Proton aims to complete the first phase of its EV plant by the end of 2025
Proton has taken a significant step toward its goal of local electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing with the groundbreaking ceremony for its new production plant at the Tanjung Malim facility. This marks a major milestone in the company’s EV production journey, with the plant set to begin operations by the end of 2025.
The initial phase, which involves an investment of RM82 million, is expected to have an annual production capacity of 20,000 units. The new plant will manufacture several EV models based on the Global Modular Architecture (GMA) platform, starting with the Proton e.MAS 7, Malaysia’s first EV from a local automotive brand.
Moreover, the new facility, located at the Automotive High Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjung Malim, is designed to support Proton’s growing line of EVs. This initiative is aligned with Malaysia’s government plans for EV industrialization, which are detailed in key policies such as the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP), National Automotive Policy (NAP 2020) and the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint (LCMB).
Proton aims to begin local production of EV models by late 2025, just before all its manufacturing operations are fully consolidated at the Tanjung Malim site. To ensure top-tier production quality, the new plant will employ advanced “smart manufacturing technologies.”
This includes high automation levels using robotics, cloud-based management systems and also Industrial IoT (IIoT) solutions, which are integral to Industry 4.0 operations. These technologies aim to streamline production while minimizing environmental impact. Despite the advanced automation, Proton estimates that the plant will create over 200 new jobs, specializing in EV manufacturing and technical services.
On top of that, as demand for EVs grows, Proton plans a second phase to increase the plant’s production capacity to 45,000 units per year. This expansion will cater to both the domestic and international markets.
Dr. Li Chunrong, CEO of Proton, expressed excitement about this new phase, stating that the plant will play a pivotal role in expanding Proton’s EV lineup, starting with the e.MAS 7, and future New Energy Vehicle (NEV) models.
He emphasized that the success of the plant could position Malaysia and AHTV as a key regional hub for EV manufacturing, encouraging more Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to invest in the country. This new facility represents a crucial step in Proton’s vision of contributing to the growth of the global EV market while supporting the development of a modern automotive ecosystem in Malaysia.
