DRB-HICOM Berhad (DRB-HICOM) and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. Ltd. (Geely Holding) inked two Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) during the launch of Proton’s first EV, the e.MAS 7, held yesterday.
These MOUs aim to transform the Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjong Malim, Perak, into a global hub for Next Generation Vehicles (NxGV) and Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEV).
The first MOU, signed with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), focuses on promoting investments in AHTV to develop Malaysia’s automotive industry and strengthen its competitiveness.
The collaboration includes advancing Industry 4.0 technologies, transforming AHTV into a global centre for NxGV production and smart manufacturing plus establishing an export base for vehicles and components. This MOU also aims to attract other global automotive investment, enhance local suppliers' capabilities and build a complete ecosystem for the automotive supply chain in Malaysia.
Meanwhile, the second MOU, signed with the Malaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), focuses on Research and Development (R&D) and talent development. The R&D efforts will include setting up shared facilities for vehicle development and testing by establishing a National Testing and Homologation Centre.
The centre will focus on tropical climate testing which includes autonomous driving, EEV testing and developing expertise in critical components development such as e-motors, battery management system and power distribution units.
On talent development, the collaboration will introduce training programmes for NxGV and smart manufacturing, nurture local talent in key areas like R&D and digitalisation, and establish national standards for automotive TVET and certification.
Both MOUs were signed by DRB-HICOM Group Managing Director Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar and Geely Auto CEO Jerry Gan Jiayue. MIDA CEO Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim signed for the first MOU, while MARii CEO Azrul Reza Aziz signed for the second.
These MOUs mark a key milestone in developing AHTV into a leading international hub for NxGVs and EEVs. The AHTV project, managed by AHTV Alliance Sdn. Bhd. - a joint venture between DRB-HICOM and Geely Holding.
