Proton to launch two new cars by end of 2026, Saga Cross and e.MAS EV sedan

TANJUNG MALIM, 12 OCTOBER 2026 —

Proton Holdings Bhd has confirmed it will launch at least two new vehicle models before the end of 2026, a strategic move that underscores the national automaker’s aggressive expansion despite already surpassing its full-year 2025 sales volume in just nine months.

Abdul Rashid Musa during the release of the company’s September sales performance, signaling that the manufacturer’s pace of model introductions and infrastructure investments will not slow down.

The confirmation comes at a pivotal moment for the Malaysian automotive sector, where Proton is leveraging its recent commercial success to solidify its market position and expand its export footprint. According to Ir. Abdul Rashid Musa, the company is targeting further growth in the sales of both Proton and Geely badged vehicles originated from Malaysia for overseas markets.

This dual-brand export strategy highlights Proton’s evolving role not just as a domestic manufacturer, but as a key production hub for the Geely Group’s global supply chain. The Deputy CEO stated, “Despite our current success, Proton’s pace of model introductions, infrastructure investments and customer driven initiatives will not be slowing down.

We still have at least two more launches to come before the end of the year, while our export business is targeting further growth in sales of both Proton and Geely badged vehicles originated from Malaysia, in overseas markets.”

While Proton has not officially disclosed the specific identities of the upcoming models, industry analysis points to two likely candidates that align with the company’s current product roadmap. The first is the Proton Saga Cross, codenamed AMA02, which is expected to become the next model under the Proton Advanced Modular Architecture (AMA) platform. The development of the AMA02 was revealed to the public during a presentation at the Proton Tech Showcase in December 2025.

Industry rumors suggest that the AMA02 may be offered with a choice of internal combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid powertrains, a move that would broaden its appeal in a market increasingly shifting toward electrification.

The Saga Cross has been the subject of significant speculation following months of sightings of the compact SUV being tested on local roads. One of Proton’s major suppliers previously claimed that the model is set to go into production this October. The same supplier indicated that the AMA02 is positioned as an A-segment compact crossover, designed to compete directly with established rivals such as the Perodua Ativa and the Honda WR-V.

This positioning suggests Proton is aiming to capture a larger share of the compact SUV segment, which has seen robust demand in Malaysia.

The second anticipated launch is likely to come from Proton’s New Energy Vehicle (NEV) arm, Pro-Net, which has been rapidly expanding the e.MAS brand. The e.MAS lineup currently covers the SUV market with the e.MAS 7 and e.MAS 7 PHEV, as well as the budget segment with the e.MAS 5. Speculation suggests that Proton may introduce an electrified sedan to diversify its NEV portfolio.

The prime candidate for this slot is believed to be a rebadged version of the Geely Galaxy A7 EV, a model that was showcased at the Beijing Auto Show earlier in 2026. In the Chinese market, the Galaxy A7 is also available as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), offering Proton flexibility in how it positions the model for Malaysian consumers.

Introducing an electrified sedan under the e.MAS banner would provide Proton with an early foothold in the largely untapped market of budget and mid-range electric sedans. This strategic move would complement the existing SUV-focused NEV lineup and address a gap in the domestic market where electric sedan options remain limited.

By leveraging the Geely Galaxy A7 platform, Proton can potentially offer a competitive price point while maintaining the quality and technology standards associated with the Geely Group’s engineering capabilities.

The urgency behind these launches is driven by Proton’s exceptional sales performance in 2026. The automaker has achieved Year-To-Date (YTD) cumulative sales of 160,886 units, following the delivery of 19,465 units in September. This figure surpasses the company’s full-year 2025 sales volume of 157,976 units, marking the earliest time Proton has crossed the 150,000-unit mark in a single calendar year since 2002.

This milestone reflects strong momentum across both its internal combustion engine and new energy vehicle divisions, indicating that consumer demand for Proton’s products remains robust.

With the company having already exceeded its previous annual sales record in the first nine months of 2026, attention is now focused on the Tanjung Malim plant to see what Proton rolls out before the end of the year. The successful integration of the Saga Cross and a potential e.MAS sedan will be critical in sustaining this growth trajectory.

As Proton continues to invest in infrastructure and customer-driven initiatives, the next few months will be decisive in determining whether the company can maintain its record-breaking momentum and further expand its presence in both domestic and export markets. The upcoming launches are expected to reinforce Proton’s status as a leading player in the Malaysian automotive industry, with a diversified portfolio that spans from budget-friendly ICE models to advanced electrified vehicles.

Related: Proton Holdings Bhd · Ir. Abdul Rashid Musa · Tanjung Malim