China's Geely to help Proton launch NEVs annually

Proton is expected to launch at least one NEV model a year with the help of Geely Holding Group, which owns a 49.9 percent stake in the Malaysian carmaker.

Geely Chairman Li Shufu said the company's global network of innovation, advanced vehicle platforms, product portfolio as well as its human resources will sharpen Proton's competitive edge.

Li made the remark when Proton launched on Sunday its first NEV model, the X90, which was introduced from Geely.

He said Geely will train 5,000 NEV professionals with Proton to grow the Malaysian marque into a leading NEV player in the ASEAN.

Geely inked a deal with Proton's parent DRB-HICOM Berhad in April to facilitate NEV development in Malaysia.

Geely purchased its stake in Proton in 2017 and has since been boosting the brand's development with both technology and models.

Statistics show that Proton's sales soared from 64,744 units in 2018 to 141,432 in 2022.