Proton delays launch of newest model

National carmaker Proton Holdings Bhd has delayed the launch
of its newest model, tentatively named P3-21A, sources said.


Business Times understands that the delay was due to issues related to components, design, readiness and cost. “There are last-minute design changes. The hot press forming parts are also still being produced using soft tools airfreighted in from Germany,” one of the sources said.

This has led to an insufficient number of completed units for mass distribution, besides after-sales concern. The model, which slots in between Proton Persona and Proton Inspira and is based on the Proton Tuah concept model, has been lined up for launch on March 17.

The sources said there were insufficient cars for distribution due to the production going at a snail’s pace. The production forecast for March, for example, had been scaled down to 600 units from the planned 2,621 units.

The cumulative cars produced in January and February were 337 units from the targeted 4,246 units, the sources added. The delay setback aside, Proton adviser Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, after having test-driven a P3-21A early last month, said the new car was superior to other Proton models.

“I can verify and assure Proton customers and Malaysians in general that this new model can match any of the Japanese or European cars,” Dr Mahathir said in a February 7 posting in his blog at chedet.cc.

“It was such a pleasure to drive. A foreign friend who knows all about cars tested the new model and said it was up to the standard of up-market cars from Europe.

“I believe that this is a great car and Proton can be proud of it. Malaysians can be proud of it, too. The extra ringgit you have to spend will be worth it,” he added.

more DRB consolidation?