SHAH ALAM, June 15 — Proton Holdings Bhd has inked a deal with Japan’s Suzuki Motor Corp that will allow the national carmaker to leverage on the Japanese company’s expertise in manufacturing compact cars.
The memorandum of understanding and license agreement which was signed by Proton, DRB-Hicom Berhad and Suzuki today will allow the companies to “form a long term strategic collaboration and partnership.”
The agreement will allow Proton compact passenger car models using Suzuki’s parts and sell it under the Proton brand here.
“Compact cars, we feel are also a market. Will examine how we can find a niche into the market.
“We hope to conclude (matters) by 2016,” Proton chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad told a news conference here.
“There are possibilities... for now we may take Suzuki models and maybe modify its appearance and in the future work on developing jointly with Suzuki,” he added.
Dr Mahathir also pledged to personally ensure the smooth running of this deal, saying it was his responsibility as Proton chairman.
“I will make this happen,” he said.
Dr Mahathir pointed out that market for compact cars had grown, when asked if Proton’s plans would cause it to compete against Perodua, Malaysia’s second national carmaker.
“(Even Perodua) has now moved into an area supposed to be for Proton.
“The market has grown,” he said.
