Geely powertrains will be integrated into Proton products – hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric likely

During the signing of a definitive agreement between DRB-Hicom and Zhejiang Geely Holding (ZGH), it was revealed there would be a fair bit of technology sharing between Geely and Proton. At a press conference this morning, we were provided a little more insight into those plans.

“Geely will provide all necessary support. Geely will supply our latest and most advanced engines. For your information, Proton’s engine is only certified for Euro 4 emissions. Geely will provide Euro 6 and beyond engine,” said Daniel Li Dong Hui, executive vice president and chief financial officer of ZGH. The company has engine capacities ranging from 1.0 to 3.5 litres, paired with either a four- or six-speed automatic, as well as a five-speed manual.

It isn’t just Geely’s conventional petrol engines either, as electrified powertrains are confirmed to be on the cards as well. “Yes, this is something that we will embrace, and Geely has embraced the technology. This is one of the highest reasons why Proton needs a strategic partner, where we can get immediate access to techology of EVs,” noted Datuk Seri Syed Faisal Albar, chairman of Proton Holdings.

“Geely will provide the transmission which will not only be able to handle a few cars, but also flexible to be equipped with new energy solutions, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure electric. We will provide the new product development, including our new models and including also hybrid and electric cars,” Li added.

The company’s experience with electric cars is backed by its partnership with Volvo Cars, giving birth to models like the Emgrand EV, which will be followed by a plug-in hybrid version later this year.

There’s also Geely’s new sub-brand – Lynk & Co – which will see closer cooperation between both Geely and Volvo on shared vehicle architectures, powertrain development and electrification.

With access to Geely’s resources and technologies, the Proton-Geely partnership will lead to the development of new (and exciting) products. We already know the Boyue will form the basis of Proton’s first-ever SUV model, and we’ve already sampled one in China not too long ago.

The SUV is available with a variety of engines, depending on the market it is sold in. Options include a 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol (139 hp/178 Nm), 2.4 litre NA petrol (153 hp/225 Nm) and a 1.8 litre turbocharged, direct-injected petrol (161 hp/250 Nm). A likely candidate for the Proton version is the turbo variant we sampled, paired with two-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission.

However, it remains to be seen when these new and modern powertrains will be integrated into Proton’s products, be it present models or future ones. Of course, all these product development initiatives will require the cooperation of both parties.

“Geely needed to invest tens of billions of dollars to do all this new product development. We do not ask Proton to make all this kind of additional investment. So Proton will only need to invest on the production and plant upgrading, quality improvement and the introduction of new products,” Li explained.

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