Proton EV factory to have a maximum capacity for 45,000 cars annually starting with CKD Proton e.Mas 7
Proton has launched the first assembly plant exclusively for electric vehicle (EV) production in Malaysia at Proton Tanjung Malim. Located within the Automotive High Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjong Malim, full-scale assembly begins later this month.
The first completely knocked down (CKD) model to roll off the line will be the Proton e.Mas 7, followed by the e.MAS 5, Proton’s second EV model. Located on 5.57 acres, the new EV factory and assembly line will eventually cost RM82 million. The first phase of the plant at RM47 million has a capacity of 20,000 units per year. The plant will be able to produce up to 45,000 units per annum.
Designed and built with technical partners from Geely, Malaysia’s first purpose-built EV assembly facility is a mix of automated and highly trained production operators. There are several key production lines and specialised equipment.
Ahead of the launch, 30 employees were added to undertake critical operational and technical roles and fully trained to cater for full-scale production. Eventually, the plant will create over 200 new jobs in EV industrialisation and technical services, for the local community.
“The launch of this state-of-the-art EV plant marks a historic milestone for PROTON and Malaysia’s automotive industry. This facility, built with advanced technology and a focus on scalability, will be the backbone of our commitment to producing world-class electric vehicles. The Proton e.MAS 7, which has already been embraced by Malaysian consumers, is just the beginning of our journey towards a sustainable future,” said Dr. Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer, Proton.
In addition to Prime Minister Dato’ Anwar Ibrahim who officiated the launch, others present were YAB Dato’ Seri Saarani bin Mohamad, Menteri Besar of Perak, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry YB Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Transport Minister YB Loke Siew Fook, and Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation YB Chang Lih Kang. Also, Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar, Group Managing Director of DRB-HICOM and Chairman of Proton, Li Shufu, Chairman of Geely Holding Group and Proton Chief Executive Officer, Dr Li Chunrong.
New railway connectivity for AHTV to enhance logistics efficiency
During the launch event, AHTV Alliance Sdn Bhd (AASB) signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with Railway Assets Corporation (RAC) and Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM). The MOU relates to a feasibility study on establishing railway cargo connectivity for AHTV including a railway logistic hub location.
The proposed logistic hub will support the development of AHTV by enhancing logistics efficiency through the utilisation of rail transport for the movement of containers to and from the area. AHTV is a project under the 13th Malaysia Plan. It will boost the economy by being a hub for new energy vehicles and next generation vehicles with large-scale foreign investments.
The proposed logistics hub will leverage existing infrastructure to support the development of the national economy. The railway logistics hub also emphasises AHTV’s strong focus on sustainability with the development of a more environmentally friendly logistics network. This also follows the Ministry of Transport’s push to reduce the transportation of containers by road by shifting to rail transport.
