Proton

Proton, short for *Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional* or *National Automobile Enterprise*, is Malaysia’s first national car manufacturer. It was founded in 1983 as part of a government initiative led by Prime Minister Tun Mahathir Mohamad, who envisioned building the country’s industrial capability and national pride through automotive production. The project aimed to develop local expertise while reducing Malaysia’s dependence on foreign imports.

In its early years, Proton relie...