Saga EV? Iriz EV? Proton to launch up to 7 new electrified vehicles, to establish R&D centre in China too

Sanjay · 2024-02-20 19:54:09

Proton is charging full-speed ahead in Malaysia’s electrified vehicle arena, foremost by establishing a research & development (R&D) arena in Hangzhou, China, as well as introducing new home-grown and Geely-derived electric vehicles (EVs).

Speaking at a media gathering in Kuala Lumpur earlier this evening, Proton’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Li Chunrong said about the matter: “We will setup R&D centre in Hangzhou. Proton R&D centre. This is for home-grown models.”

“Later, also we will do new energy models (NEV, Proton’s term for electrified vehicles) based on the ICE model (internal combustion engines) platform. This is number one. Number two, we have four models to introduced, developed by Geely, that we will update,” Dr. Li continued.

At this current juncture it’s not entirely clear what these “homegrown NEVs” encapsulate, but saying that they’ll be based on ICE models is a clue that we could see more hybrid Proton models in the future at the very least.

Also read: Proton to debut its own EV by 2027, which Geely model could it be based on?

Proton once developed an Iriz EV concept that was unceremoniously auctioned off. Perhaps its time to be a reality?

In today’s context, homegrown models refer to the Persona, Iriz, Saga, and recently-discontinued Exora, models that were mostly developed in house and not with extensive Geely participation. Given that only 3 models were outlined, perhaps there won’t be a successor to the Exora? But time will tell.

Meanwhile for the four Geely-codeveloped models, it’s still unclear what these are. As for why Hangzhou, it’s where Geely is headquartered, and it also houses the brand’s R&D centres there too.

Also read: EV in Malaysia for under RM 100k? Proton confirms plans for hybrids and EVs