Proton factory in Tg. Malim may assemble smart EVs

The relationship between Proton and the Geely Group which began in 2017 with the Chinese group becoming shareholder with DRB-HICOM in Proton has continued to grow, with both parties looking for more ways to collaborate.

At the 2023 China-ASEAN Expo, the Malaysian carmaker recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoA) with smart Automobile (part of the Geely Group) to study the feasibility of assembling smart electric vehicles at the Malaysian carmaker’s plant in Tanjung Malim, Perak.

“The new MoA between Proton and smart Automobile brings our collaboration to a new level as now we are talking about assembling smart models in Malaysia. As an automotive manufacturer, Proton always intended to raise our involvement with smart beyond distribution for the ASEAN region as there are many efficiencies to take advantage of because both companies are members of the Geely Group,” said Dr Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer of Proton.

This is the second MoA with smart Automobile, the first having been in August 2022 which led to PRO-NET (a Proton subsidiary) being appointed to distribute the brand’s electric vehicles in Malaysia and Thailand.

At the same time, Proton also sent a group of Malaysians to China for on-job-training stints specific to the EV industry to build the talent pool for its own future EV plans.

“Proton has committed to introducing more New Energy Vehicles (NEV) in the future. After the launch of the Proton X90, our first NEV, we are excited by the opportunity to learn more about EVs from our collaboration with smart. Going forward, all our production activities will be centred at the Automotive High Tech Valley in Tanjung Malim, which will also help in our goal to turn Malaysia into a regional EV hub,” added Dr. Li.

Price range of smart #1 to start from RM200,000