KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang today got a first look at Proton’s upcoming models — the all-new Saga and the Proton e.MAS 5 — during a special showcase held alongside the 47th Asean Summit here.
Li, accompanied by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, viewed the exterior of the cars at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, marking the first public appearance of both models ahead of their official launch by the end of this year.
“Today’s public showcase of two of Proton’s upcoming models reflects the success of the partnership between DRB-Hicom Berhad and Geely Holding Group in driving Proton’s transformation to become a modern and competitive automotive company.
“Through this partnership, Proton continues to combine Malaysian engineering capabilities with Geely’s technological expertise to advance the country’s automotive ecosystem, supporting the development of new skills, local innovation, and sustainable growth,” Proton said in a statement.
Also present were Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Geely Holding Group chairman Eric Li Shufu, and Proton chairman Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar.
Proton said the presence of both leaders highlighted the growing importance of the automotive sector as a key area of collaboration in supporting Malaysia’s national transformation agenda, as well as China’s continued engagement in regional industrial growth.
The e.MAS 5, developed with Geely’s design and technology, will be Malaysia’s first affordable electric vehicle. Its estimated price is between RM60,000 and RM80,000.
Meanwhile, the all-new Saga — built on Proton’s new Advanced Modular Architecture platform — is the first model to be fully designed and engineered by Malaysian talent. – The Malay Mail
