Proton Holdings expects total vehicle sales to reach 200,000 units in 2026, which would be its highest annual sales volume in 15 years, following sales of about 100,000 vehicles in the first half (1H) of the year.

Deputy chief executive officer Datuk Abdul Rashid Musa said the national carmaker expects sales to remain at a similar pace during the remainder of 2026.

"Yes, we have registered quite a strong 1H performance, and I believe with the strong support from Malaysians, Proton will continue to register good numbers for 2026," he told the media in an interview at the Global Automotive and Technology Expo 2026 (GATE Expo 2026) here on August 26th.

Abdul Rashid said the xEV segment currently accounts for about 17% of Proton's total sales volume, with additional xEV models expected to be introduced. The term xEV is a general industry reference for electrified vehicles, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles.

He said the 17% share contributes to the government's electrified vehicle targets, including its goal of achieving a 20% share by 2030.

"So I believe Proton is ahead. We will be able to support the government to achieve that target for 2030," he added.

On technology development, Abdul Rashid said Proton intends to make automotive technologies available across its vehicle range, including technologies that have traditionally been used mainly in premium vehicles. He said this is also aligned with government policies aimed at reducing emissions and improving vehicle safety as automotive technology develops.

"For Proton, being the car for the public and masses, these (features) are also available in all Proton cars," he said.

Abdul Rashid said GATE Expo 2026 is being used by Proton to display technologies that are not normally visible from the exterior of a vehicle. The company is showcasing four automotive technologies at the event: its hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) powertrain, electrical and electronic architecture, integrated head unit and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

"Visitors to the Proton booth will be able to gain a closer look at the technologies, including how they work, function and are integrated into Proton vehicles," he said.

He said the technologies include the powertrain, which is intended to reduce emissions and improve efficiency, ADAS, which is intended to improve vehicle safety, and the vehicle's electrical and electronic architecture and intelligent head unit.

On localisation and industry collaboration, Abdul Rashid said Proton, as an original equipment manufacturer, has a role in developing the local automotive ecosystem because components used in modern vehicles differ from those produced 40 years ago.

He said modern vehicles use more electrical and electronic components in place of mechanical parts, requiring changes in both vehicle technology and the manufacturing technologies used to produce the components.

"Therefore, the way we build parts and components today is different. The technology being used, not only in the car but also in the manufacturing technology to produce these components, is also different," he said.

Abdul Rashid said the changes require upgrades across the automotive ecosystem to support Proton's operations. The company will work with industry participants to develop local capacity and capabilities and increase localisation in Malaysia.

Looking beyond GATE Expo 2026, he said Proton will continue to develop its technologies as the automotive industry changes and use these developments to update its products and operations.

"This is an opportunity due to a shift in technology today. And Proton is bringing this to the masses. This is the opportunity for Proton to update itself as a company, and the local automotive industry," he said.

He said Proton also aims to contribute to the development of Malaysia as a hub for automotive industry technologies.