Proton Holdings, Malaysia’s first national car company, recently marked a significant milestone with the completion of a new vehicle assembly plant in Egypt. The plant, situated in the Al Oula Industrial Park in Giza, is owned by Ezz Elarab Elsewedy Automotive Factories (ESAF), a joint venture between Ezz Elarab and Elsewedy Capital Holding. This US$35m facility has an annual production capacity of 20,000 vehicles per year and is expected to create job opportunities for around 400 individuals.
The inauguration ceremony for the plant was graced by Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Bin Ibrahim, Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister H E Lieutenant General Kamel Al-Wazir, along with a host of government ministers and company officials including ESAF chairman Hisham Ezz Elarab and Proton chairman Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar.
The assembly plant is set to produce the Proton Saga, with kits being imported from Malaysia for assembly in Egypt. The first shipment of left-hand-drive Proton Saga CKD kits departed from Malaysia early in September. It is anticipated that 1,400 locally assembled Sagas will be produced by the end of the year, with the number rising to 5,000 units in 2025.
Proton has ambitious plans for the Egyptian market, aiming to export a total of 16,000 kits to Egypt by the end of 2026, valued at approximately MYR570m (US$127m). An additional MYR20m (US$4.5m) worth of spare parts will also be exported. The locally assembled Sagas will not only cater to the Egyptian market but will also be exported to other regions in Africa, including the Northern and Sub-Saharan regions. Proton is also looking to expand its presence in the Middle East.
At the event in Cairo, Proton chairman Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar expressed the company’s commitment to exploring new markets and collaborations. He highlighted Egypt as a strategic location in their regional plans and emphasized the untapped potential for Proton in markets outside Malaysia. The company aims to leverage partnerships like ESAF to maximize sales opportunities in regions where car ownership is on the rise.
The completion of the assembly plant in Egypt signifies Proton’s dedication to expanding its global footprint and solidifying its position as a key player in the automotive industry. With a focus on quality, innovation, and strategic partnerships, Proton is poised to further enhance its presence in international markets.
