Proton begins local hybrid transmission and electric drive production in Malaysia

Proton has started in‑house production of the dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) and electric drive unit (EDU) used in its electrified vehicles at the Tanjung Malim complex. The RM121 million plant, which sources eight of its 16 suppliers locally, supports the eMAS 7 plug‑in hybrid and marks the first time a Malaysian automaker has produced DHT and EDU components domestically. The milestone was officiated on 3 August 2026 during a visit by a Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) delegation led by Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Deputy Minister Sim Tze Tzin.

Proton, now partnered with Geely, employs about 9,700 people and produces over 150,000 units a year. MITI’s minister highlighted that localisation rates for certain models reach 70‑80%, that the partnership brings shared IP and technology, and that Proton’s tax contributions have exceeded RM806 million. He urged foreign carmakers to coexist with and complement Malaysia’s existing automotive ecosystem, stressing the broader benefits for jobs, profits and the national economy.