Proton Logo

Initiated in 1985 under the guidance of Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, Proton emerged as Malaysia’s premier national car brand—this state-endorsed endeavor aimed to foster domestic industrial growth while curtailing reliance on imported vehicles.

In collaboration with Mitsubishi, Proton unveiled its inaugural model, the Saga, in 1985. This model took inspiration from the Lancer Fiore design. Proton diversified its offerings as time progressed, introducing vehicles such as the Wira, Perdana, and Waja. These vehicles predominantly drew from Mitsubishi and Citroen’s blueprints. An interesting chapter in Proton’s history was its acquisition of the UK-based Lotus in 1996.

Proton was hailed as the embodiment of Malaysian automotive prowess in its heyday. However, the new millennium ushered in a challenging period. Faced with fierce competition, Proton’s sales trajectory witnessed a downturn, leading to mounting debts.

A significant turnaround occurred in 2017 when Geely, a Chinese automobile giant, stepped in, procuring a 49.9% stake in Proton. This infusion of capital and technological prowess bolstered Proton’s standing in the industry. Proton’s portfolio comprises an array of sedans, hatchbacks, and SUVs, catering primarily to the domestic market with some exports. Since its inception, Proton’s production tally has surpassed the 5 million mark.

While the emergence of Perodua has shared the spotlight of national branding, Proton’s legacy in Malaysia’s automotive landscape remains unshakable and emblematic.