Malaysia PM inaugurates Proton's first EV plant at AHTV

Beijing (Gasgoo)- On Sept. 4, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim inaugurated Proton's new electric vehicle plant at the Automotive High-Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjung Malim, according to Geely Auto Group's WeChat announcement.

Inauguration ceremony; photo credit: Geely

The facility is Proton's first electric vehicle (EV) plant and the first newly built EV manufacturing base in Malaysia, with an annual production capacity of up to 45,000 units. The launch marks a significant milestone in the country's new energy vehicle industry.

As a key part of AHTV, jointly developed by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group and DRB-HICOM, the plant features highly automated smart manufacturing technologies. The e.MAS 7, Proton's first EV model, will be the inaugural product from the new plant. Proton's second EV model, the e.MAS 5, will also enter production at the site.

Proton, a national automotive icon of Malaysia, has undergone a major transformation since Geely acquired a 49.9% stake in 2017. Based on their experience, Geely and DRB are deepening cooperation under the AHTV project to create a regional hub for R&D, manufacturing, and talent cultivation in Southeast Asia.

According to plans, AHTV will reach an annual output of 500,000 vehicles by 2035, with half destined for export. It will also establish a supply chain of 1 million parts sets, 50% of which will serve global markets. Recognized as a priority project under Malaysia's 13th Malaysia Plan, AHTV is expected to attract substantial foreign investment. During the inauguration, stakeholders signed an MoU (memorandum of understanding) to study the feasibility of a railway logistics hub at the site.