Local production of dedicated hybrid transmissions (DHT) and electric drive units (EDU) for Proton e.MAS models is now underway at PROTON’s Powertrain Plant in Tg. Malim, Perak. The plant is within PROTON’s manufacturing complex which produces both the combustion engine and electrified models.
First in Malaysia
The move establishes PROTON as the first automaker in Malaysia to locally manufacture both DHT and EDU components, which are classified as critical assemblies for electrified vehicles (xEV). With this latest development, local content levels for Proton’s electrified models have increased.
The production line required an investment of RM121 million and involves 16 suppliers, eight of which are Malaysian companies. The expansion is intended to boost local technical capacity, support skilled automotive employment, and create potential export avenues for locally-built components.
Joint intellectual property development
PROTON’s ongoing development alongside Geely serves as an example of joint intellectual property development, with the manufacturer now maintaining a workforce of approximately 9,700 employees and an annual output exceeding 150,000 units.
According to Dato’ Ir. Abdul Rashid Musa, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of PROTON, local component production forms part of a broader strategy alongside the Automotive High-Tech Valley project to develop local engineering capabilities as the market shifts toward electrified mobility.
“For more than four decades, PROTON has played an important role in developing Malaysia’s automotive industry, especially after the company’s first vehicle ground-up development program that led to the Proton Waja in May 2000. Today, that role extends far beyond production of vehicles. We are investing in engineering capability, advanced manufacturing and local supplier development to ensure Malaysia remains competitive as the industry transitions towards electrified and intelligent mobility,” he said.
Higher value manufacturing activities
The commencement of local DHT and EDU production is another significant milestone in that journey. Together with initiatives such as the Automotive High-Tech Valley (AHTV), it demonstrates how close collaboration between PROTON, MITI and industry partners is creating higher-value manufacturing activities, strengthening local capabilities and generating long-term opportunities for Malaysian talent.
