PROTON’S immediate plan would be to change its strategy from being a maker of cheap cars to a world-standard car manufacturer, said newly-appointed chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
“Now Proton wants to produce cars which are of world standard, but you have to pay a higher price.
“You can’t have a good car and pay a bad price,” Dr Mahathir said yesterday when asked about his immediate plan for Proton.
Dr Mahathir, who is Human Life Advancement Foundation (HLAF) chairman, earlier delivered the keynote address and launched the HLAF Annual Award and Workshop, here.
He said when Proton produced the Preve and Suprima models, which are of good quality but sell for RM80,000, people claimed the price was too high for a Proton.
“The next car of the same quality is RM120,000,” Dr Mahathir said.
Asked if Proton would continue to produce cheap cars, Dr Mahathir replied: “If consumers want cheap cars, Proton will make cheap cars... they run three miles and break down.”
Responding to a question if Proton has approached the International Trade and Industry Ministry and Petronas for any funds, he said the carmaker had never asked for funding.
Dr Mahathir also said the government is now encouraging importation of cars rather than encouraging local industries.
“When you import cars, money flows out and you don’t get any technology from them,” he added. Bernama
