Proton invested over RM 18 billion in R&D since its inception

Kuala Lumpur: Proton Holdings Bhd has invested more than RM18 billion in research and development (R&D) since its establishment 30 years ago, according to the firm’s chief technical officer, Abdul Rashid Musa.

Abdul Rashid Musa, told reporters at the 'Alami Proton Carnival 2015' media preview that "Proton has managed to avoid monetary outflow beyond Malaysia, recording as much as RM200 billion from the sale of four million vehicles and contributed RM20 billion in taxes to the government through the sales and service tax."

Courtesy: 1news

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The leading national carmaker has also “contributed RM20 billion in taxes to the government through the sales and service tax,” Abdul Rashid told members of the media at the preview of its Alami Proton carnival last week. The chief technical officer for the company also reported major highlights of company’s achievement throughout the years during the preview including the debut of its first in-house designed car, the Proton Waja, in 2000.

He said, Proton never let down the local car market and survived in every possible way among the challenges in the automotive industry through the years, the company also underwent the liberalisation of the country's economy, higher emission and carbon dioxide (Co2) standards as well as higher safety and regulatory requirements.

He also highlighted the facts at the briefing session that Malaysia remains one of only 14 countries in the world with the capabilities and resources to engineer, develop and assemble its local vehicles. Apart from which Malaysia is one of only six countries in the world to possess Hot Press Forming (HPF) technology.

Additionally, he said that the company has to undergo a series of changes to adapt as per the variable automotive sector. Major changes being the emergence of original equipment manufacturers especially from China and adoption of high technological features and aggressive investment in R&D. Still Proton manufactures “undeniably” good cars.

He strengthened his claim by using the example of local Malaysian taxi. He said ,"The mileage of taxis is five to ten times more compared to ordinary usage and if the vehicle is not good, it won't be able to withstand gruelling day-to-day use," adding the maintenance cost would also skyrocket if the brand was unreliable.

The two-day Alami Proton Carnival was company's second year of the exhibition following last year's success which drew 30,000 visitors. The carnival's main aim was to share with the public about Proton's experience and capabilities and showcase concept cars. Visitors were able to visit Proton's plant, go for a test drive, experience the Proton test track, tour 23 vendor booths, and check out promotions and sales packages.

Apart from Abdul Rashid, Proton chairman, Tun Mahathir, recently declared that all future Proton models will adhere to the Euro 5 emissions standard.

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“We have not reached Euro 5 (standards) yet. Not that we cannot, but the costs involved are high. That’s the problem. People still think that Proton cars are low-tech and cheap. Now, that’s no longer true,” Tun Mahathir said during the Alami Proton carnival over the weekend.

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