Malaysian car manufacturer Proton has taken a significant step in expanding its international presence with the inauguration of a new plant to assemble the Proton Saga in Cairo, Egypt. The ceremony was attended by Malaysia’s Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Bin Ibrahim, who emphasized Proton’s role as a source of national pride and identity. The event also included Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister, H.E. Lieutenant General Kamel Al-Wazir, along with key officials such as Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, and Egypt’s Ambassador to Malaysia, H.E. Mr. Ragai Tawfik Said Nasr.
The facility, located in the Al Oula Industrial Park in Giza, is a joint venture under Ezz Elarab Elsewedy Automotive Factories (ESAF), valued at USD 35 million. This plant, with a capacity of 20,000 units per shift, is expected to generate employment for up to 400 people once fully operational. Proton was represented at the event by its Chairman, Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar, and Deputy CEO, Roslan Abdullah, while ESAF was represented by Chairman Hisham Ezz Elarab and Board Member Ahmed Elsewedy.
Prime Minister Anwar underscored the importance of joint ventures like this for strengthening local industries, calling for Proton to utilize Egypt’s local resources as much as possible. The inauguration follows the first shipment of complete knock-down (CKD) packs to Egypt on 9 September, with the first left-hand drive Proton Saga units expected from the production line by December. For 2024, the plant aims to produce 1,400 units, scaling up to 5,000 units in 2025. Over the first three years, Proton projects exporting 16,000 CKD packs to Egypt by the end of 2026.
These vehicles will be marketed not only within Egypt but across Northern and Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as in Middle Eastern regions. Through these exports, Proton anticipates generating RM570 million in revenue, with an additional RM20 million from parts exports.
Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar highlighted Egypt’s importance in Proton’s regional strategy, adding that while the company has been Malaysia’s top vehicle exporter for decades, untapped potential remains in international markets. “Egypt is central to our plans, and we look forward to more partnerships to expand our reach into regions where car ownership is rising,” he said.
