/en/posts/id24135-lotus-in-malaysia-history-current-models-and-future-plans
Lotus in Malaysia: history, current models, and future plans
Lotus brand in Malaysia: from Proton to electric models
Lotus in Malaysia: history, current models, and future plans
Explore Lotus in Malaysia: its history with Proton, current electric and ICE models like Eletre and Emira, and future growth plans in the automotive market.
2026-04-17T15:51:21+03:00
2026-04-17T15:51:21+03:00
2026-04-17T15:51:21+03:00
When discussing the Lotus brand in Malaysia, Proton inevitably comes into the conversation. The Malaysian company acquired a controlling stake in the iconic British marque back in 1996. Some may be surprised to learn that the Lotus Elise S1 was actually assembled in Malaysia in 1997. Roughly 180 of these cars rolled off the production line at Proton’s Shah Alam plant, destined not just for the local market but for export to Japan and Australia as well.Today, Lotus is partially owned by the Malaysian firm Etika Automotive, which holds a 49% stake. The remaining 51% belongs to the Geely conglomerate.The current Lotus lineup in Malaysia features two fully electric models—the Eletre and the Emeya—alongside a single internal combustion engine offering, the Emira. Last year, Lotus Cars Malaysia achieved its highest sales figures ever in the country.The company reportedly has ambitious plans and shows no sign of slowing down in 2026 and beyond.
Lotus Malaysia, Proton Lotus, Lotus electric cars, Eletre, Emeya, Emira, Malaysian automotive industry, Lotus history, Geely, Etika Automotive
2026
news
media.lotuscars.com
,
15:51 17-04-2026
Explore Lotus in Malaysia: its history with Proton, current electric and ICE models like Eletre and Emira, and future growth plans in the automotive market.
When discussing the Lotus brand in Malaysia, Proton inevitably comes into the conversation. The Malaysian company acquired a controlling stake in the iconic British marque back in 1996. Some may be surprised to learn that the Lotus Elise S1 was actually assembled in Malaysia in 1997. Roughly 180 of these cars rolled off the production line at Proton’s Shah Alam plant, destined not just for the local market but for export to Japan and Australia as well.Today, Lotus is partially owned by the Malaysian firm Etika Automotive, which holds a 49% stake. The remaining 51% belongs to the Geely conglomerate.The current Lotus lineup in Malaysia features two fully electric models—the Eletre and the Emeya—alongside a single internal combustion engine offering, the Emira. Last year, Lotus Cars Malaysia achieved its highest sales figures ever in the country.The company reportedly has ambitious plans and shows no sign of slowing down in 2026 and beyond.
