Algiers – Malaysian automotive manufacturer Proton is strengthening its presence in Algeria, placing the national market at the heart of its North African expansion strategy. This move is driven by a vision of establishing long-term industrial partnerships that support local production and contribute to the development of the automotive industry ecosystem.
This strategic direction follows meetings between Proton representatives and the Malaysian Ambassador to Algeria, Datuk Rizani Irwan Muhammad Mazlan. Discussions centered on aligning Proton’s investment plans with Algerian industrial policies, particularly concerning the localization of automotive manufacturing, strengthening production chains, and creating added value within the local market.
Mohamed Azwan bin Mohamed Nor, representing Proton, affirmed the company’s readiness to enter into a sustainable cooperative partnership with Algeria. He emphasized that this step is crucial for reinforcing Algeria’s position as a regional automotive hub in North Africa, aligning with efforts to diversify the national economy.
The Malaysian Ambassador expressed his support for this endeavor, highlighting the growing importance of the Algerian market to Malaysian industrial companies. He emphasized the vast opportunities for cooperation in the automotive sector, particularly in local manufacturing, knowledge transfer, and technology localization.
Proton, a prominent automotive brand in Southeast Asia, was established in Malaysia in 1983 and is part of the DRB-HICOM Group. The company began its industrial activities relying on technology and parts from Mitsubishi Motors of Japan before launching its first model, the Proton Saga, in 1985 at its factory in Shah Alam. Proton experienced rapid growth in its early years, reaching the production of its 100,000th Saga in January 1989. It expanded its range in the 1990s with the launch of new models such as the Proton Wira and Proton Perdana.
