Proton

Proton, formally Proton Holdings Berhad, is a Malaysian car maker that grew out of the National Car Project approved in 1982. It was incorporated in May 1983 as Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional, a joint venture in which HICOM held 70 percent and MMC and its marketing arm held 15 percent each.

What it makes

The range shown on Proton's home site covers the Saga, the S70 family, the X50, the X70 and the X90, all priced in Malaysian ringgit. The company took a controlling interest in Lotus Group International in 1996.

Where it builds and sells

Proton's original plant is at Shah Alam, and a second plant opened at Tanjung Malim in 2003. Tanjung Malim has since gained an assembly line, a stamping line and, from September 2025, what the company describes as Malaysia's first dedicated EV assembly plant. A research facility opened at Hangzhou Bay in China in 2024. Early exports went to Bangladesh, the UK, Ireland and Malawi, and later markets include Kenya, Pakistan, South Africa and Egypt. Singapore was re-entered in September 2025 with the e.MAS 7.

Partners and ownership

DRB-HICOM entered a strategic partnership with Zhejiang Geely Holding Group in June 2017. In 2018 the two signed a further deal covering electrification and globalisation.

Its electric line-up

The e.MAS electric sub-brand was unveiled in June 2024. The e.MAS 7 followed in December 2024 as the first national battery-electric car, offered with three battery sizes,. The smaller e.MAS 5 launched in autumn 2025. All are presented on a dedicated e.MAS website and use the e.MAS app for finding and paying for charging.

Key facts

• Based in: Malaysia
• Founded: 1983
• Brands: Proton, e.MAS
• Group: DRB-HICOM, with a partnership with Zhejiang Geely Holding Group
• Main plant: Tanjung Malim, Perak
• Electric models: e.MAS 7, e.MAS 7 PHEV, e.MAS 5