Proton Set To Unveil Its Highly Anticipated New Electric Vehicle Soon
Sources say the car will be a rebadged version of Geely Geometry's EV.
By Syazwan Bahri — 21 Feb 2024, 04:43 PM
Malaysia will finally be unveiling its own locally branded electric vehicle (EV) very soon
During a Chinese New Year media appreciation dinner recently, Proton chief executive officer Dr Li Chunrong announced plans for the imminent launch of the brand's EV, followed by the arrival of a second EV model within six to eight months after that. Sources say the upcoming EV will be a rebadged version of a Geely Geometry, a sub-brand under Geely focusing on electric-driven cars.
While specific details about the upcoming electric cars were not provided, the announcement underscores Proton's commitment to meeting the expectations set by the International Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI).
During the unveiling of the smart #1 in November last year, minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz expressed optimism that Proton, along with fellow local car manufacturer Perodua, could develop Malaysia's first national EV by 2025.
This isn't Proton's first foray into the EV business
Proton has introduced several concept cars featuring EV powertrains, including the Proton EMAS concept car designed by Italdesign Giugiaro, which was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show.
There's also the Proton Exora REEV. In 2009, a Proton Saga was showcased with an electric motor at Universiti Putra Malaysia.
More recently, Proton showcased the Iriz EV at the 2015 International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition and Conference Malaysia (IGEM).
Most of the previous concept cars and prototypes turned out to be dashed hopes for Malaysian car enthusiasts, as they were auctioned off back in 2020. Although the Proton EMAS was eventually withdrawn from the auction, the majority of other Proton EV prototypes met a similar fate.
Li also shed light on the brand's future plans involving popular Malaysian cars
Some of these endeavours include the establishment of a new R&D centre in Hangzhou, China, specifically dedicated to advancing future Saga, Persona, and Iriz models.
Li also mentioned that work is underway on the development of a New Energy Vehicle (NEV), which is likely to be a hybrid model. However, details regarding the NEV have not been revealed yet.
