Proton Expands EV Production Capacity as e.MAS Sales Surge in Malaysia

Proton has announced plans to strengthen its electric vehicle manufacturing capabilities by investing an additional MYR 37 million in its new energy vehicle production operations. The investment will be directed toward expanding annual production capacity at the company’s Tanjong Malim facility, enabling it to increase output from 20,000 units to 42,000 units per year. The expansion reflects rising demand for Proton’s electric vehicle portfolio and supports the company’s broader strategy to accelerate growth in the emerging EV segment.

Proton Expands Capacity to Meet Growing EV Demand

The capacity enhancement project was announced on May 29, 2026, and is primarily driven by strong market acceptance of the Proton e.MAS range in both domestic and export markets. By significantly increasing production capability, Proton aims to improve supply availability, shorten delivery timelines, and support future growth opportunities. The expanded manufacturing footprint is expected to provide greater flexibility as demand for electric mobility solutions continues to increase across key markets.

NEV Sales Performance Supports Expansion Strategy

Sales momentum has played a major role in supporting the latest investment decision. During the first four months of 2026, the Proton e.MAS 5 recorded 8,472 deliveries, highlighting strong customer interest in the model. Across the company’s entire new energy vehicle lineup, total sales reached 11,617 units over the same period, representing a year-on-year increase of 329%. These figures underscore the rapid growth of Proton’s electrification efforts and reinforce confidence in expanding manufacturing capacity.

Key Production and Sales Highlights

The following table summarizes the major investment and production developments announced by Proton.

Local Assembly of Proton e.MAS 5 to Begin

Alongside the production expansion, Proton confirmed that local assembly of the Proton e.MAS 5 will commence at the Tanjong Malim facility. The move is expected to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities while supporting localization efforts within the electric vehicle value chain. Local assembly can also contribute to improved operational efficiency and help establish a stronger foundation for future EV production programs.

Supporting Malaysia’s EV Ecosystem

According to the company, the expansion initiative will contribute to the continued development of the EV industry in Malaysia. Increased production activity is expected to generate employment opportunities, encourage growth among local suppliers, and strengthen the domestic EV supply chain. The investment aligns with broader industry efforts to enhance manufacturing competitiveness and accelerate the adoption of electric mobility technologies within the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Proton expanding its NEV production capacity?
Proton is expanding its NEV production capacity to address growing demand for its e.MAS electric vehicle lineup in both domestic and export markets. The company recorded strong sales growth during the first four months of 2026, with total NEV sales increasing by 329% year over year. By raising annual production capacity from 20,000 to 42,000 units, Proton aims to support future growth, improve vehicle availability, and strengthen its position in the rapidly expanding electric vehicle market.

What impact will the investment have on Malaysia’s EV industry?
The MYR 37 million investment is expected to support the development of Malaysia’s electric vehicle ecosystem by increasing local manufacturing activity and strengthening supply chain capabilities. Proton stated that the expansion will create employment opportunities and encourage greater participation from local suppliers. The start of local assembly for the Proton e.MAS 5 also contributes to building domestic EV production expertise, helping Malaysia enhance its competitiveness within the regional electric mobility industry.