Local car manufacturer Proton is set to launch its own electric vehicle (EV) “very soon”, its CEO Li Chunrong revealed during its Chinese New Year media appreciation dinner yesterday evening. According to Paultan.org, the brand is also set to introduce a second model between six to eight months after the first.
However, Li did not detail further regarding the two upcoming electric cars just yet but nevertheless, the announcement affirms Proton’s commitment to meet the ministry of international trade and industry’s (MITI) expectations. Its minister, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, previously stated during the launch of the smart #1 in November of last year that MITI is optimistic that the company, along with its fellow local car manufacturer Perodua, could produce the first national EV by 2025.
On a related note, it’s worth mentioning that Proton had previously dabbled in electric vehicle production by introducing an Iriz EV prototype during the International Greentech & Eco Productions Exhibition (iGEM) back in 2015. However, the project did not take off and the concept vehicle itself was reportedly auctioned off in 2020.
