The Proton research and development centre (PRDC) in China celebrates its one-year anniversary, as the facility was opened in April last year. Located in Hangzhou Bay within Zhejiang Geely Holding (Geely) facilities, Proton’s R&D base in China complements the Malaysian carmaker’s existing R&D facilities in Malaysia.
The partnership between Proton and Geely has directly empowered Proton’s research and development capabilities, enabling the transfer of technologies to the benefit of all Proton models. The partnership between Proton and Geely fosters a dynamic environment for the exchange of knowledge and innovation, which enables Proton to cater to the preferences of its customer base, it said in an official release.
A new product development system is employed at the PRDC to cover all critical phases of development, from the initial product strategy and definition to the design freeze and final data judgement phases, which is done to ensure engagement to guarantee alignment and efficient progress, says Proton.
“Over the past three months, I have seen how PRDC is contributing to the development of Proton’s next generation of intelligent vehicles through the integration of advanced vehicle E&E technologies,” said senior engineer Wan Fatin Nur Amira Binti Wan Rusli, who oversees electric and electronics as well as integration work at the PRDC.
Meanwhile, Proton is making progress in enhancing the driving characteristics of future Proton models, where chassis aspects are being refined for Malaysian roads, in areas such as braking, cabin noise, vibrations and harshness (NVH), as well as fuel efficiency, said Proton lead engineer for engineering performance Muhammad Hafiz Bin Zabidi.
One of the fruits of the partnership between the PRDC and Geely is the eMas 7, Proton’s first electric vehicle. Closely related to the Geely Galaxy E5/EX5, the eMas 7 was produced with the aid of Geely’s battery labs, powertrain test benches, and smart vehicle development centres in Hangzhou Bay, says Proton.
Key milestones have been reached by the PRDC through validation efforts for thermal management, charging efficiency and regenerative braking, to that end improving safety, durability and battery range, said the Malaysian carmaker. “Through these efforts, we are on track to introduce a reliable, high-value EV tailored to ASEAN consumers,” said senior engineer Omar Farhan Bin Omar.
“We are in daily contact with Proton R&D in Malaysia, sharing technical knowledge and testing data that will help improve testing capabilities in Malaysia. This ensures Proton can develop more competitive and high quality vehicles in the future,” said testing and development senior engineer, Zulkifli Bin Fadzlullah.
Further onwards, Proton aims to further deepen its technical understanding and to expand its research and development teams in Malaysia through enhanced exchange programmes, the Malaysian carmaker said, while recognising the need for more real-world testing in Malaysia.
The Hangzhou Bay PRDC is poised to play a crucial role in Proton’s E&E architecture and EV development, said Proton. The China-based centre plans to double its workforce by the end of the year, which is expected to significantly boost its R&D capabilities as a group, said head of R&D in engineering and technical Mohd Haizam Bin Ghazali.
“This collaboration serves as a crucial bridge to Proton’s product development capabilities by providing engineers access to advanced facilities and empowering them without shifting core R&D operations away from Malaysia,” Mohd Haizam said.
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