ID :
55762
Thu, 04/16/2009 - 08:15
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/55762
The shortlink copeid
NATIONAL CAR NEEDS TO BE MORE COMPETITIVE, SAYS PM
KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's nattional car Proton cannot afford to be in the comfort zone in ensuring its continued existence in the automotive market, Prime Minister Najib Razak said Wednesday.
"With the global economic crisis, we have seen well-known automotive
industry names fighting for their survival, and Proton needs to learn from
this," he said at the official launch of the Proton Exora MPV.
According to Najib, Proton needs to undertake initiatives and proactive
efforts to raise its competitiveness and productivity.
Proton, he said, should also cultivate the image of being able to meet
consumers' needs from the aspects of design, quality and price.
Najib said that as the national carmaker, Proton has to become a more
competitive company to ensure its survival in the 21st century automotive
market.
"In this challenging era of globalisation as well as facing the global
financial and economic crisis, we have to find more creative and innovative
solutions to overcome the problems. We have to be brave to think out of the
box," he said.
Najib, who is also Finance Minister, said that in overcoming any crisis,
there was a need to look at all options for the good of the country.
Proton, according to him, should look more seriously at strategic alliances
to come out with products which were fuel-efficient and environmentally
friendly.
"In the competitive local and export markets, we must always be ahead of the
competition to succeed. And the competitors will also continue to challenge our
position. There is no such thing as a free ride or free lunch in this world," he
said.
On the Exora, Najib said he hoped that it could meet the needs of consumers
who are now more conscious concerning the comfort and security of their families
on the road.
He said that as the country's first locally manufactured multi-purpose
vehicle (MPV), the Exora has received more than 2,000 bookings since Feb 21,
2009, when it was opened for bookings.
"We are proud because the process of coming out with the Exora, from
research and development, design, testing to production, involved locals. This
is a proof of our capability," he added.
Najib said the Exora required only 18 months for development, from the model
fix stage to start of production.
He announced the MPV prices, from RM69,998 for the Exora M-Line 1.6
Automatic to RM75,998 for the Exora Hi-Line 1.6 Automatic.
Set up in 1983, Proton is not only a domestic player but has also entered
the competitive global automotive market, including in the United Kingdom,
Australia, Asian countries, the Middle East and northern Africa.
-- BERNAMA
"With the global economic crisis, we have seen well-known automotive
industry names fighting for their survival, and Proton needs to learn from
this," he said at the official launch of the Proton Exora MPV.
According to Najib, Proton needs to undertake initiatives and proactive
efforts to raise its competitiveness and productivity.
Proton, he said, should also cultivate the image of being able to meet
consumers' needs from the aspects of design, quality and price.
Najib said that as the national carmaker, Proton has to become a more
competitive company to ensure its survival in the 21st century automotive
market.
"In this challenging era of globalisation as well as facing the global
financial and economic crisis, we have to find more creative and innovative
solutions to overcome the problems. We have to be brave to think out of the
box," he said.
Najib, who is also Finance Minister, said that in overcoming any crisis,
there was a need to look at all options for the good of the country.
Proton, according to him, should look more seriously at strategic alliances
to come out with products which were fuel-efficient and environmentally
friendly.
"In the competitive local and export markets, we must always be ahead of the
competition to succeed. And the competitors will also continue to challenge our
position. There is no such thing as a free ride or free lunch in this world," he
said.
On the Exora, Najib said he hoped that it could meet the needs of consumers
who are now more conscious concerning the comfort and security of their families
on the road.
He said that as the country's first locally manufactured multi-purpose
vehicle (MPV), the Exora has received more than 2,000 bookings since Feb 21,
2009, when it was opened for bookings.
"We are proud because the process of coming out with the Exora, from
research and development, design, testing to production, involved locals. This
is a proof of our capability," he added.
Najib said the Exora required only 18 months for development, from the model
fix stage to start of production.
He announced the MPV prices, from RM69,998 for the Exora M-Line 1.6
Automatic to RM75,998 for the Exora Hi-Line 1.6 Automatic.
Set up in 1983, Proton is not only a domestic player but has also entered
the competitive global automotive market, including in the United Kingdom,
Australia, Asian countries, the Middle East and northern Africa.
-- BERNAMA
