Malaysia: Manufacturer Proton seeks foreign partner

Prime Minister Najib Razak (L) poses a picture with a Proton ​car (Source: gettyimages.com)

Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Malaysia’s leading automobiles manufacturer Proton will sign a strategic partnership deal with an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in March 2017, reported the national news agency Bernama. 

Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry of Malaysia Ahmad Maslan was quoted that Proton will assess some international brands to find the most suitable business partner. 

Since June 2016, Proton has started sending requests to 14 OEMs. 

Working with a foreign partner is hoped to promote Proton’s research and development field, maintain its stable operation and increase its competitiveness in the international market. 

Ahmad added that between late August and October, Proton sold 7,464 units of new model Persona, while the Perodua Bezza model has 22,800 units sold since July 21. 

Proton has been the leading automobiles manufacturer of Malaysia over the decade and regarded as “the pride of the nation”. However, the company is facing many difficulties recently due to failing consumption. 

In June 2016, the Government of Malaysia launched a bailout worth 1.5 billion MYR (400 million USD) to support the company.-VNA