PROTON TO FOCUS ON HIGH-GROWTH MARKETS

From Christine Lim

YOKOHAMA, May 20 (Bernama) -- Malaysian car manufacturer Proton Holdings Bhd
will focus on high-growth markets like China, India and the Middle East, said
its group managing director, Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir.

He said Proton hoped to also establish its presence in other markets with
parties it share common goals with.

"Proton is determined to become a recognised and relevant global motor
vehicle player, and we acknowledge that the export market will play a big role
in our future as the Malaysian domestic market growth is saturated," he told
Bernama.

Syed Zainal said Proton needed to produce the right cars for the market and
would take into account the regulatory requirements and customer expectations.

Proton is one of the nine Malaysian companies participating in the
Automotive Engineering Exposition 2010 (AEE 2010) here, which is spearheaded by
Japan External Trade Organisation and Malaysia External Trade Development Corp
(Matrade).

For AEE 2010, Proton is displaying the Proton Exora.

He said one of Proton's objectives here was to promote the capabilities of
Malaysian companies, particularly its vendors.

"Our participation in the AEE 2010 also provides us with the opportunity
to get market feedback on the Exora from the Japanese -- be it the general
public or automotive professionals -- as the multi purpose vehicle features the
advancements of our automotive technology," he said.

Syed Zainal said Proton's presence here was also a show of support for
Matrade.

He said Proton's relationship with Mitsubishi Motors Corp, the sixth largest
carmaker in Japan, which began in 1985, has been fruitful and both companies had
several product collaborations.

"However, Proton has evolved to become a full-fledged car manufacturer, and
the affiliation has now moved to a new level. Both parties have interesting
products and platform line-ups. We can both leverage on them for better synergy.

"In fact, we have several ongoing projects with Mitsubishi. The details will
be revealed at the appropriate time," he said.

Syed Zainal said Proton was now able to offer its engineering expertise to
other parties, and was also currently exploring 'green' initiatives together
with the Malaysian government.

"We have also embarked on hybrid and electric vehicle projects in which our
test vehicles are expected to roll out in 2012.

"Green technology requires extensive investments that we feel will become
affordable once new battery technology is explored," he said.

He said the extensive research was showing rapid progress and the project
with Detroit Electric was still on-going.

It was reported last year that Proton would manufacture electric cars for
eco-conscious markets in Europe and the US, in a deal with the Netherlands-based
company.
-- BERNAMA


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