Tengku Zafrul: Proton can be the leading brand for EV industry in ASEAN
CY Foong · Nov 29, 2023 03:20 PM
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Like many Malaysians, Minister of International Trade and Industry, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, has fond memories with Proton growing up. At the launch of the Proton S70, he revealed that one of the first cars he ever bought was a Proton Satria back in 1997.
The Liverpool FC fan commended the S70 as a return for the brand to the sedan market which launched Proton back in 1985 with the very first Saga. Pleasant memories of Proton’s past aside, Tengku Zafrul’s speech during the S70’s launch was more on the Malaysian Tiger's future.
The X90 MHEV remains the only electrified Proton in its lineup
The minister challenged Proton to become a leader for electric vehicles (EVs) not just in Malaysia but in the ASEAN region as well. He added that Proton should not only focus on EV production but also on manufacturing charging components.
“The ASEAN EV market is projected to touch USD 2.7 billion by 2027. I’m confident that Proton can capture a decent slice of this market and I’m looking forward to what Proton will bring into this market within the next few years,” Tengku Zafrul said.
Though it doesn't wear a Thundercat roundel, the Smart #1 is distributed by Proton via its Pro-Net distribution network
Furthermore, the minister urged Proton to take advantage of the EV and related ecosystem projects that were approved by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).
“Between 2018 and 2023, MIDA approved 59 projects worth RM 26.2 billion in EV and its related ecosystems. So actually, Proton, you have an edge in taking advantage of these existing ecosystems and government incentives,” Tengku Zafrul said in his speech.
He continued, “I look forward to seeing Proton’s efforts in further developing the automotive ecosystem, including the next-generation vehicle and EVs. We need to elevate more local vendors through more knowledge and technology transfer.”
“This means more R&D (research and development) which means up-to-date skills for Malaysians so that Proton can increase its market share beyond Malaysia’s borders,” the minister concluded.
Tengku Zafrul also stated that the Malaysian automotive industry contributed more than RM 30 billion to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) with an annual production of 500,000 vehicles.
“The automotive industry alone contributes 4% to Malaysia’s GDP. By 2030, our target is to achieve RM 104.2 billion in GDP contribution with a total production volume of 1.47 million vehicles,” he said. “Our plan is to make sure that energy efficient vehicles (EEVs) will be partially contributed to this figure.”
Traded advertising for a career that fits his passion for cars. Enjoys spotting cars during his free time and has a soft spot for Japanese Kei cars but drives a thirsty manual sedan.
