Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced the selection of Proton e.mas 7 as the official vehicle for the ASEAN 2025 event where Malaysia will be the host.
The choice comes after the electric car was recently launched and would be the country’s first electric vehicle (EV). In announcing the choice, Anwar said Malaysia would want to show the region the efforts being put into the automotive ecosystem, especially on carbon emission reduction.
Proton launched its first EV on Dec 16, the latest entry into the local market as the country seeks to boost EV and hybrid EV use and gain a foothold in the global supply chain.
Proton is majority-owned by Malaysian conglomerate DRB HICOM, with the remaining 49.9% stake held by Chinese automaker Zhejiang Geely Holding Group.
The Proton e.mas 7’s introduction in Malaysia follows that of BYD, Tesla and Stellantis in partnership with Leapmotor.
The e.mas 7 basic and premium models will be priced at RM109,800 and RM123,800, respectively.
Malaysia wants EVs and hybrids to account for a fifth of new car sales by 2030. It reported a 112% rise in the sale of battery EVs in the first half of the year.
Anwar Ibrahim hoped in future, the e.mas 7 could be manufactured in Malaysia and more local firms could be involved in the production of EVs.
