Malaysia's Proton To Enter Thai Market

[Thaising]

Struggling Malaysian automaker Proton is to enter the Thai market, appointing an authorised dealer and debuting at this year's Thailand Motor Show, the state Bernama news agency said Friday.

The loss-making manufacturer has said it is pinning its hopes for a turnaround on exports to Asia and Europe, as well as new models to perk up dismal sales in the domestic market.

Phranakorn Auto Sales Co. Ltd. will be appointed Proton's dealer in Thailand in a signing ceremony in Bangkok on September 27, Bernama quoted Phranakorn managing director Thawatchai Jungsanguanpornsuk as saying.

Thawatchai said Proton models, including the latest Persona, which is the fastest-selling vehicle in its two-decade history, are expected to be launched at the motor show in early December.

Proton, conceived in the mid-1980s to showcase Malaysia's manufacturing ability, has been unable to cope with a wave of competition since the Malaysian government began cutting protectionist measures several years ago.

But chairman Mohamed Azlan Hashim said earlier this month he is convinced that buoyant sales of the new Persona mid-sized sedan and a stronger export performance would turn around the automaker's fortunes.

The company, whose previous efforts to export vehicles were stillborn, has new plans to export to Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Britain and Australia.

- AFP

HOW ARE THEY GOING TO COMPETE WITH JAPANESE MAKE AND COUNTRY WIDE SERVICE DEALERS.

Edited September 21, 2007 by Thaising

[rcalsop]

Struggling Malaysian automaker Proton is to enter the Thai market, appointing an authorised dealer and debuting at this year's Thailand Motor Show, the state Bernama news agency said Friday.

The loss-making manufacturer has said it is pinning its hopes for a turnaround on exports to Asia and Europe, as well as new models to perk up dismal sales in the domestic market.

Phranakorn Auto Sales Co. Ltd. will be appointed Proton's dealer in Thailand in a signing ceremony in Bangkok on September 27, Bernama quoted Phranakorn managing director Thawatchai Jungsanguanpornsuk as saying.

Thawatchai said Proton models, including the latest Persona, which is the fastest-selling vehicle in its two-decade history, are expected to be launched at the motor show in early December.

Proton, conceived in the mid-1980s to showcase Malaysia's manufacturing ability, has been unable to cope with a wave of competition since the Malaysian government began cutting protectionist measures several years ago.

But chairman Mohamed Azlan Hashim said earlier this month he is convinced that buoyant sales of the new Persona mid-sized sedan and a stronger export performance would turn around the automaker's fortunes.

The company, whose previous efforts to export vehicles were stillborn, has new plans to export to Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Britain and Australia.

- AFP

HOW ARE THEY GOING TO COMPETE WITH JAPANESE MAKE AND COUNTRY WIDE SERVICE DEALERS.

I have had the opportunity to frequently drive the Local Malaysian Vehicles and was suprised at their value for money ..even the little Kencil pronounced Ken Chill sold at 21000MR about 206,000 baht on the road is a great nippy town car and the Proton Iswara saloon is 260,000 baht on the road very usable at entry level basically a Mitzsubishi very cheap to run with a well proven engine if a little old school . We had one for 6 months and it was trouble free and went like a rocket and when you opened the bonnet I could actually recongnise the bits older technology but reliable . It was announce in the local press here in Malaysia that there was to be no tariff added or 5% at the most , certainly at entry level they could make their mark . My Thai mother in law visiting recently looked at the cute little Kencil and said if that was avialable in Thailand I would buy one why is it not for sale ..also the joint operation with Kia Nasa motors makes some creditable vehicles .

[togena212529]

That's a very good idea to have this information posted here. Everyone with a smaller income is trying to get a car as you described here.

In addition it would be very helpfull if you would post some internet links from this car maker here to get a preview on this cars.

Thanks in advance

[Thaising]

That's a very good idea to have this information posted here. Everyone with a smaller income is trying to get a car as you described here.

In addition it would be very helpfull if you would post some internet links from this car maker here to get a preview on this cars.

Thanks in advance

Here is the proton website http://www.proton.com/

[ignis]

Why oh why not the Savvy ??? maybe would give Yaris/Jazz a run for there money

The Persona is not the type of car I like

[5implyfash10nabl3]

being driving malaysian and japanese and some contis make over these 12 years. i tried all the protons except for perdana V6, Putra and chancelor. i can say most of the proton is not a good choice except for satria GTI and Savvy.

1 - proton saga aka proton iswara still use the same platform after the first one being produce 22years ago. at first they only have 8 valve engine and now they have the 12 valve. not a good car too light and rattling all over after a few years. rusty, hole and pops up at the doors and roof because of the gluing material they used. one of the worst hit in second hand value now in malaysia.

2 - proton wira - one of the highest unit soldable after the launching on 1993 in malaysia. not because its a good car but its of the most acceptable look for malaysian make at the range of rm55k to rm60k and another reason is the goverment is hiking all the taxes for japs make to protect the malaysian make that make most of the average malaysian left with no choice but to buy the car. available in 1.3 and 1.5 (12 valve) with caburator until 1997 - under powered and drinks alot as well and rattling after a few years. 1.6 better in power but alot of bad issues in engine wise.

3 - proton satria - uses the same engine with proton wira. about the same issue with proton wira but more rattling issue than proton wira

4 - proton perdana SEI - a better looking car after wira at the price of rm69k at its first launch somewehre in 1997 and 1998.

5 - satria GTI - i have to admit this is a good car in stability and acceleration. good sporty look and better in soundproofing. discountinued

6 - proton waja - one of the worst in proton family. i remember my sister first have it when it launch alot of problem like powered window machanism spoilt easily. record of my friend waja change all the 4 powered window and 2 in 11months and a powered steering failure. factory faulty of the accerelation and braking pedal installation. all the car being called back by the management to reinstall at the time. not a good looking car and drinks as well. and lot more defects...

7 - proton gen2 - one of the best looking car in Proton but bad performance a lot of defects and bad interior quality as well. the paint of the dasboad goes out when i accidentally scratch with my nails. very under powered and bad looking interior.

8 - proton satria neo - very nice car. have of admit that i love the design. but one again its share engine with proton gen 2 so underpowered as well.

9 - proton savvy - good performance and good fuel consumption with tough body. uses renault engine

10 - proton persona - basically its a proton gen2 with a tail drags longer and heavier. better interior than gen2 but still share the same engine with proton gen2.

and by the way that tiny car u guys mention Ken Chill (KANCIL) its perodua / daihatsu make.

[JimmyGreaves]

When is the Thailand Motor Show?