Proton Holdings Bhd has begun construction a new electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant at its high-tech facility in Tanjung Malim, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2025 with an investment of RM82 million.
“Building a new assembly plant is always a major undertaking in the automotive industry with far-reaching impacts on workers, suppliers and various stakeholders. However, this plant will be different from a technological perspective. It is specifically designed to assemble new energy vehicles, such as e.MAS 7,” said Proton’s board member Ahmad Jauhari Yahya.
The first phase of the company’s EV assembly plant will initially have a planned capacity of 20,000 units per year and once completed, it will produce multiple models based on the Global Modular Architecture (GMA) platform, starting with the Proton e.MAS 7 followed by various other EV models for the local and export markets.
Jauhari said that the factory represents a significant leap in the brand’s ability to assemble multiple models from pure battery EVs (BEVs) to plug-in hybrids and range extender EVs.
“Combined with our existing assembly capabilities, this new facility will enable Proton to offer a comprehensive range of vehicles, using multiple energy solutions to our customers. In fact, (Proton chief executive officer) Dr Li Chunrong already hinted at several exciting new models in the pipeline.
Meanwhile, despite utilising the latest intelligent production operations, Proton estimates that the new plant will create over 200 new jobs, specialising in EV industrialisation and technical services.
However, this figure does not yet account for the knock-on effects on the Automotive High Tech Valley (AHTV) vendor community, which will increase as it ramps up operations to supply value-added parts critical to assembly processes.
Proton has also planned a second phase for the new production plant in anticipation of the growing acceptance and demand for EVs, involving an increased production capacity to 45,000 units per annum and will be implemented based on sales demand in both Malaysia and overseas market.
Meanwhile, according to Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, Proton’s confidence in AHTV has already created over 3,000 job opportunities for the people of Tanjung Malim, which in turn helps strengthen Malaysia’s overall automotive industry ecosystem.
“Therefore, I see the construction of this Proton EV plant as not just an assembly facility, but as an investment for the future. It is the first plant in Malaysia specifically built for the assembly of new energy vehicles, reflecting our commitment to green technology and the advancement of the national automotive industry.
“This provides a competitive edge (for the country) to also attract strategic investments from major automotive companies like Proton, further strengthening Malaysia’s position in the EV industry,” he said.
Saarani added that the state government is confident that strong connectivity and infrastructure are crucial in advancing the high-tech industry.
He further stated that following the West Ipoh Span Expressway (WISE) project, which connects Gopeng and Kuala Kangsar, Perak has long-term plans to enhance its logistics network.
“One of the key initiatives is to ensure that the AHTV in Tanjong Malim is connected to the Lumut Maritime Industrial City (LuMIC) in Manjung through the construction of a new highway to support the industrial ecosystem comprehensively,” Saarani added.
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