Proton GMA Platform Detailed – 5 New Models Including EVs & PHEVs

During the Proton new EV brand launch yesterday, the national automaker also revealed that it is in the midst of developing a new vehicle platform known as the Global Modular Architecture (GMA). This new modular platform will serve as the basis for at least five upcoming models by the automaker, featuring varying kinds of powertrains ranging from full ICEs to battery EVs (BEVs).

Proton’s new Global Modular Architecture will be used on five upcoming models, including both BEVs and PHEVs.

According to Proton CEO Dr. Li Chunrong, the GMA platform is being developed with the aim of providing a basis for next-gen Proton models, of which five are currently in the pipeline. The CEO also added that Proton being part of the Geely automotive group has helped the automaker in the development of this new platform, allowing Proton to access some of Geely’s latest technologies and integrate them into upcoming Proton models.

As its name suggests, the GMA platform can be catered to varying types of powertrains, such as pure internal combustion engines (ICE), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and even BEVs. With the aforementioned five models already in the pipeline, Proton has a pretty big ambition with this new modular platform, with the automaker set to make the GMA-based models available for both domestic and international markets.

Ultimately, Proton targets a combined annual production volume of up to 200,000 units of models based on the new GMA platform.

The national automaker's first EV model under the newly-formed Proton e.MAS EV brand (left) will be based on the Geely Galaxy E5 (right)

Not to be confused with Proton’s first EV, which will be under its new EV brand, Proton e.MAS, models based on the GMA platform will come afterwards, with the Galaxy E5-based Proton EV underpinning Geely’s new Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture (GEA) instead. The GEA is essentially an updated version of the marque’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) used on Geely’s premium EV models like the smart #1 and Zeekr X, where it can support BEVs, range-extender EVs (REEVs), and even methanol-based powertrains.

Proton X90 (left) & Proton Saga (right)

With the Galaxy E5 using platforms derived from premium EV models, we can expect Proton’s first EV model to be on the higher-end side, just like how current Geely-based Proton models are positioned higher than Proton’s core models like the Saga, Iriz, and Persona. Should Proton decide with such a strategy, we could be seeing the new GMA platform spawning new affordable EVs by the national automaker.

As of now, Proton has yet to unveil any detailed timeline for all five models using its new GMA platform. But given that the Proton e.MAS EV model is set to debut by the end of this year, we’d reckon it’ll take at least a year or two before we get to see a new model underpinning the GMA platform.