Proton to Collaborate with China for ASEAN Car Project ?

Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian automaker, Proton is looking into the possibility of working with some China-based car manufacturers to jointly produce an ASEAN car. Minister of International Trade and Industry II Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan has also said that Proton was looking into cooperating with China's automobile industry to realise the ASEAN car vision. He further added- “We have our own policy – Proton car – so we have our own national interest to look after. But if we can join with China’s automobile manufacturers, we can together manufacture an ASEAN car for the ASEAN market that’s to the benefit of both countries. We have to look into that possibility.”

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Last year in December it was reported that Proton was ready to collaborate in the ASEAN car project after Indonesian President Joko Widodo had expressed interest in the idea that was proposed by Malaysia, and the national car company was expected to be involved in the project. However, earlier in March this year, Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Hamim Samuri told parliament that there had been no official discussions on the ASEAN car project as it would need the consent from all ASEAN leaders.

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It was believed that Proton and its Indonesian partner had signed an MOU in February 2015 to build an ASEAN car. The Indonesian president, Joko Widodo is also in support of the ASEAN car project. It was also reported that a joint production of the ASEAN car by Malaysia and Indonesia will be undertaken and this idea was welcomed by President Joko Widodo who wants it to be pursued further.