Geely’s Auto China 2024 Showcase Previews Proton’s Future Direction

It is no secret that Proton is currently embarking on an electrification journey, with the national automaker already launching two of its first new energy vehicles (NEVs) under both the Proton and smart badges. Looking ahead, Proton is poised to introduce more NEV models to its lineup with the help of its China-based technology partner and stakeholder, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group.

Geely's new Galaxy Starship concept showcased at Auto China 2024 motor show last month.

During the previous Auto China 2024 show, Geely showcased several interesting products under its belt that could also preview the future direction of the national automaker. One of which is the new Geely Galaxy Starship concept, which is poised to enter production as the brand's new flagship SUV model.

For starters, the Galaxy Starship underpins the brand’s new Geely Electric Architecture (GEA), which has been developed to cater to multiple powertrain technologies, ranging from plug-in hybrids to full-battery EVs (BEVs). Besides that, the Galaxy Starship also features a cutting-edge user experience that has been enhanced with AI, supported by FlyMeAuto from Meizu.

Proton also hinted that some of the techs featured on the Galaxy Starship concept might make their way into its future models.

According to Proton, all of these technologies featured on the Galaxy Starship concept could be incorporated into the marque’s future product strategy to incorporate cutting-edge features and improve performance across its future models.

Rugged smart Concept #5 previewed at the Auto China 2024

Besides the Galaxy Starship, Geely’s sub-brand smart also featured in Auto China 2024, where the Sino-German marque displayed its latest concept model, the smart Concept #5. With the impending arrival of the smart #3 in Malaysia in 2024, the range of offerings from the company, which is a collaboration between Geely and the Daimler Group, is set to increase in the near future. 

Proton also recently opened its dedicated R&D hub in China, which is located within the Geely Automobile Research Institute compound in Hangzhou Bay, China.

Aside from Auto China 2024, both Geely and Proton have also announced the opening of the new Proton R&D hub, which is located within the same grounds as the Geely Automobile Research Institute (GRI) in Hangzhou Bay, China. This new R&D centre is poised to deepen Proton's partnership with long-term partner Geely, where it will also help to improve the capabilities of Proton's existing facilities in both Shah Alam and Tanjung Malim, Malaysia.

Proton CEO Dr. Li Chunrong

“For the 2024 Beijing show, there were no models currently being developed together by Geely and PROTON on display, but we felt it was an important opportunity to showcase models and technologies that may be adapted in the future,” said Dr. Li Chunrong, Proton CEO.

“Looking ahead, Malaysians can expect to see more of Geely’s global platforms and intelligent new energy architecture being incorporated into upcoming PROTON models, ushering in a new era of comprehensive AI intelligence in the automotive industry in Malaysia.”