PROTON
Automotive & EV
Last reviewed 11 September 2026
PROTON was incorporated in 1983 as Malaysia's national automotive project. The Proton Saga was launched in July 1985.
- Legal name
- Proton Holdings Berhad
- Industry
- Automotive & EV
- Business type
- Manufacturer
Business & industry context
PROTON says it began as Malaysia’s national car project, founded to spearhead economic development and lay the foundations for the local automotive industry. The birth of the PROTON Saga in 1985 marked the beginning of the national car brand’s journey.
The company describes operations spanning vehicle design, powertrain development, advanced engineering, vehicle production, engine assembly, machining, stamping and tooling. It operates manufacturing facilities including the Tanjung Malim plant and an EV assembly plant.
In 2017, DRB-HICOM entered a strategic partnership with Zhejiang Geely Holding Group in PROTON. PROTON’s current product and service offering includes passenger vehicles, test drives, finance and insurance-related purchase support, authorised servicing, warranty, body and paint, accessories and pre-owned vehicles.
PROTON states that it serves domestic and international markets and has developed export and assembly activities in multiple countries.
Company information
Identity
- Company name
- PROTON
- Registered name
- Proton Holdings Berhad
- Registration no.
- 623177-A
- Brand names
- e.MAS
- Parent company
- DRB-HICOM Berhad and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group
- Industry (source record)
- Automotive / Car Manufacturing / Car Retail & Dealership
- Business type
- Manufacturer
Contact & location
- Official website
- proton.com
Business footprint
- Markets served
- Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, Brunei, Mauritius, Pakistan, Egypt
Source record
- MalaysianRecord status
- Listed
- Source record reviewed
- 2026-09-06
Details imported from MalaysianRecord (export: 2026-09-11). Source status and review dates belong to that record; they are not a new verification by Next Malaysia.
Brands & related entities
- e.MAS
Relationship: PROTON EV sub-brand
Products
- Accessories
Vehicle accessories.
- Pre-Owned Vehicles
Pre-owned vehicle offering linked from the official site.
Services & business activities
- Vehicle sales
Passenger vehicle models and purchase enquiries.
- Test Drive
Online test-drive booking.
- Service Appointment
Online after-sales service appointment booking.
- ProCare
After-sales care programme.
- Warranty
Vehicle warranty information.
- Body & Paint
Body and paint after-sales service.
Company history
PROTON was incorporated in 1983 as Malaysia's national automotive project. The Proton Saga was launched in July 1985. The company developed local manufacturing, engineering and vehicle-model capabilities over subsequent decades. A major modern corporate milestone came in 2017 through the strategic partnership involving DRB-HICOM and Geely.
- 1983
PROTON was incorporated in 1983 as Malaysia's national automotive project.
PROTON was incorporated in 1983 as Malaysia's national automotive project.
- 1985
The Proton Saga was launched in July 1985.
The Proton Saga was launched in July 1985.
- 2017
A major modern corporate milestone came in 2017 through the strategic partnership involving DRB-HICOM and Geely.
A major modern corporate milestone came in 2017 through the strategic partnership involving DRB-HICOM and Geely.
- 1985
PROTON Saga begins production and brand journey
The birth of the PROTON Saga marked the beginning of the national car brand’s journey.
- 16 May 2012
Joined DRB-HICOM
PROTON became one of the members of DRB-HICOM Berhad.
- 23 Jun 2017
Strategic partnership with Geely
DRB-HICOM entered a strategic partnership with Zhejiang Geely Holding Group in PROTON.
- 12 Dec 2018
PROTON X70 launched
PROTON launched its first premium SUV, the PROTON X70.
- 13 Jun 2024
e.MAS EV sub-brand unveiled
PROTON unveiled its new EV sub-brand, e.MAS.
- 17 Dec 2024
First national BEV launched
PROTON launched the Proton e.MAS 7.
- 4 Sep 2025
Dedicated EV assembly plant launched
PROTON launched Malaysia’s first dedicated EV assembly plant in Tanjong Malim.
Recognition & certifications
- ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation
Type: Accreditation
Awarding body: Jabatan Standard Malaysia
Year: 2023
Image sources & credits
- PROTON X90
Source: https://www.proton.com/
Displayed from the company's official website. No reuse licence was identified; copyright may belong to the company or its licensors.
Source record references 4
- proton.com
Source classification: Tier 1 · Date in source record: 2026-09-05
- Business Overview
Source classification: Tier 1 · Date in source record: 2026-09-06
- Milestones
Source classification: Tier 1 · Date in source record: 2026-09-06
- PROTON homepage
Source classification: Tier 1 · Date in source record: 2026-09-06
Frequently asked questions about PROTON
What does PROTON do?
PROTON was incorporated in 1983 as Malaysia's national automotive project. The Proton Saga was launched in July 1985.
What is the official website for PROTON?
The official website recorded for PROTON is proton.com.
Latest PROTON news
No published Next Malaysia coverage of this company yet. This hub is indexed only once it has a verified identity, a source pack and at least two substantive linked stories (§6.5).
Editorial sources & further reading
Official sources & further reading
- proton.com (Tier 2 — Company official / IR / named spokesperson)Supports: Company identity and public-record facts
- Business Overview (Tier 2 — Company official / IR / named spokesperson)Supports: Company identity and public-record facts
- Milestones (Tier 2 — Company official / IR / named spokesperson)Supports: Company identity and public-record facts
- PROTON homepage (Tier 2 — Company official / IR / named spokesperson)Supports: Company identity and public-record facts
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