Posted in Local News, Proton / By Mick Chan /
At today’s unveiling of Proton’s EV brand and logo, the national carmaker announced that it is developing its Global Modular Architecture or GMA. This architecture will form the basis of five new models from the brand including internal combustion, plug-in hybrid and battery-electric models, said Proton CEO Li Chunrong.
According to the presentation slide, there are five GMA-based models in the pipeline. Joining the Geely group of companies allowed Proton access to the group’s latest technology, “allowing us to to integrate new features into our products for our customers,” Li said. “These models are designed to be manufactured in Malaysia for the local market and global exports,” said the CEO.
The key to that objective is the Global Modular Architecture (GMA) that is being developed for the next generation of Proton models, the CEO of Proton said. “GMA will be our main platform and it will provide the base for many new models, including PHEV and BEV models,” he added.
Being Proton’s own modular platform, this will be capable of housing internal combustion, plug-in hybrid and battery-electric powertrains. Proton has big plans for the GMA platform that is intended for models made locally in Malaysia for domestic consumption as well as for export markets, targeting a combined annual production volume of 200,000 units.
The first battery-electric vehicle to come from the new Proton eMas sub-brand will predate Proton’s GMA-based product plan, given that it will likely be based on the Geely Galaxy E5 that is built on the Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture. The GEA platform is adapted from Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) family which supports not just full EVs, but also range extender, PHEV and methanol powertrains.
As the Galaxy E5 measures 4,615 mm long, 1,901 mm wide, 1,670 mm tall and has wheelbase of 2,750 mm, this makes it a mid-sized SUV in the size region of a Honda CR-V, which means that the first eMas will not be a small vehicle and therefore, not cheap. This could open the door for the first Proton GMA platform-based model to fly the flag as Malaysia’s rahmah, or affordable EV.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
Certified Pre-Owned - 1 Year Warranty
10% discount when you renew your car insurance
Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services.
Mick Chan
Open roads and closed circuits hold great allure for Mick Chan. Driving heaven to him is exercising a playful chassis on twisty paths; prizes ergonomics and involvement over gadgetry. Spent three years at a motoring newspaper and short stint with a magazine prior to joining this website.
Comments
ROTI CANAIon Jun 12, 2024 at 8:49 pm
yes ev cars. but whats the maintenance like? still have to pay rm 300 every 10k to let some guy see see and say ok even though everything is not ok?
Like or Dislike:
10
3
Clean Kingon Jun 13, 2024 at 9:03 am
So far not maintenance. Just check check and update software. So far free je if you buy new. Kereta smooth, hassle free compared to ICE. Sedap giler tak payah gi stesen minyak. Your house is your petrol station.
Like or Dislike:
5
9
Reply
UNkeron Jun 13, 2024 at 9:46 am
of cos la, to change Kanina air filter not cheap..see see look look, also not free, got hourly rate..
Like or Dislike:
2
0
Reply
Peppaon Jun 12, 2024 at 10:48 pm
So it is geely-derived platform? Embarassing
Like or Dislike:
15
10
Reply
Pro-Palestineon Jun 13, 2024 at 9:01 am
What is so embarassing. Learning from people that knows better only makes one better. Are you too proud to learn? Now you know why you are miskin and stuck where you are
Like or Dislike:
11
8
Reply
NKon Jun 13, 2024 at 10:23 am
It is embarrassing because the deputy CEO said the Proton EV will not be a rebadged car. But now it’s looking like the first car will be rebadged.
Like or Dislike:
6
1
Reply
Bobon Jun 13, 2024 at 10:32 am
It IS embarrassing! Proton have worked with many companies in the past like Mitsubishi, Lotus, Renault, Suzuki, Honda, and now Geely, and yet they still can’t make their own cars! how much more learning do they really need? You would think that they might have picked up something from them but nope, in the end still nothing. Hyundai started out at about the same time as Proton and look where they are now. this of course also applies to Perodua!
Like or Dislike:
7
1
Reply
opmanmyon Jun 14, 2024 at 8:09 am
Like they say…jack of all trades…master of nothing. All boils down to laziness and spoon fed mentality. Keep it up ya…jaguh kampung!
