There has been no word yet from Volkswagen on the potential tie-up with Proton, says Second Finance Minister Nor Mohamed Yakcop. “Not yet. I will let you know one day … just give us a little time. We will resolve it,” he said.
As for General Motors, who have also been in talks with Proton, spokesperson Rob Leggat said GM is still interested in Proton and tie-up talks continue at preliminary stages. If Proton ends up having a tie-up with GM, you can be sure that we will see the re-entry of DRB-HICOM as a Proton stakeholder, as GM’s local partner in Malaysia is DRB-HICOM, who sells the group’s Chevrolet and (ex-)Suzuki brands. Suzukis was once controlled by GM, but GM has since divested in the Japanese automaker since 2006.
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AI-generated Summary ✨
The comments reveal widespread skepticism and dissatisfaction with Proton's strategic dealings, especially regarding potential partnerships with VW, GM, and other automakers. Many accuse Proton and Malaysia's government of corruption, mismanagement, and political interference, hindering the company's growth and innovation. There is concern about quality issues, safety, and the company's future direction, with some suggestions that VW or other foreign giants might take over to improve standards. Several commenters are frustrated that delays and manipulations are harming Proton's competitiveness, and some believe the government’s involvement impedes genuine progress. Overall, sentiments are negative, with a strong desire for accountability, better leadership, and a more transparent, merit-based industry approach.