MITI states in Parliment that Proton is on par with luxury brands like BMW, Toyota and Volvo

Today at the Malaysian Parliment, in a written reply answering whether national car manufacturer Proton has what it takes to compete with its rivals, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MITI) replied that the beleaguered manufacturer has what it takes. The answer given was that Proton has the "advanced technology, high quality and performance". Proton also has many safety measures on par with other international competitors and that it has international acclaim due to some of its cars being awarded 5 star ratings in the Australian and Asean NCAP ratings. Proton also had good ride and handling by Lotus too.

My first thought was what medication the person who drafted the written reply was taking.  It must be so potent that it actually stated that Proton is on similar standing to BMW, Toyota and Volvo. But then I read it properly and noted that the statement actually stressed that Proton had the same statutory safety requirements and the normal standard of comfort and performance of cars within its class with the exception of supposedly remarkable ride and handling courtesy of subsidiary Lotus.

When we start nitpicking a Proton, we find that whilst the cars they make indeed have the latest safety features and stuff like the latest creature comforts like internet and navigation it is also wise to know that every other competitior of Proton has the same list of stuff stated. You say Proton has traction control? Every other car sold worldwide has a version with  traction control on them. It may not be sold here with traction control due to no required regulation for them to do so. 

Remember the rear seat belt requirement made quite recently? Every car manufacturer started fixing rear seats after that. Then the airbag requirement came. Manufacturers had to fix that too in all cars sold in Malaysia. It isn't something that manufacturers can get away with. They have to provide these items. So Proton has equipment and safety that are on par with industry standards and these standards are up to a certain level of quality too. 

But does all these equipment mean that Proton has what it takes to compete with its international rivals? Having the same equipment as a BMW or having the same safety rating as a Volvo in ANCAP does not mean that the car is in the same league as a BMW or a Volvo. This brings me to the subject of 'high quality'

The 'high quality' part is suspect however. Note that when you talk about quality in terms of luxury cars it isn't just by adding in pieces of leather to the interior. It isn't just adding of normal items like ABS, EBD, ISOFIX or just ride and handling from Lotus. It is all about tactility of the controls, weighting, types of material and a lot more. Luxury is more than just parts bolted on to the cars. It is about quality execution on the smallest details. And you have to add heritage and fine craftsmanship too. So in this case, I have to say that it is not 'high quality' but a certain standard of quality that would need be legally adhered to. And of course Proton must provide this industry average standard for it to be selling cars everywhere. if not, they won't be allowed to sell anywhere.

I don't really blame Proton here. The chaps there are good people working with one hand tied behind their backs at times. The actual question is how can MITI officials actually think that people will believe what they are saying. They are not painting a true picture of what's happening. Why embarrass the Minister lah replying the question.

And this actually brings us full circle. I really have to ask what medication are they on and where can I get some of that. I want to feel as if the Mercedes Benz I am driving feels like a Bugatti Veyron as it has the same features of added value as a Veyron. 

Taken from the Malay Mail:-

KUALA LUMPUR, April 6 — Malaysia’s Proton is on par with other premium vehicle brands like BMW, Putrajaya insisted to Parliament when asked if the national carmaker has what it takes to compete with its international rivals.

In a written reply to Batu Gajah MP V. Sivakumar’s question last Thursday, the International Trade and Industry Ministry said many of Proton’s newer models display “advanced technology, high quality and performance”.

“Some Proton models even offer features of added value in terms of comfort and safety of passengers,” the ministry said in its reply.

As examples, the ministry said models like the Proton Exora, Preve, Suprima S and Iriz come complete with safety technology such as the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, Traction Control System and the Electronic Stability Control.

The models also boast other features such as “whiplash protection headrests”, six airbags, safety belts and ISOFIX fittings for the installation of child safety seats, among other features that are typically offered in premium imported cars, the ministry said.

It said these characteristics, when combined with features of the “Lotus Ride and Handling”, has helped improve the standard of Proton vehicles.

It noted that the national carmaker gained international acclaim when it earned five stars from the Australasian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP) and Asean NCAP.

“This rating puts the Proton car models on par with other popular car makes like BMW, Volvo, Toyota and Honda,” the ministry said.

- See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/proton-just-as-good-as-bmw-putrajaya-says#sthash.2x3KnnqV.dpuf