Proton and Mahathir

SHAH ALAM, Tuesday 17 August 2010 (Bernama) -- Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said that for Proton to stay in the market and celebrate its Silver Jubilee this year is in itself a high achievement.

"This is because we find big automobile companies like General Motors, Chrsyler and others all have been forced to rely on assistance," said the former prime minister at the breaking of fast hosted by the national carmaker here tonight.

Proton, he said, still does not need help yet it has been able to expand its market and products, and this is a proud achievement.

Dr Mahathir who is Proton adviser said that although the company no longer commands top placing in the country's car market, it has performed better.

Proton's profit in the first quarter of this year showed an increase compared with the first quarter of last year, he said.

This is a result of efforts by the dedicated managers, engineers and employees to produce cars acceptable to the market.

"We no longer hear defects in Proton cars like its windows failing to close properly," he said.

Now, everywhere we see the new Proton Saga has been well accepted by the people, he added.

Therefore, he said, Proton needs to double its efforts to churn out new high-tech models using hybrid or electric engines.

"We have yet to market these cars. I'm sure when it goes to the market, it will receive good response from the people," he said.

Dr Mahathir said Proton employees will be able have command of new techniques and technologies quickly since they have reached a high level of achievement in car assembly and repair.

"We have to enhance our capabilities now because Proton cars have a big potential in the world market," he said.

Proton will try its best so that its cars can penetrate Europe and countries requiring high standards.

"We are confident to achieve high standards and we can compete with others," he said.

"I'm happy with Proton's performance. Twenty-five years ago we did not dream of producing sophisticated cars. It clearly shows that our employees and engineers can master new technologies," he said.

Meanwhile, Proton Group Managing Director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said Proton is on the best track to implement all its plans including to produce new models and engines.

"Proton will launch a model to replace the Waja soon," he said.

He said Proton will also launch its turbo engine by year end which will give a boost to the local car industry.

At the function, Dr Mahathir handed over contributions to the Al-Nasuha Sri Gombak and Tuan Baiduri Dengkil orphanages.

2010-08-18 11:50