Proton

Proton, officially known as Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional, is Malaysia's first national car brand. It was established in 1983 as part of a strategic initiative to modernize the country's industrial sector and reduce its dependence on foreign vehicle imports. The brand gained early success through a technology partnership with Mitsubishi Motors, which provided the platforms and engines for its initial models like the Proton Saga.

Today, the brand operates as a joint venture between a local Malaysian conglomerate and an international automotive giant. The manufacturing remains primarily centered in Malaysia, specifically at large-scale production facilities in Shah Alam and Tanjung Malim. These plants serve both the domestic Malaysian market and various export markets across Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Africa.

In 2017, the brand underwent a significant transformation when the Chinese automotive group Geely Holding acquired a substantial stake. This partnership has led to the introduction of modern SUVs and advanced technology across the Proton lineup, blending Malaysian national heritage with global engineering expertise under the stewardship of its Chinese and Malaysian corporate owners.