Proton has begun full-scale operations at Malaysia’s first dedicated electric-vehicle assembly facility inside the Automotive High Tech Valley (AHTV), seven months after breaking ground on Feb 7.
The line will initially build the Proton e.MAS 7 as a completely knocked down (CKD) model, followed by the e.MAS 5.
Through its partnership with Zhejiang Geely Holding, Proton also plans local assembly of other premium brands, including Zeekr, within AHTV.
The plant sits on 5.57 acres and is being developed for RM82 million.
Phase one, launched today at a cost of RM47 million, provides annual capacity of 20,000 units with scalability to 45,000.
Designed with Geely’s technical input, the facility blends automation with trained operators across key stations such as chassis and rear sub-assembly lines, spring compression, and pallet sub-assembly.
Final assembly runs on a conveyor tied to the chassis line, while supporting systems include fluid filling, glass glazing and VIN engraving. Quality control is handled by a tool-management suite and EV electrical checks, with a sunroof manipulator and dedicated parts-prep area to streamline component flow.
To prime the line, Proton has hired 30 employees for critical operational and technical roles, with headcount set to exceed 200 as volume ramps.
The carmaker said the EV plant would form the foundation to produce “world-class” electric models for Malaysian buyers, positioning the e.MAS 7 as the anchor for early output. It was launched in December 2024 and Proton billed it as the country’s best-selling EV.
In a related move to strengthen AHTV’s logistics, AHTV Alliance Sdn Bhd signed memorandums of understanding with Railway Assets Corporation and Keretapi Tanah Melayu to study rail-cargo connectivity and the location of a dedicated logistics hub.
The proposed hub aims to move containers to and from AHTV by rail, leveraging existing infrastructure to cut trucking dependence, align with the Transport Ministry’s push to shift freight from road to rail and advance sustainability goals.
AHTV is designated a high-impact initiative under the 13th Malaysia Plan to attract large-scale foreign investment in new-energy and next-generation vehicles.
Dignitaries at the launch included Perak Mentri Besar Saarani Mohamad; Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz; Transport Minister Anthony Loke; and Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, alongside DRB-HICOM group managing director and Proton chairman Syed Faisal Albar, Geely Holding Group chairman Li Shufu, and Proton chief executive officer Li Chunrong.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim opened the plant.
