Unveils 2026 Model Sneak Peek and Next-Gen EV Technology at Major Showcase Event in Malaysia
Malaysian automaker pulls back the curtain on upcoming innovations, from short blade batteries to PHEV powertrains
Proton is giving Malaysians a rare behind-the-scenes look at what's cooking in its tech lab, and spoiler alert—there's a mystery 2026 model making its first public appearance before anyone else gets their hands on it.
The national carmaker threw open the doors to its Centre of Excellence (COE) facility in Subang Jaya yesterday for what they're calling the Proton Technology Showcase. Think of it as Proton's version of a tech expo, but instead of gadgets, you're getting full-sized cars and the engineering wizardry that makes them tick.
CEO Dr Li Chunrong and Deputy CEO Dato' Abdul Rashid Musa hosted the three-day event, which is part family-friendly carnival, part serious automotive showcase. And honestly? It's about time we got to peek under the hood—literally and figuratively—of what Proton's been working on with their Geely partnership.
What's on Display?
The showcase is basically Proton flexing its engineering muscles. They've got everything from their GMA platform to the Short Blade Battery tech on display, plus their latest PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) engine and transmission systems. If you're into the techy side of cars, this is your playground.
ACO Tech is also showing off some seriously cool connectivity features with augmented reality and AI capabilities. Because apparently, cars need to be smarter than ever these days.
The current lineup is there too—the Proton X50, the electric e.MAS 5, and the all-new Saga are all making appearances. But the real star of the show? That unnamed model set to launch in early 2026. Proton's keeping tight-lipped about the details, but the fact that they're unveiling it now suggests they're pretty confident about what they've built.
More Than Just Cars on Display
What sets this showcase apart from your typical auto show is the knowledge-sharing aspect. Proton, Geely, and various vendors are running presentations throughout the event, diving deep into current and future automotive trends. There are panel discussions happening, and here's where it gets fun—they're doing a live taping of the popular podcast "Tekan Habis" where attendees can actually throw questions at the hosts on the spot.
It's this kind of engagement that shows Proton isn't just trying to sell you a car—they want you to understand the technology that's going into it.
The Track Experience
Now here's something you don't get every day: taxi rides on Proton's semi high-speed test track. This isn't just any track—it's Malaysia's first and only dedicated semi high-speed test facility. Every single Proton model gets put through its paces here, and now regular folks get to experience what that's like.
If you're not into being a passenger, you can also take the latest models, including the newly debuted All-New Saga, out for a proper test drive. It's one thing to read about performance specs on paper; it's another thing entirely to feel them.
What This Means for Proton
Dr Li Chunrong made it clear that this event represents a turning point: "PROTON is moving into a new phase where technology and innovation will define our products and company direction."
The showcase comes at what the company calls "an important stage" in its growth. Since partnering with Geely back in 2017, Proton has been steadily climbing back to relevance in the Malaysian automotive scene. This event is essentially proof of concept—showing Malaysians that the collaboration with Geely isn't just corporate speak, but actual, tangible progress in engineering and innovation.
The focus on both electric vehicle technology and internal combustion engine improvements shows Proton is hedging its bets smartly. While the world is moving toward electrification, they're not abandoning traditional engines just yet, which makes sense for a market like Malaysia where EV infrastructure is still catching up.
The Technology Showcase runs through December 6th at Proton's COE in Subang Jaya, and if you're even remotely interested in cars or where Malaysian automotive engineering is heading, it's worth checking out. Plus, who doesn't want to be among the first to see what Proton has planned for 2026?
- PakChaq Riq
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