Proton appoints Sri Lanka distributor for eMas models, sales targeted to begin this year

Proton is expanding its export operations into Sri Lanka after signing a Distributorship Agreement with David Pieris Holdings (Private) Limited (DPHL), which will distribute and retail Proton eMas models in the market.

The agreement was signed following a meeting between Proton and representatives from DPHL at Proton's Centre of Excellence headquarters in Subang Jaya.

DPHL is one of Sri Lanka's largest diversified automotive groups, having operated in the country's automotive industry since 1970. Its business interests also include financial services, logistics and leisure.

The Proton business in Sri Lanka will be handled by David Pieris Automobiles (Private) Limited (DPAL), which will leverage the group's existing automotive infrastructure and resources to support Proton's sales and aftersales operations.

Proton says customers in Sri Lanka will also benefit from DPHL's in-house financial and logistics capabilities, allowing the group to provide an integrated ownership experience covering vehicle purchase, financing, logistics and aftersales support.

Edmund Lim Meng Thong, CEO of Proton International Corporation, said the company sees DPHL as the right partner to establish and grow Proton's presence in Sri Lanka, with the long-term ambition of making Proton a leading NEV brand in the country.

eMas driving Proton's export expansion

The new Sri Lankan partnership will initially focus on Proton eMas models, with sales targeted to begin in 2026.

Although the eMas brand was only established in 2024, Proton says it has become an important driver of the company's overseas expansion. eMas models are currently exported to Singapore, Trinidad and Tobago, Mauritius and Nepal, while Brunei is expected to join the list soon.

The Sri Lankan market will therefore become another export destination for Proton's electrified models as the company continues to expand its NEV business beyond Malaysia.

In Malaysia, eMas has recorded 21,808 combined domestic and export sales during the first seven months of 2026. The brand has also surpassed 30,000 cumulative sales since the launch of its first model, the eMas 7, in December 2024.

The eMas 5 currently holds the position of Malaysia's best-selling EV, while the eMas 7 PHEV is the country's best-selling plug-in hybrid, according to Proton.

Lim said the launch of eMas has also opened up new opportunities for Proton International Corporation, particularly in markets where the electrified models are currently the only Proton products available.

For markets that also offer Proton's internal combustion engine (ICE) models, distributors can instead provide a broader range of electrified and conventional powertrain options.

With the appointment of DPHL, Proton is continuing to build its international footprint while using eMas as a key component of its strategy to enter new overseas markets.