KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 — Proton Holdings Bhd will review its export strategy in order to create a lasting overseas market for its models, says International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.
However, he said the company would continue to export its models overseas despite experiencing some setbacks.
“Although running at a loss, Proton will continue to export its models to create future markets,” he told the Dewan Rakyat here today.
Optimistic sales would rise with the production of several new models and variants, Mustapa said Proton exported various Proton models to 20 countries including Australia, Indonesia, Eygpt and Brunei with the Persona being the top seller in these markets.
“Various strategies will be taken to build the Proton brand which will include long-term investments,” he added.
Mustapa was replying to Senator Baharudin Abu Bakar who wanted to know if export sales contributed to Proton’s performance and bottomline between 2011 and 2013.
On competition, the trade minister said exports were affected by pricing, market segment and legal compliance in the country of import.
He also said stiff competition, small scale export, change in Proton management and shareholding, which was previously held by Khazanah Nasional Bhd, contributed to the slowdown in export sales.
In January 2012, DRB-Hicom acquired a 42.7 per cent stake in Proton from Khazanah Nasional Bhd for RM1.29 billion.
Mustapa said exports have been on declining trend every year.
In 2011, the national car maker exported 16,189 units, followed by 13,311 units in 2012 and only 5,937 units last year.
Mustapa said all Proton export models were sold by its subsidiaries overseas namely Proton Singapore, Proton Edar Indonesia, Proton Motor Thailand, Proton Cars United Kingdom and Proton Cars Australia. — Bernama
