Proton is expanding its electric vehicle ambitions beyond Malaysia, with its Proton e.MAS brand set to enter the Sri Lankan market through a new partnership with David Pieris Holdings (Private) Limited (DPHL).

The Malaysian automaker recently signed a Distributorship Agreement with DPHL at Proton’s Centre of Excellence headquarters, appointing the Sri Lankan conglomerate to distribute and retail Proton e.MAS models in the country. Sales are targeted to begin in 2026.

The partnership will see the Proton business in Sri Lanka managed by David Pieris Automobiles (Private) Limited (DPAL), leveraging DPHL’s extensive experience in the local automotive industry.

Established in 1970, DPHL is one of Sri Lanka’s largest diversified automotive conglomerates, with business interests spanning automotive, financial services, logistics and leisure. Proton says the group’s broad portfolio will allow it to provide customers with an integrated experience covering vehicle sales, financing, logistics and aftersales support.

According to Proton International Corporation CEO Edmund Lim Meng Thong, DPHL was selected as the company’s partner due to its extensive resources and long-standing automotive experience.

The partnership is also expected to support Proton’s wider ambition of establishing itself as a leading new energy vehicle (NEV) brand in Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lankan expansion comes as Proton e.MAS continues to play an increasingly important role in the company’s international growth. Although the brand was only established in 2024, it has already expanded into four export markets, namely Singapore, Trinidad and Tobago, Mauritius and Nepal. Brunei is also expected to become the next market to receive e.MAS models.

Proton’s latest move into Sri Lanka therefore adds another destination to the brand’s rapidly growing international footprint, while further strengthening Proton’s push into the NEV segment.

At home, Proton e.MAS has continued to build momentum. The brand recorded a combined 21,808 domestic and export sales during the first seven months of 2026, while cumulative sales have now surpassed 30,000 units since the launch of its first model, the e.MAS 7, in December 2024.

The brand has also established a strong position within Malaysia’s electrified vehicle market. The e.MAS 5 currently ranks as Malaysia’s best-selling EV, while the e.MAS 7 PHEV leads the local plug-in hybrid segment.

Proton says the success of e.MAS has also opened doors for its international operations, particularly in markets where electrified models can serve as an important entry point for the Proton brand.

In some overseas markets, e.MAS vehicles are currently the only Proton models offered, while markets that also receive Proton’s internal-combustion models can benefit from a broader range of mobility solutions.