Xiangtan to Tanjung Malim: The Road to Proton’s Entry-Level EV

During our visit to Hunan, China, we had the opportunity to tour two of Geely’s most advanced facilities, the Geely Manufacturing Base in Xiangtan and the nearby Shanju Battery Factory.

These sites are central to Geely’s global production strategy and will play a key role in supplying the initial batch of the Proton e.MAS 5, which will arrive in Malaysia as a CBU import before local assembly begins in Tanjung Malim AHTV.

The Xiangtan plant spans over 80 hectares within the Xiangtan National Economic and Technological Development Zone and employs close to 5,000 workers.

Established in 2006, it has grown into one of China’s most advanced automotive facilities, producing several Geely models for both domestic and international markets, including the Xingyuan, the left-hand-drive twin of the upcoming e.MAS 5.

Each day, the plant produces around 1,400 vehicles, with one car rolling off the line every 55 seconds. The level of automation is remarkable, with 99% of the hot stamping and welding processes being automated.

The factory operates across three production levels, where components move along the G level while assembly takes place above on the LG level. Parts are stored and moved automatically through a smart warehouse system, ensuring seamless coordination across the line.

Geely’s approach to manufacturing at Xiangtan blends precision with efficiency. Each vehicle undergoes three layers of quality inspection before leaving the plant, with AI systems assisting in detecting inconsistencies or errors.

Workers are encouraged to propose process improvements, and successful innovations are rewarded with bonuses and public recognition. This approach fosters both accountability and creativity.

The plant embodies Geely’s philosophy of intensification, greening and intelligence. From energy-efficient systems to flexible production lines, it reflects a modern industrial ecosystem built to support both traditional and new energy vehicles.

It currently produces three main models, the Xingyuan, the Binyue and the Boyue SUV - all of which share Geely’s global architecture.

Just a short distance away, the Shanju Battery Factory complements the Xiangtan facility by supplying it with high-efficiency battery packs.

Officially opened in August 2024, this 24,900-square-metre site represents Geely’s deepening commitment to vertical integration in EV production. It produces two types of self-developed CTP units with CATL cells, with capacities of 29kWh and 39kWh, and has a planned annual output of 10GWh.

Every step at Shanju is automated, from cell assembly to testing, with robotic trolleys moving components across the floor. Intelligent systems, including AGVs and a central factory brain, ensure that production remains consistent and traceable.

Each cell is meticulously tested and layered into modules before being packed and sent to the assembly plant, ready to power Geely’s growing EV lineup.

Visiting both facilities offered a first-hand look at the discipline and efficiency that underpin Geely’s global operations.

The integration between the battery and vehicle plants demonstrates how tightly the company manages its supply chain, ensuring quality from cell to chassis.

For Proton, this partnership represents more than just technology transfer. The same production philosophy that values precision, innovation and worker engagement will be gradually woven into Proton’s own manufacturing culture in Tanjung Malim.

The goal is to elevate not only output but also mindset, embedding a stronger sense of process discipline and continuous improvement among local teams.

The upcoming Proton e.MAS 5, initially sourced from Xiangtan, together with the e.MAS 7, will therefore carry not just Geely’s hardware but also the manufacturing DNA of one of China’s most efficient and forward-thinking automotive ecosystems.

Both models are co-engineered with Geely to meet the expectations of Malaysian consumers. Local teams have fine-tuned ride and handling for our roads and climate, while key touchpoints such as the in-car experience are designed to feel familiar and intuitive.

Case in point, Proton’s ATLAS 3.0 operating system (OS), developed in collaboration with AcoTech replacing Geely’s Flyme, integrates local navigation, the multilingual Aisyah voice assistant in English and Malay, and connected features tailored for Malaysian drivers. 

It reflects how the brand is blending global technology with local insight to deliver an experience that feels distinctly Malaysian.

As Proton gears up for local EV assembly, this shared foundation could mark the beginning of a new chapter - one defined by productivity, precision and a renewed spirit of innovation.