Proton automobile

Proton, officially known as Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional, is Malaysia's first national car brand. It was established in 1983 as a result of a national industrialization project led by then-Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. Initially, the brand relied heavily on technology and platforms from Mitsubishi Motors, but it eventually developed the capability to design and manufacture its own independent models, becoming a symbol of Malaysian modern engineering and economic growth.

In 2017, the ownership structure of Proton underwent a significant transformation when the Malaysian conglomerate DRB-HICOM sold a 49.9% stake in the brand to the Chinese automotive giant Zhejiang Geely Holding Group. Since this partnership began, Proton has experienced a major resurgence by integrating Geely's advanced vehicle platforms and electronics into its lineup. Today, the brand's production is primarily concentrated at its high-tech manufacturing facility in Tanjung Malim, Perak, which serves as a hub for both domestic sales and regional exports.