PETALING JAYA, Jan 14 — National carmaker Proton Holdings Bhd (Proton), is eyeing sales of 150,000 units for 2016, banking on the existing and four new models to be launched.
Proton Chief Executive Officer Datuk Abdul Harith Abdullah said the new models would be introduced quarterly in 2016.
“Having attained sales of just slightly above 100,000 vehicles in 2015, this year, will truly be an exciting one for Proton and that is my commitment to our stakeholders,” he told reporters, after witnessing the appointment of 29 new Proton dealers here today.
They are currently Suzuki dealers nationwide.
Proton Chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the new models would have the names of existing Proton models to save time in promoting them to the public.
“In the past, Proton put out new models with new names. We spent a lot of time promoting the brand new names without any history to fall back on.
“Like other companies as Toyota and Honda, we have decided to build new cars, but retain the old names,” he added.
On Suzuki, Harith said the company had strong technology and expertise in producing smaller engine segments, such as the A and B.
“As Suzuki exits the Malaysian market, their expertise would certainly complement Proton’s long-term plans. The collaboration will result in maximizing volume potential, reduction in development lead time and expedite time-to-market,” he added.
With the additional 29 outlets, Harith said Proton can increase its number of 4S, 3S and also 1+2S centres to 105 outlets nationwide.
“This would give us a very solid network and be the backbone for Proton moving forward. Obviously, one of the issues faced by us is poor quality of after the sales services.
Although the 29 outlets are part of Proton Edar, they would continue to provide service and repairs for the existing 48,000 Suzuki customers in Malaysia.
The after sales services and warranty coverage with the use of genuine parts for Suzuki car owners would continue as per normal.
Locally, Suzuki’s business is operated by its 40 per cent-owned Suzuki Malaysia Automobile Sdn Bhd (SMA). — Bernama
