Proton is showcasing the technology and engineering capabilities behind its next phase of growth at the Global Automotive and Technology Expo 2026 (GATE 2026), highlighting its expanding focus on electrification, intelligent vehicles and connected mobility. Held from 26 to 28 August at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), GATE 2026 brings together policymakers, automotive manufacturers, technology companies, suppliers and research organisations as Malaysia continues to strengthen its position as a regional automotive technology hub.
As a platinum sponsor of the event, Proton is using the platform to demonstrate how technologies across its wider mobility ecosystem are coming together under the theme “PROTON ADVANCES. MALAYSIA MOVES FORWARD”. At the centre of its exhibition is the national carmaker’s hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) technology, framed by an LED infinity tunnel that represents Proton’s continuing development towards smarter and more sustainable mobility.
According to Proton Deputy Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Ir. Abdul Rashid Musa, the company has undergone significant transformation since its partnership with Geely began, including the renewal of its model line-up, expansion of engineering and manufacturing capabilities, development of new energy vehicle technologies and introduction of more advanced features to Malaysian customers.
Rather than focusing solely on its vehicles, Proton’s GATE 2026 display places emphasis on the technologies and systems supporting its latest generation of products. Five key areas are being highlighted at the booth. The first is HEV technology, demonstrating Proton’s growing capabilities in electrification and its efforts to support the transition towards lower-emission mobility. The company’s electrical and electronic architecture (EEA) is also featured. Serving as an important foundation for modern vehicles, the architecture allows different vehicle systems to communicate while supporting the integration of increasingly intelligent functions.
Proton is additionally showcasing its 1.5-litre i-GT engine technology, a turbocharged powertrain already used in the Proton X50. The engine represents the company’s focus on combining performance with greater efficiency. Another key area is Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), with the technology demonstrating how sensors, alerts and driver-support functions can contribute towards safer and more confident driving.
Completing the five technology pillars is infotainment and connectivity, including solutions developed together with ACO Tech. These technologies are aimed at providing drivers with a more intuitive, localised and connected in-car experience. Together, the five areas illustrate how Proton is moving towards vehicles where electrification, electronics, connectivity, safety and powertrain technologies operate as part of a more integrated ecosystem.
Proton’s technological transformation has also coincided with significant growth in its business performance. The company sold 157,976 vehicles in 2025, while exports reached 6,000 units, representing its highest annual export volume since 2012. That momentum has continued into 2026. During the first seven months of the year, Proton recorded sales of 118,788 vehicles, representing a 38.7% increase compared with the corresponding period last year.
New energy vehicles have also become an increasingly important part of the company’s portfolio. Proton e.MAS accounted for 21,808 vehicles during the same period, led by the Proton e.MAS 5, which has established itself as Malaysia’s best-selling EV, and the Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV, which currently leads the country’s plug-in hybrid segment.
Proton said continued investment in technology is not only helping it develop more capable vehicles, but is also creating opportunities for Malaysian engineers, vendors and technology partners while strengthening the country’s automotive manufacturing capabilities.
Beyond vehicle technology, Proton is also using GATE 2026 to highlight its efforts to improve the sustainability of its manufacturing operations. During the event’s opening programme, the company will mark its achievement of ISO 50001:2018 Energy Management Systems certification, awarded by the British Standards Institution (BSI).
The certification makes Proton the first passenger vehicle manufacturer in Malaysia to receive the recognition. It provides a structured framework for monitoring, controlling and continuously improving energy performance across its manufacturing operations. The system supports Proton’s target of improving energy efficiency by 2% annually.
At its Tanjung Malim manufacturing facility, the company has introduced several initiatives aimed at reducing energy consumption and emissions. These include solar photovoltaic generation, energy digitalisation and real-time monitoring, LED lighting upgrades and optimisation of major production systems. As of December 2025, the plant’s solar energy array had already helped reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 48,453 tonnes.
Proton’s presence at GATE 2026 also builds on its wider collaboration with the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii). The two organisations have exchanged collaboration documents covering areas including shared testing facilities, the National Automotive Test Centre and structured development opportunities for Proton’s R&D personnel. Taken together, these initiatives reflect Proton’s broader strategy of developing not only new vehicles, but also the engineering, manufacturing, energy management and technology capabilities needed to support the next stage of Malaysia’s automotive industry.
