Proton's immediate plan would be to change its strategy from being a maker of cheap cars to become a world-standard car manufacturer, said newly appointed chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
The fourth prime minister said Proton has always been labelled as a cheap or poor quality car maker.
"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 car price," he told reporters when asked about his immediate plan for Proton.
Earlier today, Dr Mahathir, who is Human Life Advancement Foundation (HLAF) Chairman, delivered the keynote address and launched the HLAF Annual Award and Workshop at the Putra World Trade Centre.
He said when Proton produced the Preve and Suprima car models, which are of good quality but sell for RM80,000, people claimed the price was too high for Proton.
"The next car of the same quality is RM120,000. You (consumers) want to have cheap cars, okay, Proton can produce cheap cars," Dr Mahathir said.
Asked if Proton would continue to produce cheap cars, Dr Mahathir replied: "Proton needs to make a living. If consumers want cheap cars Proton will make cheap cars, but they run three miles and break down."
Responding to a question if Proton has approached the International Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) and Petronas for any funds, he said the car maker had never asked for funding.
Asked if he himself as Proton chairman would approach either for funding, Dr Mahathir replied: "No way, because Proton is a private company now and it is able to make progress in research and development."
Dr Mahathir also said the government was 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.
Asked if Proton needs government aid, he said former South Korean President Park Chung Hee during his tenure called up 12 individuals and told them they must go into industry and he would provide the loans and funds.
These companies, like Hyundai, LG and Daewoo, were private companies and their government fully helped them, and because of that today they do not need government help anymore, he added.
Bernama
Mon Jun 09 2014
MAHATHIR: Proton needs to make a living. If consumers want cheap cars Proton will make cheap cars, but they run three miles and break down.
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.