Like or Dislike:
0
0
Reply
Pro yr cbon Jun 13, 2024 at 11:45 pm
Shame. Semua china made
Like or Dislike:
2
0
Reply
Jst boikott dikon Jun 14, 2024 at 3:54 pm
Pro here pro there. Dont buy anything better
Like or Dislike:
0
0
Reply
opmanmyon Jun 13, 2024 at 7:52 am
Enough of marketing BS la! We had been hearing all these sort of platform, engine, bla bla…but nothing much had been materialized. And now another one?! C’mon.
Like or Dislike:
11
3
Reply
Mahinduon Jun 13, 2024 at 8:47 am
Why no 04 model,it 1.2.3.5.6?
Like or Dislike:
4
0
Reply
Type-Con Jun 13, 2024 at 10:14 am
We don’t like ‘4’. Pantang.
Like or Dislike:
3
1
Reply
normal_useron Jun 13, 2024 at 9:12 am
This GMA would be akin to Perodua’s DNGA, a more economical derivative of the more sophisticated platform.
In the end, Proton is somewhat Skoda to VW, as what its master, Geely envisioned 5-6 years ago. Hopefully the battery, motor, engine generator (HEV), inverter & other auxiliaries are as reliable.
Like or Dislike:
7
0
Reply
How Much did PROTON paid for GEELY GMAon Jun 13, 2024 at 9:29 am
PT dun know
NEVER cross the Mind
Like or Dislike:
1
2
Reply
Bobon Jun 13, 2024 at 9:38 am
proton doesn’t develop anything. they just tune suspension and change grill and logo. back to square one. also, after sales service still suck
Like or Dislike:
16
2
Reply
ANWAR MENANG RAKYAT DIKENCINGKANon Jun 13, 2024 at 9:46 am
ya, they need to keep bullsh*tting so that the people can be confused, misled and these corporations can earn from the masses!!
Like or Dislike:
16
2
Reply
Boy Raceron Jun 13, 2024 at 10:20 am
A step in the right direction for Proton. Hopefully not two steps back after.
Like or Dislike:
1
4
Reply
kckfenon Jun 13, 2024 at 10:24 am
GIve us a extended range EV
Like or Dislike:
2
0
Reply
mentalon Jun 13, 2024 at 11:23 am
those pocket deep and mentally ready to accept ev buy la…
those not ready don’t buy la…
no point talking so much…
Like or Dislike:
4
1
Reply
e.MASon Jun 13, 2024 at 12:48 pm
A new star is born
Golden era is Here
Like or Dislike:
2
4
Reply
How Good is E.MASon Jun 13, 2024 at 4:43 pm
1 charge can go 10 rounds in Sepaeng racetrack?.
Like or Dislike:
0
0
Reply
Add a comment
Search
Car Reviews
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA200 facelift Malaysian review – refreshed exterior, latest MBUX system, RM258,888
2024 GWM Ora 07 Malaysian review – 640 km NEDC range; from RM170k; better EV than Model 3 and Seal?
2024 BYD Seal review in Malaysia – two variants, from RM180k; how does it compare to the Tesla Model 3?
REVIEW: GAC GS3 Emzoom – 1.5L turbo B-SUV priced from RM119k OTR in Malaysia; we try it out in China
2024 Jaecoo J7 – we test out 197 PS/290 Nm 1.6T AWD SUV off-road ahead of launch; RM160k estimated
2024 Mazda CX-5 facelift review – can this 7-year-old C-segment SUV still compete against newer rivals?
2024 smart #1 review – could this be the smartest EV choice if you’re transitioning from a premium ICE car?
Ferrari Purosangue review – traversing new territory
Car Launches
Kia EV9 officially launched in Malaysia – GT-Line AWD dual-motor, 505 km range, 6 or 7 seats, from RM370k
2024 BMW X3 Final Edition launched in Malaysia – new kit with ACC; sDrive20i fr RM312k, xDrive30e RM358k
2024 BMW 218i Gran Coupe Final Edition launched in Malaysia – black accents, new wheels; from RM224k
Lamborghini Urus SE in Malaysia – 800 PS/950 Nm 4.0L V8 PHEV, 60 km EV range; RM1.03m before taxes
2024 Proton X50 RC launched – same looks, better 360 cam and NVH, still RM86k-RM113k, new RM7k discount