With rising demand, EPMB might need to assist Proton to assembly electric vehicles to deliver EVs fast.
People close to the matter has ‘whispered’ to us that Proton’s sales success with electric vehicles (e.MAS models) is giving them a tough time assembling the vehicles fast enough to meet bookings.
Right now with 20,000 units delivered (in just 7 months) and another 25,000 to be delivered before end of 2026 Proton has a tough decision which is, should they look for a vehicle assembly partner to assist while another factory expansion plan happens at the Proton plant or do they tell waiting buyers …… to wait longer.
Well, almost all waiting buyers will NOT want to wait more than 4 to 5 months for their new electric car and to expand the plant further will take …… 12 months perhaps.
So, looks like right now EP Manufacturing Berhad (EPMB) has the physical capacity to assist in assembling the e.MAS models and EPMB already has the license to assemble electric vehicles in Melaka.
The next question is this, can the EPMB factory In Melaka Assemble Proton Electric Vehicles side by side with MG and Xpeng?
Well, EPMB’s plant in the HICOM Pegoh Industrial Park, Melaka, has an annual capacity of 30,000 units (following its Phase 2 expansion). The facility holds a MITI license allowing contract manufacturing and assembly for 4-wheeled Energy-Efficient Vehicles (EEVs) and battery electric vehicles (EVs).
Right now EPMB operates primarily as a contract assembler for Chinese automotive brands expanding into ASEAN. Their primary vehicle manufacturing partnerships in Melaka are with the following brands.
Xpeng: Assembling the G6 model.
GWM (Great Wall Motor): Assembling the Haval H6 HEV and Wey G9.
BAIC: Local assembly for BJ40 and X55 series which is slowing down recently.
SAIC / MG Motor: Assembling MG models.
Blueshark Electric Scooter: Assembling scooters which has slowed down now.
Meanwhile, did you know that EPMB is a long-time Tier-1 automotive component supplier to Proton (manufacturing body panels, modular assemblies, and structural chassis parts). So, this also increases the possibility of assembly.
Right now, Proton’s EVs (which starting with the Proton e.MAS 7) are assembled directly by Proton at its dedicated EV manufacturing facilities in Tanjung Malim, Perak.
