Proton is on the brink of a remarkable expansion in global exports, with plans to re-enter the UK market, according to insiders close to CEO Li Chunrong. This expansion will also target new right-hand-drive markets across Asia, South Africa, and a comeback in Australia and New Zealand, aiming to substantially increase Proton’s international sales. This move follows the development of a new headquarters and manufacturing facility in Tanjung Malim, western Malaysia.
The new facility, named Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (AHTV), is part of a substantial investment by Geely and Malaysian conglomerate DRB-HICOM Berhad. The increased production capacity from AHTV is expected to be crucial for Proton’s strategy to enhance its global market presence.
According to sources, the investments will enable Proton to re-enter previously exited markets and explore new ones. While there is no official timeline for returning to the UK, sources indicate that major export markets will be targeted “later this decade,” after Proton ceased UK operations in 2014.
In 2023, Geely revealed plans to invest up to £3.5 billion in AHTV, though Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim later suggested the actual figure might be around £7.9 billion. While Geely has not officially confirmed this increased investment, recent developments have broadened Proton’s product lineup with badge-engineered versions of Geely’s popular Chinese models.
Proton’s current lineup includes four models derived from Geely’s Binyue, Boyue, Haoyue, and Ermgrand, known as the X50, X70, X90, and S70, along with three traditional models from its Mitsubishi collaboration: the Saga, Persona, and Iriz.