PROTON BOOSTS VENDOR CONFIDENCE, SPEEDS UP NEXT-GEN CAR DEVELOPMENT
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Potential partnerships formed between local and China vendors from recent trips
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Models and design concepts for future products shown to vendors and dealers
Subang Jaya, 18 September 2024 – National carmaker PROTON recently joined hands with the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MECD), alongside with two government agencies to bring suppliers of government-linked companies (GLC) and PROTON to attend the “Market Access, Technology Transfer & Vendor Enhancement Program” in China. This initiative was aimed towards fostering innovation, enhance commercialisation activities and support Malaysia’s transition towards sustainable mobility.
Organised by MECD and led by the Malaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) and Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Bhd (MIDF), the program was conducted in early July to accelerate the development of next-generation vehicles and battery electric vehicles through strategic partnerships and technological exchanges.
Representatives from MBSB Bank, Tenaga Nasional Bhd, PLUS Expressways Bhd, UEM Edgenta Bhd, Telekom Malaysia as well as 22 Malaysian vendors were brought to visit electric vehicle (EV) components plants, such as charger plants and stations, batteries and charger producers in seven places in China, including Shanghai, Nanjing and Hangzhou. These stops included Geely’s subsidiaries-- EV manufacturer Zeekr and EV battery and charger producer VREMT at Hangzhou Bay. As a global leader in EVs, China’s comprehensive ecosystem for EV development makes this program highly significant, offering insights into manufacturing, facilities and services within the EV industry.
Survey shows 87% of suppliers intend to collaborate with China suppliers
To facilitate interactions between PROTON suppliers and Geely EV suppliers, business matchmaking sessions were held at the Geely Research Centre (GRI) at Hangzhou Bay during the programme. 95% of the participants were satisfied with the session that helps to identify potential partnerships and collaborations for EV component supply chains.
Among all participants, 87% of local suppliers expressed the intention to collaborate with China suppliers with the top five partnership by category as distributorship, collaboration in technology transfer, joint venture partner, collaboration in skill development and investment for joint business.
“This program marks a key milestone in advancing Malaysia’s automotive capabilities. The partnership and tech exchanges during these visits are vital for strengthening our local supply chain, especially in electric vehicle components. This effort supports the National Automotive Policy (NAP2020), positioning Malaysia as a leader in the region’s EV industry,” said Azrul Reza Aziz, Chief Executive Officer of MARii.
The government is committed to advancing the electric vehicle (EV) and green technology. Increased collaboration and partnerships aim to build essential infrastructure and support a sustainable EV ecosystem through technology transfer. By developing the local supply chain, Malaysia hopes to cut import reliance, create jobs and stimulate economic growth, according to MECD.
New models and design concepts previewed
In a separate trip to China a month prior, PROTON previewed upcoming models and design concepts to gain more insights on the development work done by the design team in meeting local and global market needs. The closeddoor viewing event was witnessed by representatives from Proton Vendors Association (PVA) and Proton Edar Dealers Association (PEDA). Led by Dr Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer, PROTON, Roslan Abdullah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, PROTON alongside top PROTON management, the visit aims to generate anticipation and instil confidence among automotive industry stakeholders with focus on vendors and dealers.
“This experience has provided vendors and dealers valuable insights into the global automotive market dynamics and reinforces PROTON’s leadership in delivering cutting-edge vehicles tailored to diverse consumer preferences. Some of the safety technologies and luxurious interior in the model were way beyond its market segment. With strong demand for technological advanced vehicles at competitive prices, all the models are poised to make a significant impact to the market,” said Thomas Lim, President, Proton Vendors Association.
“PROTON’s recent trips have demonstrated a strong commitment to product innovation and a strategic approach for introducing new models both locally and globally. This underscores the need for increased collaboration and technology exchanges to ensure the long-term resilience of the automotive sector in Malaysia and to accelerate progress towards these ambitious goals,” said Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer, PROTON.