Proton has produced its 10,000th 1.5 TGDI engine in just 7 months at Tanjung Malim

It’s a landmark occasion for Proton as the carmaker celebrates producing the 10,000th unit of its famed GEP3 (Global Engine Petrol 3) 1.5 TGDI engine at its Tanjung Malim plant on 1 December 2022. Further adding to the milestone is the fact that this figure was achieved in just 7 months, having started in April 2022.

The figure is courtesy of the company’s commitment to invest RM 1.8 billion to upgrade its facilities in Tanjung Malim and the culmination of a journey that began in 2019 that was taken under challenging conditions.

The decision to build the new assembly line in Tanjung Malim saw construction and the delivery of parts delayed by the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Nevertheless, a decision was made to move forwards while the country underwent a movement control order. The operational expansion plan is in line with the first strategic thrust of the DRB-HICOM Automotive High Technology Valley (AHTV) programme that aims to maximise manufacturing activities in the region.

Also Read: Proton X50 1.5L Turbo has an award winning engine, so what's the big deal?

The bulk of the success is owed to a team of Proton engineers who stationed themselves at Tanjung Malim to begin assembly work. Working together via virtual meeting software with teams from equipment suppliers and Geely in China, they painstakingly unboxed the components, mapped out the production line and began initial assembly works; unperturbed by the pandemic.

“Proton’s new engine line is testimony to the grit and determination of our workers to overcoming obstacles and achieving our goals. It is one of the most advanced engine assembly lines in Malaysia with a high level of automation, a climate-controlled environment and multiple testing gateways to ensure the high quality of its output,” said Dr. Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer of Proton.

Also Read: Review: 2020 Proton X50 - all the pros and flaws about Malaysia's most-hyped SUV!

Moving forward, Proton is looking to eclipse the 10,000 units of the engine by ramping up production and is targeting an output of 60,000 engines in 2023. Dr. Li added that the engines produced will be utilised across several Proton models. Currently, the GEP3 engine powers the Proton X50 and facelifted X70.

Also Read: Review: New 2022 Proton X70 MC - Now with the X50's 1.5 Turbo, is it better?