Proton Holdings Bhd is considering assembling battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the Central Asian country of Kazakhstan, according to local reports citing government sources. Malaysia’s first national automaker is understood to be exploring opportunities to assemble its e.MAS series of BEVs in the country.
Proton launched production of its first BEV model, the e.MAS 7, in Malaysia at the end of last year. It is based on China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding Group’s Galaxy E5 model. Proton began exporting the e.MAS 7 earlier this year, to markets including Nepal and Trinidad and Tobago.
Proton representatives recently travelled to Kazakhstan and held meetings with government officials, including Industry Minister Yersayin Nagaspayev.
Following the meeting, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Industry said in a statement: “Proton presented plans to produce electric cars under the e.MAS brand. Discussions focused on potential production sites, export opportunities, and ensuring compliance with the technical and environmental standards of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).”
Proton and the Ministry of Industry have agreed to establish a joint working group to “develop a strategy to localize production and establish joint investment projects.”
The Ministry revealed that Kazakhstan produced just over 134,000 passenger cars in 2024, by major international brands including GM-Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, JAC, and Jetour. Two new plants are scheduled to go into operation in the country this year, in Almaty and Kostanay. Cumulative BEV sales in the country amounted to 9,400 units as of the end of May 2025.
