Proton automotive vehicles

Proton, short for Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional, is Malaysia's first national car brand. Founded in 1983, it was a centerpiece of the country's industrialization strategy under the initiative of former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. The brand initially began by rebadging Mitsubishi models but has since evolved to develop its own platforms and designs.

In 2017, the ownership structure of Proton underwent a significant shift when the Chinese automotive giant Geely Holding Group acquired a 49.9% stake in the company from DRB-HICOM. This partnership transformed Proton's product lineup, integrating advanced Chinese automotive technologies and global design standards, which led to the successful launch of SUV models like the X50 and X70. Today, Proton remains a symbol of Malaysian industrial pride while operating as a technologically driven joint venture with global reach.

Most Proton vehicles are manufactured at its primary production facilities in Shah Alam and Tanjung Malim, Malaysia. These plants serve both the domestic market and export markets across Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Africa. The brand is currently managed by Proton Holdings Berhad, which is jointly owned by the Malaysian conglomerate DRB-HICOM and the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group.