Proton brings suppliers, GLC vendors to upgrade program; next-gen, EV concepts presented
Proton said in a statement that Proton has partnered with the Ministry of Entrepreneurs and Cooperatives Development (MECD), the Malaysian Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) and the Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Agency (MIDF) to bring suppliers from government-affiliated companies as well as Proton to participate in the Market Access, Technology Transfer and Supplier Enhancement Programme in China.
The program, launched in early July this year, aims to accelerate the development of next-generation vehicles, including battery-electric vehicles, through strategic partnerships and technology exchanges, the national automaker said in a statement.
During the program, representatives from MBSB Bank, Tenaga Nasional, PLUS Expressways, UEM Edgenta, Telekom Malaysia as well as 22 Malaysian suppliers were brought to visit EV component manufacturing plants, such as charger and charging station factories, battery and charger manufacturers at seven locations in China including Shanghai, Nanjing and Hangzhou.
The tour visited Geely’s subsidiaries including EV maker Zeekr and EV battery and charger maker VREMT in Hangzhou Bay. Earlier this year in April, Proton opened a new factory Research and Development Center in Hangzhou Bay, Chinaand the new facility is located within the Geely Automotive Research Institute. This facility will complement Proton’s existing R&D facilities in Malaysia.
Through the survey, Proton found that 87% of local suppliers expressed their intention to cooperate with suppliers from China, from categories including distribution, technology transfer cooperation, joint venture partnerships, skills development cooperation and investment for joint businesses.
“This programme marks a significant milestone in advancing Malaysia’s automotive capabilities. The partnerships and technology exchanges during these visits are crucial to strengthening our local supply chain, especially for EV components. This effort supports the National Automotive Policy (NAP2020), which aims to position Malaysia as a leader in the regional EV industry,” said MARii CEO Azrul Reza Aziz.
The Malaysian government is committed to promoting electric vehicle technology and increasing collaboration and partnerships to build essential infrastructure and support a sustainable electric vehicle ecosystem through technology transfer, MECD said. Malaysia also hopes to reduce its dependence on imports, create jobs and stimulate economic growth by developing a local supply chain, MECD added.
A separate earlier visit by Proton to China in June was to preview upcoming models and design concepts, attended by representatives from the Proton Suppliers Association (PVA) and Proton Edar Dealers Association (PEDA).
“This experience has provided suppliers and dealers with valuable insights into the dynamics of the global automotive market and has reinforced Proton’s leadership in providing innovative vehicles that suit diverse consumer preferences. Some of the safety technologies and luxurious interiors in this model are beyond its market segment,” said Proton Suppliers Association chairman Thomas Lim.
“Proton’s recent journeys have demonstrated our strong commitment to product innovation and strategic approach to introducing new models both locally and globally. This underscores the need for increased collaboration and technology exchange to ensure the long-term resilience of Malaysia’s automotive industry and accelerate progress towards these ambitious goals,” said Proton CEO Li Chunrong.
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