Tun Mahathir - Proton cars will adhere to Euro 5 standard, simultaneously price hike is expected!

Kuala Lumpur: Few days ago, DRM-Hicom Bhd group declared in a press conference that the company has no plans now to increase the prices of cars and it will remain stable at the moment despite the challenging economic scenario. Now, Proton chairman Tun Mahathir brought in light another news for its models. The Proton models will stick to the Euro 5 emissions standard onwards. But, the prices will rise for the models as a result of improving safety segment in the cars.

“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 told the press.

Tun M further explained that “soon, all Proton cars will be Euro 5, but it will take time. Then, prices will go up, but I’m confident that those who drive Proton cars now will feel just how much the performance has improved. We’ve certainly made progress, on par with other automotive brands.”

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“At the moment, Malaysia is not quite ready for a slightly more expensive, but higher tech Proton. Our Iriz EV can go up to more than 300 km on a single charge, which is higher than other EVs that are more expensive, and with bigger battery packs. But prices will not be cheap,” he added.

As per Proton's earlier plans of exporting the Proton Iriz EV to the European markets, this improvisation in safety factor will help in making the vehicle popular. “This will also allow us to export our existing cars that don’t yet adhere to Euro 5 standard, with the help of models with zero emissions,” concluded the company founder.

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The current Proton Iriz available in the market is as per Euro 4 emissions standard, which is now expected for betterment. Back then, he mentioned that “meeting Euro 5 requires a new engine. We may have to source the engine from abroad so as to comply with Euro 5 standards.”

To further increase the sales count of Proton Iriz EV to the UK, Australia and Europe market, the company is trying to unveil the diesel engine equipped Iriz EV variant. Now, let's see what brings out the best possible result for Proton.

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Speaking of current Proton prices, Tun Mahathir commented that “now with the (Malaysian) currency down, import and material costs are higher. We will still try to maintain the prices, but I don’t know for how long. I think other companies are also suffering.”