No, it’s not what it seems – your next Proton Iriz won’t come complete with Back to the Future-style nuclear-powered flux capacitor that will enable your inner Doc Brown to travel through time to the year 2015 (oh, wait…). The national carmaker’s latest technical collaboration – this time with the Malaysia Nuclear Agency (Nuclear Malaysia) – is much more modest than that.
According to Astro Awani, Proton will engage with the association to develop and utilise materials derived from the nuclear power industry. In this phase of the collaboration, the duo will work together on three research components concerning the use of cables and conductors for automotive applications.
These include the development of advanced EB cross-linked HF/FR cables, the development of advanced aluminum and alloys as alternative conductors and the establishment of a Proton Industrial Standard and a Malaysian standard for automotive cables.
Nuclear Malaysia chief director Datuk Dr Muhamad Lebai Juri said that it recognises the need to produce local products that are innovative and comparable to imported products has risen in the wake of increasingly liberalised trade. As such, the agency intends to play an important role in helping Proton become a more competitive player in the marketplace.
“This system can become a marketing tool to generate success,” he said. “The country will be able to reduce its dependence on imported products, preventing the outward flow of money.
“The research programme is in line with aspirations and pressure from the government to implement the concept of innovation, as well as the emphasis of local production as an agenda to stabilise the national economy with quality, technologically-advanced local products.”
Proton chief technical officer Abdul Rashid Musa added that the expertise of Nuclear Malaysia is vital, especially in improving the quality and safety of Proton vehicles. “For example, cable insulators that use Nuclear Malaysia technology are stronger, more durable. As such, we would like to utilise that technology made available by Nuclear Malaysia in Proton vehicles.”
* Top image via Wikimedia
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments mostly express skepticism and criticism toward Proton's plans involving nuclear technology, citing poor existing quality, safety issues, and lack of basic engineering mastery. Many believe Proton should focus on improving core car manufacturing before venturing into advanced, risky projects. There is widespread doubt whether Proton can manage such complex technology and concerns that it might be a publicity stunt or lead to safety hazards, reflecting low confidence in Proton's capabilities and current priorities.