Malaysian trade minister reveals time frame of new model; and currently the two companies are focusing on Industry 4.0 for Tanjung Malim plant

We can expect the first production of a Proton car following the firm’s tie-up with Geely to enter the market by the end of 2018 or early 2019. This was claimed by Malaysia International Trade and Industry Minister, Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan, according to a Bernama report.

Proton and Geely’s current focus is on establishing the Tanjung Malim assembly factory as the principal and pioneer automotive factory in the country to implement the new manufacturing technology under the Fourth Industrial Revolution, or Industry 4.0.

The minister mentioned that Geely will facilitate Proton in regards to technology as well as assembling its four-wheel drive models, intelligent artificial car, and develop their right-hand drive (RHD) technology (sic) in Malaysia.

Ong added that the introduction of a new model could take less than five years, corresponding to the time frame for the completion of the Tanjung Malim plant.

The Geely Boyue has already been confirmed to be the first vehicle from the China car maker for Proton’s rebadging. The deal will also allow Geely to enter the ASEAN market – and use the trade agreement benefits. Proton and Geely aims to produce 280,000 units of vehicles for the China-SEA market.

Source: Bernama