Malaysia To Attract More Chinese Companies To Boost Automotive Sector

The launch of Proton’s first mild-hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) model, the Proton X90.

The Proton X90.

“The founder and chairman of Geely Holding Group, Eric Li mentioned to me about the immediate initiative for transition, including having electric vehicles (EV) alongside petroleum and gas powered vehicles. “This would facilitate the transition to EV and looking pragmatically into the change and undertaking the task,” he said during the launch of Proton Holdings Bhd’s first mild-hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) model, the Proton X90 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre here yesterday. Anwar also urged Proton to move forward and reclaim its position as a leading automotive company, with the goal of making Malaysia an export hub. Based on his discussions with Li, he believes that in order for Proton-Geely to excel, the emphasis should be on quality training in areas that Malaysians may be unfamiliar with. "Geely is also prepared to support a major training programme for Malaysians in Proton to excel and enhance their abilities," he added. The government announced the National Automotive Policy (NAP) 2020 in February 2020, with the goal of making Malaysia a regional automotive hub for energy-efficient vehicles (EEVs), including EVs.

The NAP outlined specific strategies and initiatives to increase EEV adoption and the EV ecosystem, spur technology transfers, and develop know-how for the local automotive industry to thrive.

Source: Bernama