PROTON Holdings Bhd is expanding its role in international vehicle production, with its Tanjung Malim manufacturing complex in Perak, producing selected Geely models for overseas markets alongside its own vehicles.
The arrangement allows the national carmaker to increase utilisation of its Malaysian facilities and build manufacturing experience through its partnership with Geely.
In the first nine months of 2026, Proton exported 7,370 units comprising both Proton and Geely-branded vehicles, exceeding the 6,000 units recorded for the whole of 2025.
Geely models accounted for most of the increase.
Producing vehicles for different markets requires manufacturers to meet varying specifications, regulatory requirements and quality standards.
Proton said the programmes will expose its workforce to international production processes, including testing, traceability and quality management.
The experience could also be applied to its own vehicle production, while creating opportunities for local suppliers to participate in a wider range of manufacturing activities.
Proton deputy chief executive officer Datuk Abdul Rashid Musa said the expansion would allow the company to make greater use of investments at Tanjung Malim while strengthening its manufacturing capabilities and international presence.
"These programmes challenge us to keep raising our standards. They broaden the experience of our staff, strengthen our manufacturing discipline and create opportunities for Proton's suppliers to grow with us."
He added that the company's priority was to translate its manufacturing capabilities into consistent quality across its vehicles.
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