Proton is currently in negotiation with an India-based OEM (original equipment manufacturer) company, aiming to finalise plans to set up contract assembly manufacturing operation via a joint venture in the world’s second most populous country by the first quarter of 2011.Read the full news from Bernama below.
PROTON TO FINALISE EXPANSION STRATEGIES IN INDIA BY Q1 2011
PETALING JAYA, Jan 4 — Proton Holdings Bhd expects to finalise strategies to expand its business in India’s motor vehicle market by the first quarter of this year.
Group Managing Director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said Proton has identified the local OEM (original equipment manufacturer) company and planned to have a contract assembly and joint ventures.
“We are going to present our plan to the board, once it is approved, we will announce it,” he told reporters after the launch of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge and Asia-Pacific Rally Championship here today.
Syed Zainal Abidin said Proton would fully incorporate its subsidiaries and collaborate with partners in marketing and distribution network to sell cars in one of the fastest-growing market globally.
He said the national carmaker has identified its models to enter the market such as the multi-purpose Exora, Persona and its first global car, Emas.
“India is a very important market for us, we will be there. It is just going to take more time before we finalise (our strategies) and sign the agreement,” he said.
On another matter, Syed Zainal Abidin said Proton was working closely with the government to come up with a new replacement for Proton Perdana Executive.
“We are in discussions with the government and hope to finalise the plan within this quarter,” he said.
Asked on market talk whether Proton was in negotiations with Nissan, DRB-Hicom or other OEMs to replace Perdana Executive, Syed Zainal Abidin said there has been some discussions at this point of time.
“Obviously, we can’t announce (the details) until the product has been agreed (to). For us, we like the government to get affordable, competitive and safe-to-use (proton) car,” he said.
He said Proton management has recommended Proton Inspira 2.0 to substitute Perdana Standard as the former was much better than the latter in terms of price and specifications.
“The government has not decided yet, but they are very responsive. So, let them decide,” he added.
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