Proton Cars inaugurates first overseas R&D center in China’s Ningbo city

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On April 27, Proton Cars, the national car brand of Malaysia, officially opened its first overseas R&D center in Hangzhou Bay, Ningbo, Zhejiang province, according to a post on Geely Holding's WeChat account.

Photo credit: Geely Holding

The launch of the Proton Hangzhou Bay R&D Center marks a significant step in integrating Proton's R&D operations with Geely. This collaboration will enhance Proton's in-house development capabilities, enabling the creation of vehicle models tailored for both Malaysian and international markets.

The new center features several specialized institutes including a Central Research Institute, a Data Intelligence Development Center, and a Digital R&D Center.

Photo credit: Geely Holding

To be specific, the Central Research Institute oversees vehicle development systems and bolsters Proton's technological prowess. The Data Intelligence Development Center specializes in big data and artificial intelligence, focusing on product deployment plans. The Digital R&D Center is dedicated to managing digital needs within the R&D system and devising digital transformation strategies.

In addition, an External Cooperation Research Institute has also been established to handle complete vehicle functions and foster ecosystem integration for external projects.

To capitalize on the strengths of all partners and meet shared strategic development goals, the center will utilize the skills and experiences of engineers from both Malaysia and China, said Geely Holding. It aims to serve as a think tank for the development and export of international talents, benefiting both Proton and Geely.

The Proton Hangzhou Bay R&D Center functions as a collaborative hub between Proton and Geely, propelling multi-faceted R&D innovations. These include the integration of chassis and platforms for internal combustion and future electric vehicle models, as well as advancements in intelligent driving and project management. Additionally, the center will play a crucial role in boosting Proton's competitiveness through Geely's international network and supporting the sustainable development of Malaysia's Automotive High-Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjung Malim.