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Proton Confirms Zeekr EV Local Assembly in Malaysia

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Estimated reading time: 8 minutes


Key Takeaways

  • Malaysia is set to become a regional hub for New Energy Vehicle (NEV) production, with Proton leading the charge at the Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjong Malim.
  • Premium EV brand Zeekr, a Geely subsidiary, will commence CKD (Completely Knocked Down) local assembly of its electric vehicles at AHTV, enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities.
  • The strategic partnership between Proton, Geely, DRB-Hicom, MIDA, and MARii underscores a multi-stakeholder commitment to develop AHTV into an international automotive ecosystem, fostering high-tech component manufacturing and job creation.
  • Local assembly promises potential benefits for Malaysian consumers, including broader access to advanced EV models and potentially more competitive pricing due to reduced import duties and logistics costs.
  • This initiative marks a significant leap forward in Malaysia's journey towards sustainable mobility and technological advancement in the automotive sector.

Table of Contents


Driving Towards an Electrified Future: Malaysia's Ambitious EV Leap

What if Malaysia wasn't just a market for electric vehicles, but a dynamic powerhouse in their production, setting new benchmarks for sustainability and innovation across Southeast Asia? This isn't a distant dream, but a tangible reality rapidly unfolding. The Malaysian automotive landscape is on the cusp of a revolutionary transformation, spearheaded by a landmark announcement that promises to redefine our nation's role in the global EV market. Discover how Proton will locally assemble Zeekr EVs at Tg Malim's AHTV. Learn about Malaysia's new CKD production and the future of electric vehicles. This strategic move is more than just about manufacturing cars; it's about cementing Malaysia's position as a pivotal hub for New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), fostering technological advancement, and creating a ripple effect of economic prosperity. This article will delve into the intricacies of this groundbreaking partnership, explore the vision behind the Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (AHTV), and uncover the profound implications for consumers, the industry, and the nation as a whole.


The Proton-Zeekr Synergy: A Game-Changer for Local Assembly

The recent announcement from Proton has sent a clear signal across the automotive world: Malaysia is serious about its electric vehicle ambitions. Proton, a name synonymous with Malaysian automotive heritage, has confirmed that premium electric vehicle brand Zeekr will begin CKD (Completely Knocked Down) local assembly operations at the state-of-the-art Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjong Malim, Perak. This is a direct outcome of Proton's robust partnership with Zhejiang Geely Holding Ltd (Geely), the parent company of Zeekr and a major foreign investor in Proton itself. This collaboration signifies a deep-rooted commitment to leverage shared expertise and resources, bringing advanced EV manufacturing capabilities directly to Malaysian soil.

For years, Proton has been the 'anchor tenant' within its sprawling complex at Tanjong Malim, a complex that officially became the AHTV in 2022. This evolution from a manufacturing base to a high-tech valley underscores a visionary shift. The integration of Zeekr's cutting-edge EV technology with Proton's local assembly prowess is a powerful synergy. It's not just about putting parts together; it's about knowledge transfer, skill development, and establishing a sophisticated EV production ecosystem. This move directly addresses Malaysia's push for greater localization in high-value industries, ensuring that the economic benefits of the burgeoning EV sector are retained within the country.


Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (AHTV): Malaysia's NEV Powerhouse

The Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (AHTV) is far more than just an industrial park; it is envisioned as an international automotive hub specifically designed for New Energy Vehicles (NEVs). Launched in 2022, AHTV is the embodiment of a national aspiration to lead in the electrified future of mobility. The master collaboration agreement signed in October 2023 between DRB-Hicom and Geely laid the foundational principles and governance framework for this ambitious project, clearly defining the roles and mutual commitment of all parties involved.

DRB-Hicom, a major Malaysian conglomerate, has articulated a comprehensive vision for AHTV. Its focus extends beyond merely assembling automobiles. The valley is poised to become a centre for manufacturing high-technology components and parts essential for NEVs. This strategic emphasis will significantly expand the capabilities of local vendors, encouraging them to specialize in advanced manufacturing techniques. Such an ecosystem will attract substantial investments, both local and international, fostering innovation and creating a robust supply chain that supports the entire NEV lifecycle. Collaborations with key national agencies like the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and the Malaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) further solidify AHTV's potential, ensuring alignment with national development goals and access to crucial research and development support.


Beyond the Assembly Line: Economic and Technological Impact

The local assembly of Zeekr EVs at AHTV is a profound economic catalyst for Malaysia. Estimates suggest significant job creation across various skill levels, from highly skilled engineers and technicians to manufacturing operatives. This influx of high-value employment opportunities will contribute to upskilling the Malaysian workforce, aligning with the nation's Industry 4.0 agenda. The development of a local supply chain for NEV components will also benefit numerous Malaysian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), integrating them into the global automotive ecosystem and driving their technological advancement.

