Proton says it is ready to collaborate in the ASEAN car project, with CEO Datuk Abdul Harith Abdullah telling Bernama that as a household brand in the local industry, the Malaysian carmaker will continue to focus its efforts on realising the government’s strategic objectives.
“We would be very happy to extend our market deeper into other ASEAN countries with their collaboration, in expanding our brand further. Proton is ever willing to assist any country that is willing to grow together with us, with the blessings of the Malaysian government,” he said.
Harith said that Proton is already an ASEAN car, as unlike carmakers in other nations in the region, it produces locally-branded cars in its own manufacturing facilities. He added that ASEAN is the next-largest growing market in the world after China, and ASEAN countries should protect their own market territory by producing homegrown products.
In October, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak revealed that Indonesian president Joko Widodo (popularly known as Jokowi) expressed interest in the ASEAN car, and that Malaysia and Indonesia would collaborate to make the project a reality.
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments express cautious optimism about Proton's role in the ASEAN car project, with some supporting the collaboration as a step toward global expansion. Others highlight challenges such as high prices, quality issues, and competition from Chinese and Japanese manufacturers. Several comments criticize Proton’s past efforts and market struggles outside Malaysia, with skepticism about Indonesia’s willingness to partner. There is debate over government protectionism, tax policies, and Proton’s funding, with some calling for improved product quality and market focus before regional expansion. A few comments assert national pride in Proton, while others question its viability in the face of stiff regional and international competition. Overall, sentiments range from hopeful to skeptical, emphasizing the need for action, better products, and fair market practices.