PROTON’S next-generation Saga and its first affordable electric vehicle, the e.MAS 5, made their debut appearance today in a special showcase attended by Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on the sidelines of the 47th Asean Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
The two leaders inspected the exterior designs of both upcoming models, marking the first time the public has seen them ahead of their official launch later this year.
Proton, in a statement, said the event reflected the success of the strategic collaboration between DRB-Hicom Berhad and China’s Geely Holding Group in transforming Proton into a modern, globally competitive automotive brand.
“Through this partnership, Proton continues to combine Malaysian engineering capabilities with Geely’s technological expertise to advance the country’s automotive ecosystem, supporting the development of new skills, local innovation, and sustainable growth,” the company said.
Among those present were Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Geely Holding Group chairman Eric Li Shufu, and Proton chairman Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar.
Proton added the attendance of both national leaders underscored the growing significance of the automotive industry as a key pillar of Malaysia–China cooperation, aligning with Malaysia’s national transformation agenda and China’s continuing role in driving regional industrial development.
The Proton e.MAS 5, developed with Geely’s design and technology, is set to become Malaysia’s first affordable electric vehicle, with an estimated retail price between RM60,000 and RM80,000.
Meanwhile, the all-new Saga, built on Proton’s Advanced Modular Architecture (AMA) platform, represents the company’s first model to be fully designed and engineered by Malaysian talent. - October 28, 2025