From a technological standpoint, this initiative positions Malaysia at the forefront of automotive innovation in Southeast Asia. The transfer of Geely's and Zeekr's advanced EV manufacturing processes and battery technology will significantly boost Malaysia's technical expertise. This includes expertise in areas such as battery management systems, electric powertrains, and intelligent vehicle systems. For consumers, this could translate into a broader range of cutting-edge EV models becoming available, potentially at more competitive prices due to reduced import duties and logistics costs associated with CKD operations. Imagine a future where the latest Zeekr models, known for their luxury and performance, are more accessible to Malaysian drivers, further accelerating the adoption of sustainable transportation.


Zeekr's Footprint in Malaysia: The Current Lineup and Future Potential

Zeekr has already made a notable entry into the Malaysian market, offering a compelling range of premium electric vehicles that showcase Geely's commitment to innovation and luxury. Currently, Malaysian consumers can experience three distinct Zeekr models:

  • The Zeekr 009: A luxurious, high-performance SUV that redefines electric mobility with its sophisticated design and advanced features.
  • The Zeekr X: A stylish and versatile crossover, perfect for urban adventures and beyond, offering a blend of elegance and practicality.
  • The Zeekr 7X: The latest addition, an SUV that further expands Zeekr's presence, promising an exciting driving experience with cutting-edge technology.

With local CKD assembly confirmed for AHTV, the future potential for Zeekr in Malaysia is immense. This strategic move is expected to streamline the availability of these models and potentially introduce even more variants tailored to the Malaysian market. Local assembly also opens doors for greater customization and quicker responses to market demands, ensuring that Malaysian consumers receive the best of Zeekr's global offerings. This is truly a landmark development for those keen to embrace the next generation of electric vehicles, offering both premium quality and a commitment to local economic growth.


Conclusion: A New Dawn for Malaysian Automotive Manufacturing

The confirmation by Proton regarding the local assembly of Zeekr EVs at Tanjong Malim's AHTV marks a monumental step for Malaysia's automotive industry. It's a testament to the power of strategic partnerships and a bold vision for an electrified future. This initiative will not only enhance Malaysia's manufacturing capabilities but also propel it onto the global stage as a significant player in the New Energy Vehicle sector. The Automotive Hi-Tech Valley, with Proton as its anchor, is set to become a beacon of innovation, job creation, and sustainable growth. For consumers, this translates to more choices, potentially better value, and a clearer path towards embracing electric mobility. The journey has just begun, and Malaysia is poised to lead the charge.

Are you excited about the future of EVs in Malaysia? What Zeekr model are you most eager to see locally assembled? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below, and let's drive the conversation forward!


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (AHTV)?
A1: The Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (AHTV) is a dedicated automotive hub in Tanjong Malim, Perak, launched in 2022. It aims to be an international centre for New Energy Vehicle (NEV) production, focusing on manufacturing not just EVs but also high-technology components and parts for the NEV industry. Proton serves as its anchor tenant.

Q2: Which Zeekr EV models will be locally assembled at AHTV?
A2: While specific models to be assembled first haven't been fully detailed, Zeekr currently sells the 009 luxury SUV, the X crossover, and the 7X SUV in Malaysia. It is expected that the local assembly will begin with models that cater best to the Malaysian market demand, potentially covering these or future models as demand grows.

Q3: What does CKD local assembly mean for Malaysian consumers?
A3: CKD (Completely Knocked Down) local assembly means that vehicle components are imported and then assembled within Malaysia. For consumers, this often translates to several benefits: potentially more competitive pricing due to reduced import duties and logistics costs, wider availability of models, and the creation of local jobs and expertise, ultimately strengthening the Malaysian economy.

Q4: How does this partnership benefit Malaysia's economy and technology sector?
A4: This partnership is a significant boon for Malaysia. Economically, it promises job creation, skill development, and increased foreign investment. Technologically, it facilitates the transfer of advanced EV manufacturing processes, battery technology, and expertise in areas like electric powertrains and intelligent vehicle systems, positioning Malaysia as a leader in NEV technology in the region.

Q5: When can we expect the first locally assembled Zeekr EVs to roll out from AHTV?
A5: The master collaboration agreement between DRB-Hicom and Geely was signed in October 2023, setting the framework for AHTV's development. While an exact timeline for the first CKD Zeekr models rolling off the assembly line has not been announced, such large-scale projects typically involve several phases of development and setup. Consumers can anticipate further updates from Proton and Zeekr as the project progresses.

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