Malaysian automaker builds new EV production plant

Hanoi - Malaysian automaker Proton has begun construction of its new electric vehicle (EV) production plant at its high-tech Tanjung Malim facility in Malaysia.

Proton said in a statement on February 7 that targeted for completion by the end of 2025 at an investment cost of 82 million ringgit (18.46 million USD), the first phase of the company's EV assembly plant will have an initial planned capacity of 20,000 units per year.

Once completed, it will produce multiple models based on the Global Modular Architecture (GMA) platform starting with the Proton e.MAS 7, the first EV model from a Malaysian automotive brand.

In the second phase, the production capacity will be raised to 45,000 units per annum, based on demand in Malaysia and overseas markets.

Li Chunrong, chief executive officer of Proton, said that the vehicles produced at this new plant will serve the company’s domestic customers and export markets while becoming a catalyst to drive the growth of the EV market.

Malaysia launched on December 12 a national artificial intelligence (AI) office aimed at shaping policies and addressing regulatory issues, as it looks to establish itself as a regional hub for AI development.

Malaysia’s National Sustainable Development Goal Council on December 18 approved the National Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Strategic Plan.