KUALA LUMPUR: The nation's first electric vehicle (EV), e.MAS7, will serve as the official car when Malaysia chairs Asean next year, announced Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister made this statement during the launch of the e.MAS7 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) on Monday (Dec 16).
He emphasized that this move reflects the government's commitment to supporting the joint venture between national car manufacturer Proton and Chinese automaker Geely in producing the e.MAS7.
On the Proton's first EV e.MAS7, Anwar said that that it represents the nation's net zero emmission commitment.
He said that had aggressively promoted the eMAS7 on a nationwide tours prior to it's officails launching to showcase not only a sophisticated electrical vechicle but also an environmental friendly car.
He added the launching of Proton's EV SUV was timely as it is line with the nation's low carbon mobility blueprint.
"The launching of the EV by Proton is extremely timely it will also launch the nation into the next era of low carbon mobility," he said.
While the eMAS7 will eventually be built in Tanjong Malim, he said that Proton should leverage the growing EV market by making the National Automotive Policy 2020 as a reference point.
"It is incumbent that companies that operate in our automotive industry, not o my just to sell vechiles but also open opportunities for investment and employment by setting up a holistic ecosystem," he said.
Anwar later inspected the EV models that were unveiled, namely the e.MAS7 Prime and the e.MAS7 Premium priced between RM109,800 and RM123,800 without insurance.
The first 3,000 customers will be given a RM4,000 rebate to mark the historci launching of the nation's first EV.
