Proton is ramping up its electric vehicle (EV) ambitions with a major expansion of its New Energy Vehicle (NEV) assembly plant at the Automotive High-Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjong Malim. The move comes in response to soaring demand for the Proton e.MAS range, both locally and in export markets, further strengthening Malaysia’s push towards electrification and advanced automotive manufacturing.

Less than a year after the facility officially began operations, Proton has announced plans to invest an additional RM37 million to significantly boost production capacity. The NEV plant, which was originally developed with an RM82 million investment and inaugurated by Malaysia’s Prime Minister, currently produces up to 20,000 vehicles annually. Once the expansion is completed, annual output capacity will more than double to 42,000 units.

The facility was designed as a flexible and technologically advanced manufacturing hub, incorporating robotics, cloud-based production systems, and Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. This enables multiple vehicle models to be assembled efficiently on a single production line while maintaining high manufacturing standards.

The rapid expansion is being driven largely by the remarkable success of the Proton e.MAS lineup. Leading the momentum is the Proton e.MAS 5, which achieved 8,472 deliveries within the first four months of 2026, making it the best-selling EV model in Malaysia by a wide margin. Its combination of affordability, practical features, connected technology, and reliable EV performance has resonated strongly with Malaysian consumers seeking accessible electric mobility.

Together with the Proton e.MAS 7 and e.MAS 7 PHEV, Proton’s total NEV sales reached 11,617 units between January and April 2026, representing a massive 329 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The impressive growth has quickly positioned Proton as one of the dominant players in Malaysia’s electrified vehicle market.

To meet rising demand and improve delivery timelines, the Proton e.MAS 5 will soon be added to the local assembly operations in Tanjong Malim, joining the Proton e.MAS 7 as the company’s second locally assembled EV model.

According to Proton Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Ir. Abdul Rashid Musa, the accelerated expansion reflects the company’s confidence in the future of EV adoption in Malaysia as well as the overwhelming reception received from customers.

He explained that market demand for the Proton e.MAS range had exceeded the company’s original expectations, prompting Proton to fast-track its localisation and production plans. Beyond increasing manufacturing capacity, the investment is also expected to support talent development, create new job opportunities, and strengthen Malaysia’s automotive supply chain as the nation moves towards a more electrified future.

Currently employing 391 workers, the expanded NEV facility is expected to contribute further to the development of Malaysia’s EV ecosystem while positioning Tanjong Malim as a regional NEV manufacturing hub within the Geely Group network.

The latest investment also represents another significant milestone in Proton’s transformation journey as the company evolves into a regional automotive player with a stronger focus on electrification, advanced manufacturing technologies, and future mobility solutions.

As EV adoption continues to accelerate across Malaysia and the ASEAN region, Proton’s expansion plans underline both the growing confidence in the country’s automotive industry and the brand’s ambition to play a leading role in shaping the future of mobility.