MARii, CATARC, PROTON and DRB-HICOM collaborate to develop next-generation vehicles
The Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC), DRB-Hicom Bhd and Proton Holdings Bhd have formed a strategic partnership to develop a next-generation vehicle (NxGV) hub in Malaysia.
MARii said the parties that signed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 7th January 2020, will focus on the development of an next-generation vehicle testing facility in Malaysia. This facility will be the first of its kind in the Southeast Asian region.
“MARii and CATARC will be focusing on knowledge and expertise transfer, standardisation of technical standards and the construction of facilities within the test centre, for the establishment of a full-fledged NxGV test centre in Malaysia to enhance domestic capabilities in the development and testing of NxGVs within the ASEAN region,” the company said.
MARii Chief Executive Officer Datuk Madani Sahari said as testing and homologation is a logistically sensitive item in the development of any vehicle.
MARii is working hard to offer full testing solutions in line with safety regulations, policies and standards according to the latest NxGV technology developments.
Madani emphasized that the MoU with CATARC is an important milestone for the country in its progress to be an NxGV hub in the ASEAN region.
Related Article
Asia Mobiliti completes pilot deployment of Orion, an IoT device for buses
“The expertise of our business, especially in terms of testing and certification, could be shared to the Malaysian and ASEAN automotive industries in the foreseeable future,” said CATARC General Manager Zhou Hua.
Besides that, MARii and DRB-Hicom’s MoU is an important landmark to establish academic and relevant human capital development programmes, to improve Malaysia’s automotive workforce.
These two companies will work together to establish new programs in line with industry demands, including value chain development and market expansion.
Programmes will comprise of advanced automotive technology modules related to Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS), NxGV and Industry 4.0, to create a pool of highly skilled professionals in the areas of future mobility.
“The technology modules in these academic programs will enable our workforce to be equipped with a more sophisticated set of skills, allowing them to render their talent in various multi-disciplinary areas of the automotive ecosystem”, said Madani.
MARii highlighted that the MoU signing between Proton and CATARC will possibly allow the Malaysian car company to collaborate and leverage on CATARC’s research and development facilities, particularly in areas related to testing activities.
“Combined with Proton’s research and development activities, it could boost the company’s product line-up and accelerate the incorporation of new technologies in line with Malaysia’s NxGV aspirations,” it added.
Click here to learn more on the real estate industry at IQI Global.
