Malaysia targets regional car market

Second International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan said the automotive market in Malaysia was small, with last year’s sales of various brands recorded at 580,000 units compared to China’s 28 million units.
“China wants to assist us in securing 1 per cent of this amount” of 28 million units,” Ong added. To reach this target, Proton needs a strategic partner, as research as well as world class design is very important to compete on the international stage, he said.
“Geely can provide the support from the aspect of outstanding research as [Malaysia] needs a big change. At present, all the automotive companies are racing to produce fully self-driven cars.
“So, Geely with Proton needs to build a plant here in the next five years. When ready, cars will enter the China and South-East Asian markets with the latter being an important destination with a population of 600 million,” he added.
Ong, who is also the Tanjung Malim Member of Parliament, said the manufacture of Proton cars would be still at Tanjung Malim, with a bigger segment maintained at Shah Alam.
“Tanjung Malim will also witness a major change when new jobs are expected to be created in the near future, resulting from the economic spill-over in the district,” he added.