PRO-NET, a wholly owned subsidiary of PROTON Holdings Berhad, recently embarked on another localisation milestone with the rollout of the locally assembled (CKD) Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV at the PROTON EV Plant within the Automotive High Tech Valley (AHTV), Tanjong Malim. The achievement reinforces PRO-NET's commitment to supporting Malaysia's ambitions to become a regional hub for xEV manufacturing while strengthening local industry capabilities and development of the local supply chain. The Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV CKD rollout was officiated by Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), Sim Tze Tzin, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), alongside representatives and officials from other ministries.
The event was also graced by Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar, Chairman of PROTON, Dr. Li Chunrong, CEO of Proton, Dato' Ir. Abdul Rashid Musa, DCEO of Proton, who were given the opportunity to tour selected sections of the PROTON EV Plant and witness key assembly processes involved in the production of the Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV, including key production processes such as battery pack installation and final vehicle assembly.
The Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV has emerged as Malaysia's best-selling plug-in hybrid vehicle, with its YTD registrations amounting to more than 4,500 units, and bookings that have surpassed 11,000 in total. This achievement reflects Malaysians’ growing confidence in electrified mobility solutions that combine electric driving capability with the flexibility of extended range. The commencement of local assembly represents the next phase in the model's journey, bringing advanced vehicle production closer to home while contributing to the development of Malaysia's EV ecosystem.
Strengthening Malaysia's EV Manufacturing Ecosystem
The rollout of the locally assembled Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV signals the next step in PRO-NET's localisation efforts. This initiative has engaged local suppliers across the automotive value chain, with 30% of the vehicle parts sourced locally. This marks an important step towards strengthening Malaysia's automotive ecosystem, expanding local manufacturing capabilities and creating more high-value employment opportunities to support the current workforce of 391 personnel at the EV plant.
With all three Proton e.MAS models and their variants now assembled locally, the effort represents another defining milestone for PRO-NET and Malaysia’s automotive industry. The transition to CKD production creates opportunities for deeper supplier participation, greater localisation of components and continued investment in advanced manufacturing capabilities at AHTV.
To support this growing localisation effort, PROTON announced earlier this year plans to expand its New Energy Vehicle (NEV) assembly plant at the Automotive High-Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjung Malim. The expansion, which comes less than a year after the plant began operations, is expected to cost RM37 million and increase production capacity to 42,000 annually.
"Today's rollout represents much more than the start of local production. It reflects PRO-NET's long-term commitment to investing in Malaysia's capabilities, working closely with local partners and continuously creating greater value for our customers. As we deepen our localisation efforts, we remain focused on building a stronger foundation for the future of electrified mobility in Malaysia," said Mr Zhang Qiang, Chief Executive Officer of PRO-NET.
Local Assembly Brings New Product Enhancements
In conjunction with the CKD rollout, PRO-NET also introduced updates to the Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV Premium and Premium Plus variants. Among the enhancements is the addition of front massage seats, further elevating comfort and convenience for drivers and passengers.
The update demonstrates how PRO-NET is continuously improving its products based on customer feedback and evolving user expectations, ensuring the Proton e.MAS line-up remains practical, relevant, and enjoyable for everyday driving.
The Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV combines the best of electric and hybrid mobility, offering an ideal balance of efficiency, performance and practicality for Malaysian drivers. Powered by the EM-i Advanced Hybrid Technology, its dual-powertrain system seamlessly integrates a high-efficiency petrol engine with an electric motor. This highly efficient drivetrain delivers a fuel economy of 4.3L/100km and up to 170km of pure electric driving range for a total combined range of up to 1,065km. With fast DC charging capability, advanced connectivity, premium comfort features, and comprehensive ADAS safety features, the Proton e.MAS 7 provides a more flexible transition towards sustainable mobility – be it for daily city commutes or long-distance journeys.
As Malaysia's EV landscape continues to evolve, PRO-NET remains committed to advancing localisation, expanding industry capabilities, and delivering practical electrified mobility solutions that support the nation's transition towards a more sustainable future.
Visit the Proton e.MAS website and follow our official social media channels: Facebook (Proton e.MAS Cars), Xiaohongshu (Proton e.MAS Cars), TikTok (@protonemasofficial), and Instagram (@protonemasofficial) for more information on Proton e.MAS 5.
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