According to a Nikkei Asian Review report, Proton is in discussion with several foreign partners who may be interested to purchase a stake in the national carmaker, as part of its turnaround plan. Previously, Mitsubishi Motors had a stake in Proton, which was then sold off in March 2004, marking an end of its 22-year investment in Proton.
“We want a partner with an equity share in Proton,” said Madani Sahari, CEO of the Malaysia Automotive Institute. He added that several global original equipment manufacturers (OEM) have submitted their proposals, and Proton is currently reviewing them.
The national carmaker recently received a soft loan of RM1.5 billion from the government, which came with several conditions that need to be met, including the need to identify a foreign partner. Additionally, a strategic plan to increase its share of the domestic market, as well as to penetrate into international markets, is also required.
A task force, led by Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu) CEO Datuk Seri Idris Jala, was set up to oversee the company’s turnaround plans, which also includes the closing of its Shah Alam plant, consolidating all its production to Tanjung Malim. Both plants are now running at about one-third of their 350,000-unit annual capacity, according to the report.
The newly-launched Perdana is just one of the models that is part of Proton’s plans to reclaim its lost market share, which currently hovers at just 13%. In the coming months of 2016, the carmaker will look to bolster its product range with the introduction of the new Persona (August), Saga (September) and Ertiga-based MPV in October.
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.
john is otak batu
on 
Operation Manager
on 
Abang Alza Pakai Topi
on 
mint
on 
Kunta Kinte
on 
kuntabodo
on 
PlaySafeDriveSafe
on 
Cash Is King
on 
cashier
on 
frossonice
on 
Low Budget
on 
GT Fan
on 
DSGsuck
on 
Datuk Low Pro File
on 
justsomepissedoffdude
on 
Albert
on 
Malaysia Official 1
on 
Jonn Dol
on 
Haval no1
on 
Myexit
on 
Designer Music
on 
ioma
on 
camtakpro
on 
Andas
on 
GTi
on 
leoRNado
on 
Potong everything la
on 
citizen
on 
AVH
on 
donno
on 
R&D
on 
BOng
on 
Azmi
on 
nabill (Member)
on 
Rinnegan
on 
George Abdul
on 
Sewel
on 
BS
on 
ChinaAutoSoon
on 
Best option
on 
Passerby
on 
jolly_idiot
on 
bukapintubayartol
on 
Middle Age Driver (Member)
on 
old horse
on 
Henry
on 
shah
on 
jobless
on 
Game over Potong
on 
hukaka
on 
Das Auto
on 
Elvis
on 
abee
on 
Mao Situng
on 
hidupproton
on 
AI-generated Summary ✨
The comments reflect skepticism and concern about Proton's future, with many criticizing its management, outdated models, and poor quality. There is strong support for selling stakes to foreign companies, especially Chinese firms, to revive the brand and access new markets. Some express frustration with the repeated delays and ineffective strategies, urging Proton to close and cut losses. Others mention past opportunities lost, like VW's potential investment, and worry about the company's reputation and leadership. Overall, sentiments lean toward viewing Proton as a struggling company in need of significant restructuring, foreign partnership, or even closure to prevent further decline. Many see the sale of stakes as a necessary step for survival and future competitiveness.