Proton chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said that the national carmaker is aiming to introduce three new models next year in order to increase sales and prop up its financial performance, according to Bernama.
The former prime minister claims the cars will better their predecessors, the Saga, Persona and Perdana. “In the automotive industry, we are always borrowing technology. Major car companies are always exchanging technology. In this regard, we are only using Honda’s platform with the rest coming from our own efforts,” he said, referring to the new civilian-use Honda Accord-based Perdana, which will have an in-house design.
“The new models are equipped with the latest safety features and design. I really hope that all three models will enter the market in stages from January next year and will be well-received.”
Mahathir added that Proton’s sales performance is sluggish at the moment, even though the company was working very hard to produce quality cars such as the Iriz. “I find the Iriz to be very good because it is very light and easy to drive compared with foreign cars of the same quality, but consumers’ response has not been encouraging,” he said. “However, of late the response to our Preve model has been better.”
Meanwhile, the decline in sales is also said to have affected the company’s cash flow, delaying salary increments for executive staff. “We have to make sacrifices to remedy the situation. Bonuses, although not much, will still be given, but with better sales they could probably be higher,” Mahathir said.
The mention of a new Persona is intriguing to say the least, as the Preve was previously touted as a replacement. Still, seeing as the current car is a B-segment sedan (the Preve belongs to the C-segment), it stands to reason that the Iriz-based “Saga” sedan might actually be the next Persona, slotting under the Preve. However, that would now leave the question of a new Saga wide open…
In addition to the three aforementioned models, Proton will also build its first car developed in collaboration with Suzuki – widely tipped to be a Perodua Axia-rivalling A-segment car – that could go on sale as early as August 2016.
AD: Drive the Proton model of your dreams. Submit your details and Proton PJ will get in touch with you.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
AdeAkuKesah
on 
Veneno
on 
rosdi
on 
Close Down Proton
on 
Bruise
on 
maodesong
on 
ramjohan
on 
Muhamad
on 
just talk cars
on 
Beng P1boy
on 
Let Us Subsidise Rich Arabs
on 
taxc
on 
paulz
on 
HOBH
on 
Kesah Pulak Aku
on 
calcutta
on 
GT3 (Member)
on 
Abc
on 
fanofthisite
on 
tokmoh.
on 
Nujum
on 
donno
on 
frossonice
on 
bukapintubayartol
on 
Munkay
on 
Blame Game
on 
buako
on 
DPCraft
on 
kadajawi (Member)
on 
kadajawee
on 
Allroadquattro
on 
Martin Tan
on 
Proton mistake
on 
Krane
on 
p314
on 
Azmi
on 
azrai
on 
Aero (Member)
on 
Obviously (Member)
on 
kzm (Member)
on 
KB
on 
vedi
on 
kenot
on 
brazbuz
on 
ioma
on 
nioo
on 
nabill (Member)
on 
ProtonTakGuna
on 
Congrat
on 
Proton achieving 15% TIV in 2015
on 
Ccos
on 
ccc
on 
uniy
on 
smokey
on 
salai
on 
MK
on 
shamgti
on 
Rakyatmalang
on 
Bibo
on 
youloser
on 
Jobless
on 
bigboy
on 
malaysian car policy
on 
AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments on the blog post reveal a mix of excitement and skepticism about Proton's upcoming models, highlighting concerns over existing quality issues, overproduction, and market strategy. Many emphasize the importance of maintaining the Saga, Persona, and Perdana names while criticizing Proton’s focus on making too many models, which could dilute sales and affect quality. Several commenters suggest using existing platforms such as Suzuki or Honda to improve product quality and affordability rather than venturing into niche or SUV markets. There is strong criticism regarding high car prices in Malaysia caused by taxes and protectionist policies, with some blaming Proton for decades of inflated costs and poor investment decisions. Despite some fan support for Proton, the general tone is critical, emphasizing the need for better focus on core models and quality.