Inauguration ceremony

On September 4, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim inaugurated Proton’s new electric vehicle (EV) plant at the Automotive High-Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjung Malim, according to Geely Auto Group’s announcement on WeChat. The facility is Proton’s first EV plant and the first newly built EV manufacturing base in Malaysia, with an annual capacity of up to 45,000 units. The opening represents a major milestone in the country’s new energy vehicle development.

The plant forms a central part of AHTV, a project jointly developed by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group and DRB-HICOM. Equipped with highly automated smart manufacturing systems, the plant will first produce Proton’s inaugural EV model, the e.MAS 7. Production of the e.MAS 5, Proton’s second EV, is also scheduled to take place at the facility.

Proton, regarded as a national automotive brand in Malaysia, has undergone significant transformation since Geely acquired a 49.9% stake in the company in 2017. Building on this cooperation, Geely and DRB are expanding their partnership through AHTV, which aims to become a regional hub for research and development, advanced manufacturing, and talent training across Southeast Asia.

According to development plans, AHTV is expected to achieve an annual output of 500,000 vehicles by 2035, with half of the production targeted for export markets. The project also envisions establishing a supply chain capable of delivering 1 million sets of automotive parts, with 50% of these components supplied globally. Recognized as a priority initiative under Malaysia’s 13th Malaysia Plan, AHTV is anticipated to attract substantial foreign investment and further strengthen Malaysia’s automotive sector.

During the inauguration ceremony, stakeholders signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to evaluate the feasibility of building a railway logistics hub within AHTV. Such a hub would support efficient transportation of vehicles and components, enhancing the competitiveness of the overall supply chain.

The launch of Proton’s EV plant marks not only the company’s entry into large-scale electric vehicle production but also reflects Malaysia’s broader ambition to establish itself as a key player in the regional new energy vehicle industry. With the planned production of the e.MAS series and the long-term goals of AHTV, the project is set to play a pivotal role in advancing the country’s automotive transformation and export potential.

Through this collaboration, Proton, Geely, and DRB are combining strengths to build an advanced automotive ecosystem, contributing to technological innovation, industrial growth, and job creation in Malaysia. The inauguration signals a significant step toward sustainable mobility and regional leadership in the EV market.

by autonews.gasgoo