Proton Automobiles

Proton, short for Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional, is Malaysia's premier national car brand. Founded in 1983 as a cornerstone of the country's industrialization drive, the brand was initially a joint venture between the Malaysian government and Mitsubishi Motors. It played a pivotal role in establishing the automotive industry within Southeast Asia, moving from rebadged models to fully in-house designs.

Over the decades, Proton has transitioned from a state-owned enterprise to a major global competitor. In a landmark 2017 partnership, the Chinese conglomerate Geely Holding Group acquired a significant 49.9% stake in Proton, with the Malaysian group DRB-HICOM retaining the majority share. This collaboration has revitalized the brand, integrating advanced technology and global design standards into its vehicle lineup.

Today, Proton's main manufacturing operations remain centered in Tanjung Malim and Shah Alam, Malaysia. However, under Geely's influence, the brand has expanded its footprint through export markets and regional assembly hubs, leveraging a global supply chain that combines Malaysian heritage with world-class engineering and management practices.