Proton has launched its first overseas Research and Development (R&D) centre at Hangzhou Bay, China, marking a pivotal step in its collaboration with Zhejiang Geely Holding Ltd (Geely).
This initiative coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia and is designed to complement Proton’s existing R&D facilities in Shah Alam and Tanjong Malim, Malaysia.
Located within the Geely Automobile Research Institute, the new Proton R&D Centre (China) aims to enhance Proton’s capabilities in vehicle design, development, and manufacturing.
It seeks to leverage the combined expertise of Malaysian and Chinese engineers to foster innovation and strengthen Proton’s position in the global automotive market.
The centre will focus on various aspects of vehicle development including integration for internal combustion engine and future electric vehicle models, intelligent driving technologies, and project management.
The centre is structured with three core departments: the Central Research Institute, Data Intelligence Development Centre, and R&D Digitisation Centre.
These departments are tasked with coordinating R&D activities, developing big data and artificial intelligence solutions, and managing the digitisation of R&D operations, respectively.
An external cooperation research institute has also been formed to focus on whole vehicle functions and ecosystem integration for external projects.
Proton CEO Dr Li Chunrong believed the new facility would enhance Proton’s global presence and contribute to its aim of becoming the sixth Geely Group R&D centre.
The collaboration is expected to enhance Proton’s competitiveness by using Geely’s global resources and forming critical partnerships with capable vendors, particularly in the development of the Automotive Hi-Tech Valley in Tanjong Malim, Perak.
The event was attended by notable figures including Proton chairman Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar; Malaysian consul general in Shanghai Syed Farizal Aminy Syed Mohamad; and Geely Auto Group CEO Jerry Gan.
