Malaysia’s automotive industry has come a long way, with Proton and Perodua paving the path for national pride in car manufacturing. With ongoing innovation, strategic partnerships, and a shift towards greener technology, the future looks promising.
Malaysia’s automotive industry has come a long way, with Proton and Perodua paving the path for national pride in car manufacturing. With ongoing innovation, strategic partnerships, and a shift towards greener technology, the future looks promising.
Image courtesy of carro
Malaysia has established itself as a key player in the Southeast Asian automotive industry. While many global automakers have manufacturing plants in the country, Malaysia takes pride in having homegrown car brands that have shaped its automotive landscape. The most notable Malaysian car manufacturers are Proton and Perodua, which have played a significant role in the country’s industrial development.
Proton: Malaysia’s First National Car
Founded in 1983, Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional (Proton) was established as Malaysia’s first national car company under the vision of then-Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. Proton launched its first model, the Proton Saga, in 1985, which quickly became a symbol of national pride. With technology partnerships from Mitsubishi in its early years, Proton steadily grew its presence in the domestic and international markets.
Proton later acquired British automaker Lotus, leveraging its engineering expertise to enhance the performance and quality of its vehicles. In 2017, Chinese automotive giant Geely acquired a significant stake in Proton, revitalizing the brand with new models such as the Proton X70 and X50, which were well-received for their advanced technology and affordability.
Perodua: The People’s Car
Established in 1993, Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua (Perodua) emerged as Proton’s competitor, focusing on producing compact and fuel-efficient cars. Unlike Proton, which initially aimed to build a full-fledged Malaysian automotive industry, Perodua partnered with Japanese automaker Daihatsu to develop its vehicles. This collaboration enabled Perodua to introduce highly reliable and cost-effective models like the Perodua Kancil, Myvi, and Axia, which remain popular among Malaysian consumers.
Perodua has consistently held the top spot in Malaysia’s automotive market in terms of sales, thanks to its affordability, low maintenance costs, and practical designs. The Perodua Myvi, in particular, is regarded as one of the best-selling cars in Malaysia and has even gained recognition overseas.
Challenges and Future Prospects
While Proton and Perodua have contributed significantly to Malaysia’s automotive industry, they face challenges such as increased competition from foreign brands, the shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), and evolving consumer preferences. The Malaysian government has been actively promoting the development of the EV sector, offering incentives to encourage local automakers to transition towards sustainable mobility.
Proton and Perodua have both signaled their interest in electric and hybrid vehicles, with future plans aligning with the government’s National Automotive Policy (NAP) 2020, which focuses on Next-Generation Vehicles (NxGVs) and green technology.
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