Proton’s attention may be mostly focused on the forthcoming “Saga Cross” AMA02 A-segment SUV, but a longtime supplier has provided a hint at what’s coming next.
As part of the opening of a new chassis component assembly facility in Tanjung Malim today, EP Manufacturing (EPMB) has confirmed that its joint venture with China’s Sanly, Peps Sanly JV, will produce front corner modules, subframe modules and rear axle modules assemblies for not just the Saga MC3 and the AMA02, but also a new model called the AMA05.
This is not the first time this codename has been referenced. Late last year, Proton confirmed the existence of the AMA05 alongside the then newly-launched Saga (AMA01), the AMA02 and the AMA06 as future models built on its Advanced Modular Architecture (AMA).
It also announced that one of those models would be an MPV, powered by a hybrid powertrain with a DHT120 transmission. The abbreviation stands for dedicated hybrid transmission – just like the one fitted to the eMas 7 PHEV – with the “120” likely standing for the electric motor’s power output in kilowatts (163 PS). Interestingly, unlike the AMA02, the MPV will not be offered in a pure petrol variant, as noted in Proton’s chart below.
Could the AMA05 be the MPV in question? It certainly seems to be the case, possibly as a stretched version of the SUV – the two cars forming a dual-pronged assault on Perodua’s dominance in the A-segment. If Proton really wants to snatch the sales crown away from its rival, it will have to steal its precious market share – and right now, the Alza stands as Malaysia’s fifth best-selling model, one that Proton currently has no answer to.
Anyway, back to the JV with Sanly, initially established in February 2025 to build components for the Saga. The new RM9.5 million plant, built on land spanning 9,909 square metres, began operations in October 2025 and is capable of producing 40,000 car sets a month, or up to 480,000 car sets per annum.
Interestingly, EPMB states that the factory also builds parts for the Iriz and Persona – despite the former supposedly out of production since last year, and the latter surely on its way out. Either their demise has been greatly exaggerated, or the plant is simply producing spare parts for the over decade-old models.
Over to you now – are you excited for the new AMA05? Let us know in the comments.
GALLERY: Peps Sanly JV plant opening in Tanjung Malim
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Will there be a phev?
More likely Ertiga replacement instead of Exora
We need this more than the SagaCross..this is gonna be in hot demand
Of course yes! But should be 8-seater (standard) or 7-seater (2nd row captain seats) mpv.
Saga platform is too small to replace exora
Proton’s Advance Modular Architecture can be expanded (widened & elongated) to design C-segment MPV like Exora, even C+ segment MPV like Innova, so don’t worry about it…
Only idiot would buy Saga. So new yet so many complaints already in the market.
Proton, the belakang is just not appealing.
It is like Donnie Yen bash u up,and u ended with swollen lips left and right.
Cant u get the Theophilus Chin redesign the belakang lampu? Something like the City or Vios belakang.
Come on Geely, please give us better looking AMA05 and not that hideous Saga front
i wonder if AMA05 will take away sales from AMA02 ? why not AMA05 geared towards export market in this region such as Indon and India. Or if AMA02 is such as good deal, why not going CKD for export market ?.. perhaps badged under Geely ?
This new mpv still needed here,go look at new Alza, the price hardly drop
Long live the Saga chassis. Father to many interesting offsprings
This saga platform originate from savvy. So basically it’s more than 20 years
ASEAN spec rubbish
baik beli perodua QVE
I own a Serena C23 and i bought an Alzavto upgrade. Nevertheless i sold my hew Alza as i find the Serena is more a practical car to do Business, ferry families for Holidays and can easily chuck in my bicycle upright for exercise. Its a versatile MPV Van.
I hope Proton will come out with a Snall Van MPV like the C23 size as it eits perfectly well in Malaysia road and parking lots. Making Alza like MPV is the wrong direction.
Agreed.
Proton should introduce Serena/Voxy/Stpegn sized tallboy MPV to fit the gap. Not sure if the AMA platform can be stretched for C segment mpv size.
Alza has its own USP & brand legacy that hard to beat. Dont repeat the same mistake (remember Exora & Alza 1st gen were launched abt thebsame time).
Kia:
1944–1997: Founded as a bicycle and parts maker, later expanding into cars, but fell into bankruptcy during the Asian financial crisis.
1998: Hyundai Motor Group acquired a controlling stake in Kia, rescuing the brand from receivership.
2006: Hired former Audi designer Peter Schreyer, introducing the iconic “Tiger Nose” grille and pivoting toward bold, modern styling.
2009–2020: Shifted global perception from a budget alternative to a quality leader, topping initial quality studies and launching hits like the Telluride SUV.
2021–Present: Unveiled a dynamic new logo and brand philosophy, accelerating into electrification with acclaimed EVs like the EV6.
Proton:
1985: Launched the first Proton Saga, dominating the Malaysian domestic market.
2012–2016: Suffered severe market share decline and heavy financial losses due to increased global competition and aging designs.
2017: China’s Geely acquired a 49.9% stake in Proton, injecting capital and core technology.
2018–2020: Launched the X70 and X50 SUVs, revitalizing domestic appeal and driving record sales.
2024–2026: Expanded into green mobility with the Proton e.MAS electric vehicle lineup, capturing a massive share of Malaysia’s EV market.
Import tax was imposed to protect a homegrown brand, for a period of time, the rakyat really supported it. For years, it dominated the nation yet where is it today.
But Kia made full use of the policy and became a global brand like Honda Toyota but proton didn’t. That is the difference of Korea and Malaysia protectionism policies
Honda did this in Asean market:
Brio (4 door hatchback)
Amaze (4 door sedan)
Mobilio (hatchback front with wagon rear)
BR-V (revise exterior van platform)
Will such package works for local market, or to complete in Asean region?
p1 under ccp still need protection, how can fare in asean?
enough with the IMAGINARY COPY PASTE DESIGN…
p1 under geely will further rebadge only, msia mkt too insignificant for new model, platform or even technology…
AI can do better than theosifilis imaginary design
Dude.. Whats wrong with Theo that deserved such condescending name?
He did his job well. It’s just an artist impression of a low cost MPV.
My Saga Estate/Touring version dream coming true.
AMA models are a waste of our right hand drive conversion talent
The Alza launched in 2022 based on Daihatsu Xenia 2021.
This 105hp 5 years old mover, time for a replacement model, get upgrades for performance, space and comfort needed.
I don’t know about you guys but I think there’s still much development potential in the Persona. New 130hp NA engine, new 50L fuel tank plus rear discs brakes. And it’s bigger than SAGA plus a huge boot space. How about it PROTON?
Saw real size clay model of AMA05 last month at Tg Malim. Definitely larger than Ertiga, Smaller than X90.
naah. thats probably a concept clay model because from ama01 we knew, all prototype development (clay to actual prototype) are made in Hangzhou bay.