Pilot electric vehicles project to start in Malaysia

He said his ministry, in collaboration with the international trade and industry ministry, as well as national car manufacturer, Proton, had submitted a proposal to the Cabinet to start the project.

"The government will buy the electric vehicles at cost price from Proton," he told after handing over minor rural project grants in Miri.

Without specifying the duration of the project, Chin said the electric cars would be first tested for usage by several departments before the government decided on the next course of action.

The electric car project was also in line with the government’s commitment towards reducing the emission of greenhouse gases, he said.

Malaysia’s national car maker Proton and a Dutch company signed a $555 million deal to make zero emission electric cars that they said would be more powerful than any existing model. Four-door will be exported to U.S., Europe; priced at $23,000 to $33,000.

Under the agreement, Detroit Electric will license two Proton vehicle platforms and contract the company to assemble the electric vehicles that will be marketed under Detroit Electric’s brand.

PROTON, established in 1983, is Malaysia’s largest manufacturer of automobiles. With operations in key market centers from UK and Western Europe to the Middle East, and across South-East Asia and Australasia, PROTON produces cars to suit a range of consumer demands and preferences. The offerings include versatile and reliable four-door family vehicles, two-door hatchbacks for the young-at-heart, luxurious and stylish executive sedans, as well as the world-renowned sports cars from Lotus.

PROTON’s inception as a key driver of national development has seen the brand accelerate its learning curve through technology transfer with strategic partnerships and technical collaborations. PROTON cars are now steadily on track to achieving the mission for the future, gearing up to achieve the promise of a marque which build cars with passion and soul; cars which are a delight to drive and a pleasure to own.

www.proton.com/