Proton hails Mustapa announcement on new policies for car sector

Proton Holdings Bhd has welcomed the announcement by Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, to gradually have new policies for the car industry in formulating ways to reduce prices. Proton said as the new policy involved the entire ecosystem of the industry, it would study all aspects relating thereto and the possible impact on the company and the entire local car industry. "This is to ascertain the next course of action, future plans and directions for not only the company but also the entire ecosystem of the industry vis-a-vis our domestic and international markets," the national carmaker said in a statement today. Nevertheless, it said, the company, like all the other players, has already anticipated policy shifts towards market liberalisation and the company was optimistic it could compete in a fully liberalised market with affordable and good quality cars. "Proton is fully committed to change the public's acceptability and perception about the brand and the five-star ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Programme) recognition from the Australian car regulators for Proton Preve earlier this week, is proof of the improved quality and safety capabilities of our cars," it said. It said the ongoing and continuing efforts by the company towards improving quality and standards of its cars in the region has also earned Proton Saga FLX, a family sedan, the 3-star Asean NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) award last month. "These these achievements were testaments of Proton's new direction to provide its customers with a high level of safety protection in their cars. "These also reiterate our commitment to further enhance our products and services on all levels and offer Malaysians good quality value-for-money cars," it said.