Proton's new chief in talks to utilise automaker's excess production capacity

Looking for an alliance with Japanese automotive makers.

The newly appointed head of Proton is looking for ways to utilise excess production capacity at the automaker's Malaysian plants, reports the Malay Mail Online. Speaking at a seminar on investment and trade opportunities in the state of Kedah (Malaysia), Proton's new chairperson Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad revealed, "We are looking at [forming an alliance with] Japanese automotive makers. Right now we are co-operating with Honda. We want to find the right technology partner." The top executive is exploring ways to lift the export potential of the automaker, adding that, "Proton's performance can be improved, and we are going to look closely at the countries [to which] we can export our cars so that the production can be increased as we have a big production capacity, which is not utilised."