DRB-Hicom says has workable biz model for Proton

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 17) Upon acquiring Khazanah Nasional Bhd's 42.7% equity in PROTON HOLDINGS BHD [],
DRB-Hicom has set its eyes on
realising a workable business model for the national car maker, with special emphasises on electric and hybrid car
manufacture.
In a statement, DRB-Hicom group managing director Datuk Seri Haji Mohd Khamil Jamil said product renewal and
enhancement would be a major agenda lined up by the company for Proton.
"As the automotive TECHNOLOGY [] evolves, green technology has gained momentum as well as the approval of many
environmental conscious consumers. As such, hybrid and electric vehicles would be one of the main focus.
"Proton will continue to strive to cater to its consumers' needs, taste, lifestyle requirement in line with global automotive
market trends," he added.
Mohd Khamil said besides DRB-Hicom and Proton working hand-in-hand to promote performance and diversify product
offerings, it would be crucial for the national auto maker to broaden its talent capabilities and simultaneously raise the quality
of its workforce.
"This is where the presence of the International College of Automotive (ICAM), established by DRB-Hicom, can provide one
of the best synergies and
perhaps the golden key to the company's core competence to unlock the future for Proton.
ICAM, being the only local centre of education that offered automotive courses, also prides itself with a unique holistic
teaching approach
enlisting teaching personnel who are also industry professionals.
Mohd Khamil said as the government continued its effort to enlarge the nation's automotive industry, the National Automotive
Policy should also be able
to reach out and encourage global players to intensify their presence and investments in Malaysia.
"DRB-Hicom will maintain its intention and interest to safeguard the national car company while at the same time encourage,
facilitate, grow and
enhance Malaysia's national automotive industry, hence making Malaysia a preferred automotive hub capable of rivalling its
neighbours," he said. - Bernama