SUBANG JAYA, With reference to the official announcement made by Yang Berhormat Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister of International Trade & Industry ("MITI"), PROTON Holdings Berhad ("PROTON" or "the Company") wishes to put on record our appreciation to the Government of Malaysia ("Government") for the support.

"The announcement by the Government will catalyse PROTON’s turnaround plan which includes the rolling out of three new models this year starting with the Perdana. With the infusion of new members of management, the Company is confident to turnaround" said PROTON Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Ahmad Fuaad Kenali.

The Company will continue to focus on improving its products and services in order to serve our customers better. To date, the Company has produced various models in all the segments, either through collaboration with established OEMs or its internally developed capability.

"PROTON is also constantly engaging its strategic partners to explore collaborative opportunities to improve its product offerings and time to market. I believe the assistance by the Government will reinforce the confidence of our strategic partners in PROTON," added Dato’ Fuaad.

PROTON also understands that the sustainability of the Company will inevitably affect the eco-system of the local automotive industry involving the vendors, suppliers, dealers, pre-owned vehicle operators and our customers who have all along been loyal and supportive of PROTON.

"We value the assistance and acknowledge all the concerns earlier highlighted by the Government. We welcome the setting up of the task force and look forward to working closely with them to chart sustainable growth for PROTON," Dato’ Fuaad continued.

"On behalf of Warga PROTON, we would like to once again thank the Government for the support. This will certainly uplift the morale of the 12,000 PROTON employees," ended Dato' Fuaad.
Rohime is a fellow member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants UK, a member of the Certified Public Accountant Australia and a member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants
KUALA LUMPUR: Proton Holdings Bhd has appointed Rohime Shafie as chief executive officer of Proton Edar Sdn Bhd, replacing Norzahid Bin Mohd Zahudi, who resigned with immediate effect.

Rohime Shafie, was formerly Proton chief financial officer.

In a statement, Proton chief executive officer Datuk Ahmad Fuaad said he was pleased to welcome Rohime on board.

“It is a challenging time for Proton and this appointment will help strengthen the leadership of Proton Edar to improve not only the sales and market share with specific focus in improving our customers satisfaction,” he added.

Rohime is a fellow member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants UK, a member of the Certified Public Accountant Australia and a member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants. — Bernama
SUBANG JAYA, PROTON Holdings Berhad (“PROTON” or "the Company") announced the resignation of Yang Amat Berbahagia Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as Chairman of PROTON, effective immediately. Concurrently, Yang Amat Berbahagia Tun would also step down as Chairman of Group Lotus plc, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PROTON.

In its statement, PROTON said, “we respect his wish to step down; we would like to register our utmost appreciation for his valuable contribution, commitment and dedication for his role as Chairman since 2014 as well as an Advisor since 2003. We would like to express our gratitude and recognise Tun Dr. Mahathir’s role as the creator of the national car company.”
KUALA LUMPUR: Proton Holdings Bhd and Suzuki Malaysia Automobile Sdn Bhd plan to roll out their joint product before the end of 2016 under a strategic collaboration.

Proton said on Thursday Suzuki, which is strong for its technology and expertise in producing smaller engine segments, especially in the A and B segments categories would complement Proton’s long range product plan.

“The development of this collaboration gives Proton the opportunity to tap into Suzuki’s strengths, which will result in the maximising of volume potentials, reduction in development lead time and expedite time-to-market.

“This can be achieved through the technology sharing and the ability to maintain cost efficiency in collaboration with Suzuki,” Proton said.

It should be noted Suzuki has already stopped its production line in Malaysia and as part of the collaboration, Proton has access to Suzuki talents, models, platforms, power-train and other automotive technology.

Suzuki will then provide specific technical assistance for the products while it leverages on Proton’s vast local distribution and service network for its rebranded cars.

Under the June 2015 agreement, 25 of its 3S and 4S Suzuki dealership outlets have been converted into Proton Edar outlets and bearing both Proton and Suzuki logos.

This move follows Suzuki’s move to halt selling its own brand models in Malaysia under a rationalisation plan. The outlets will continue to provide service and repairs for the 48,000 Suzuki customers and allow Suzuki dealers to also sell Proton cars.

Proton CEO Datuk Abdul Harith Abdullah said the collaboration was in line with the National Automotive Policy (NAP) which NAP promotes strong and renowned global automotive player like Suzuki, to be a collaboration partner to Proton.

“The collaboration will provide Proton the opportunity to grow internationally, leveraging on Suzuki’s presence worldwide while Proton continuously develop and produce cars that meet international standards and requirements,” Harith  added.

Harith pointed out Suzuki’s track record in India where its partnership in India with Maruti grew from strength to strength.

He cited that in 2014/15 alone, Suzuki-Maruti’s market share was 45%.

“We are confident that Proton and Suzuki will foster similar or even stronger bond,” he added.

Suzuki Malaysia Automobile managing director Masashi Fukuda said the consolidation of Suzuki’s existing showrooms with Proton further strengthens the synergy between both brands ensuring the constant delivery of automotive after-sales services that its customers are accustomed to.

“The existing Suzuki car owners can be rest assured as their automotive needs such as the after sales services and warranty coverage with the use of genuine Suzuki parts will continue to be managed and covered. They can continue to send their cars to these outlets which are strategically located across Malaysia,” Fukuda added.