PROTON has officially signed a Distributorship Agreement with David Pieris Holdings (Private) Limited (DPHL), appointing one of Sri Lanka’s largest automotive conglomerates as the official distributor for the Proton e.MAS brand in the country.
The agreement was signed following a working visit by DPHL executives to PROTON’s Centre of Excellence headquarters in Subang Jaya. Under the partnership, retail operations will be anchored by David Pieris Automobiles (Private) Limited (DPAL), drawing on the group’s integrated automotive, logistics, and financial services network to grow market share in Sri Lanka.
Integrated Ownership Experience Through Local Synergies
DPHL has operated within Sri Lanka’s automotive landscape since 1970, with business interests spanning automotive retail, vehicle financing, logistics, and leisure services.
By leveraging DPHL’s in-house financial services and distribution networks, Sri Lankan buyers can expect an integrated sales and aftersales experience, from showroom bookings to ongoing maintenance support.
Proton International Corporation Chief Executive Officer Edmund Lim Meng Thong expressed confidence in the partnership, stating that DPHL’s extensive resources position PROTON to pursue its ambition of becoming Sri Lanka’s leading New Energy Vehicle (NEV) brand.
Expanding Global Presence for the Proton e.MAS Sub-Brand
First launched in late 2024, the Proton e.MAS brand has become a primary driver of PROTON’s international expansion strategy. Sri Lanka joins an expanding list of export destinations for the electric sub-brand, which already includes Singapore, Trinidad and Tobago, Mauritius, and Nepal, with Brunei scheduled to follow.
Sales in Sri Lanka under DPHL are targeted to commence in late 2026, featuring Proton e.MAS new energy models.
The export expansion is backed by strong domestic performance in Malaysia. Across the first seven months of 2026, Proton e.MAS recorded a combined 21,808 units sold across domestic and export markets, while cumulative registrations recently surpassed 30,000 units since the debut of the e.MAS 7 in December 2024.
The sub-brand’s portfolio continues to be led by the Proton e.MAS 5, which stands as Malaysia’s top-selling electric vehicle, and the Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV, the market’s best-selling plug-in hybrid model.
