research and development for new energy vehicles. This move will help speed up technology transfer.