At the launch of Proton’s new stamping line at its Tanjung Malim facility, the Malaysian automotive brand also hosted the line-off ceremony for the highly-anticipated Proton X90.

​During the debut, Proton also confirmed that the Proton X90 will be the company’s first-ever model to be equipped with hybrid technology.

Also Read: Proton X90 could launch before Raya - mild-hybrid with 190 PS / 300 Nm coming soon, 7 seats, 4 variants

​According to Proton’s Deputy Chief Executive Roslan Abdullah, “Today’s line-off ceremony marks the beginning of activities leading up to the official introduction of Proton’s latest model. Following the start of production, we will hold a media preview and customer familiarisation sessions before launching our new SUV, which will also be our first NEV product. This is an important step in our NEV journey which will gradually build emphasis on hybrid technology before we launch the first Proton EV.”

Also Read: Multi-link or torsion beam? Which one would the Malaysian-spec Proton X90 get?

Earlier, we reported that the Proton X90 would be Proton’s first-ever hybrid, powered by a 49-Volt mild-hybrid (MHEV) system. Combined system output is 190 PS and 300 Nm.

Also Read: Spied: Possibly your first look at the right-hand drive (RHD) Proton X90!

Construction works for Proton's new stamping line began in early April 2021 with machinery installation beginning in July 2022 and being fully completed by December. There are five stamping machines with a single machine capable of exerting 2,500 tonnes of force and two machines each with a pressing force of 1,200 tonnes and 1,000 tonnes respectively, the stamping line uses six robots to transfer parts between workstations and utilises IR 4.0 technology using real-time data and machine leaming to improve the quality of parts produced.

The new line can produce up to 50 unique components, boosting local content for Proton’s SUV models as items such as body panels can now be produced at Tanjung Malim. This carries an additional benefit of reducing the company's reliance on imported parts, insulating it against any potential disruptions to global trade, and improving local parts supply.

"The launch of our new stamping line in Tanjung Malim is a major addition to Proton's car production capabilities. As a national automotive brand, the increased use of locally sourced parts in our production activities is vital to the national automotive ecosystem and helps reduce the outflow of funds from the country.

"Aside from potentially reducing our use of imported parts by 15,000 units per year, the stamping line also allows for greater flexibility when deciding our production mix every month and improves the speed by which we can locally produce new models," said Roslan Abdullah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Proton.