Proton has formalised four joint ventures and two technical agreements with overseas suppliers to enhance the localisation of advanced components for upcoming internal combustion and electric vehicle models.
The accords are expected to bolster Malaysia’s automotive ecosystem by embedding new competencies within local vendors and strengthening the national supply chain.
The four joint ventures involve partnerships across key systems. Delloyd Technology Berhad has teamed up with Imotion Automotive Technology (Suzhou) Co Ltd, a leading Chinese supplier of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) to OEMs including Geely, ZEEKR, Chery and Volvo.
Under the venture, Imotion will support development and adoption of ADAS for Proton’s AMA01, while Delloyd leverages its longstanding vendor relationship to integrate these technologies locally.
For braking systems, PEPS JV (M) Sdn Bhd and Liuzhou Sanly Autoparts Co Ltd will collaborate on component production and modular assembly respectively.
The joint-venture aims to enhance brake performance and cost efficiency on the AMA01 and X-Series models by uniting PEPS JV’s manufacturing capacity with Liuzhou Sanly’s assembly expertise.
In lighting, JHM Consolidation Berhad has entered a venture with Jiangsu Dekai Auto Parts Co Ltd, whose R\&D and advanced manufacturing capabilities in headlamp production will help JHM Consolidation transition from a replacement equipment manufacturer to an original equipment manufacturer.
The partnership will see advanced headlamps developed and assembled in Malaysia for future Proton vehicles.
The fourth venture pairs Trillion Speed (M) Sdn Bhd with HVAC specialist Shanghai Yinlun Heat Exchange Systems Co Ltd. Shanghai Yinlun will transfer knowledge and drive technological advancement in climate-control systems, creating new employment opportunities and supporting Proton models launched this year and beyond.
Two technical agreements complement these joint ventures. SHJ Interia Sdn Bhd and Changchun Fawsn Automotive Trim Co Ltd will co-develop manufacturing techniques for interior trim, notably headlining, while planning the establishment of SHJ’s dedicated R\&D facility and exploring Fawsn’s investment in Malaysia.
Xenso Electronics Sdn Bhd has signed with Freetech Intelligent Systems Co Ltd to co-develop high-accuracy rear and side detection systems vital for blind-spot monitoring and lane-change assist.
Proton’s chief procurement officer, Wang Huaibing, said: “With high technology components becoming an increasingly vital component in our models, it is vital for Proton to bring the development and production of these components to the local ecosystem, to gain a cost advantage as well as to upskill the capabilities of its R&D team and vendors.
“The joint venture and technical agreements reflect our long-term commitment to manufacturing vehicles in Malaysia while also turning the country into an automotive hub by contributing to the realisation of the Automotive High Tech Valley (AHTV), that is led by the company’s shareholders.”
