Proton may be eyeing India again as DRB-HICOM explores automotive opportunities

Proton could be preparing to enter the Indian market, following discussions between DRB-HICOM and potential Indian industry partners in New Delhi.

The possibility emerged after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim met representatives from DRB-HICOM and its strategic partners during a series of meetings with major Indian companies on 13 September 2026.

According to Berita Harian, the meeting with DRB-HICOM focused on potential cooperation with India’s automotive industry, including opportunities to expand investment and establish strategic partnerships between Malaysia and India.

However, no specific details have been confirmed regarding Proton’s possible entry into India. There is currently no word on a potential local distributor, assembly operations, launch timeline or which Proton models could be introduced.

Read Also: Spied: AMA02 Proton Saga Cross - Two variants in Malaysia, including first look at 5-lug wheel design

This is not Proton’s first attempt at exploring the Indian market.

Back in December 1997, Proton conducted road tests in India with the Iswara 1.3, Iswara 1.5, and Wira 1.5. The three cars arrived at Chennai port before being driven to Hyderabad, where they were subjected to an evaluation programme covering around 7,540 km across several Indian states.

At the time, Proton was also studying possible locations for a manufacturing plant in India, including Chandigarh, Visakhapatnam and Chennai.

More than a decade later, Proton revived its India plans. In 2008, the company said it was evaluating the Saga, Persona, and Savvy for the market, with the three models undergoing field trials and technical assessments.

The Saga and Persona were subsequently spotted testing on the Greater Noida Expressway, while Proton was reportedly considering a local partner for manufacturing and distribution.

Proton was still discussing a possible Indian-market strategy in 2011, when the company said it had conducted customer surveys and road tests there since 2008. The proposed line-up at the time included the Saga, Persona, Gen2 and Exora.

The latest reported sighting came in July 2023, when a Proton X50 was spotted on the Pune-Nashik highway. The vehicle was reportedly being used for a possible feasibility study, rather than as confirmation of an imminent launch.

Despite these earlier efforts, Proton has never officially launched its vehicles in India.

Photo Credit: Rushlane