DRB-HICOM and Geely Holding Appoint New Board of Directors for PROTON Related Companies and a New CEO - Dr. Li Chunrong

This is a very important bit of news regarding national car manufacturer PROTON. DRB-HICOM Berhad (DRB-HICOM) and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely) have confirmed the new board structures, part of the executive team for PROTON Holdings Berhad and its related companies (PROTON Group) earlier today. This looks like the the second round after the initial announcement that Geely would be purchasing a 49% stake in Proton Holdings Berhad. 

PROTON's Foreign Strategic Partner decision to be made by the first half of 2017

DRB-HICOM Berhad have confirmed again that will only conclude and announce their decision within the first half of this year. There have been tons of speculation on the matter and I had mentioned earlier that all of this is mere talk and even any 'expert' opinion will just be an opinion until the actual decision is released to the public. 

Statement by DRB-Hicom on PROTON Holding's Foreign Partner search - My opinions are included free of charge

DRB-Hicom, who are the owners of PROTON Holdings, the Malaysian car company has issued a statement (which is posted down below) in response to the latest round of media reports on the future of Proton and who is in the running to 'take over' or enter into a partnership with Proton. This depends on which angle the journalists are writing from. 

Industry News: PROTON appoints a new CEO for Proton Edar

Proton has appointed the dapper looking chap in the photograph above as the new CEO of its sales and marketing arm, Proton Edar Sdn Bhd. Mr Abdul Rashid Musa replaces outgoing CEO Mr Rohime Shafie effective 1st of February 2017. Prior to this appointment, he was the Chief Technical Officer of PROTON where he held several portfolios, including being instrumental in the development of the four new models in 2016 (the Perdana, Persona, Saga and Ertiga). 

INDUSTRY NEWS: PROTON RENEWS ITS AGREEMENTS WITH ITS WORKERS' UNIONS

PROTON Holdings Bhd has renewed its Collective Agreement with its workers' union members at a recent signing ceremony held at the PROTON Centre of Excellence here in Subang Jaya, Selangor. 

INDUSTRY NEWS: DATO’ SRI SYED FAISAL ALBAR APPOINTED PROTON NON-EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

Some news on who is taking over Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed's place as the Chairman of PROTON.

PRESS RELEASE

DATO’ SRI SYED FAISAL ALBAR APPOINTED PROTON NON-EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

News: Proton Edar gets a new CEO

This is a straightforward piece of news. Mr Rohime Shafie is now the new Chief Executive Officer of Proton Edar (the sales arm of Proton Cars) replacing Mr Norzahid Mohd Zahudi who had tendered his resignation. 

Let's see what comes next now that the change of management has taken place. 

PROTON gets a RM1.5 Billion soft loan from the government and they say thank you

Here is the latest official press release from PROTON. This first made by the newly appointed CEO, Dato' Ahmad Fuaad Kenali. This is regarding the Government of Malaysia's approving a RM1.5billion soft loan to pay their vendors and suppliers (with the usual terms and conditions obviously). 

However, it is a good thing that would uplift the spirits of the group. I believe Proton is very necessary as it is the only company in the South East Asian region that has the research and development capability to build a car from scratch and comply with all the safety regulations globally. Perodua still cannot do so. I should know as I have met people within the industry and they tell me so. 

Tun Dr Mahathir Resigns as Chairman of Proton as well as the Chairman of Group Lotus

Tun Dr. Mahathir pictured here with Dato Harith (who is also reported to be leaving as CEO of Proton)

PROTON Holdings Berhad has officially announced the resignation of Yang Amat Berbahagia Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as Chairman of PROTON, effective immediately. Concurrently, Yang Amat Berbahagia Tun would also step down as Chairman of Group Lotus plc, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PROTON. 

Industry News: Proton Parts Centre receives renewal of its ISO9001:2008 Cert

Proton Parts Centre Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Proton Holdings Berhad has obtained a renewal of their ISO9001:2008 certification. This basically means that Proton has a proper system in place when it comes to the supply of spare parts to the 4 million Proton car owners out there, locally and abroad. 

Proton Design Competition 2015 Winners Announced and a bit on Proton's plans for 2016

Category 1 winners (students) with Tun Mahathir

I attended the prize giving ceremony of the PROTON Design Competition 2015 earlier today. The Competition was held to instill the spirit of creativity and skills among Malaysians in creating innovative design as well as to create and nurture an emotional connection with the younger generation. The theme for this year was “Design a Concept Car for the Malaysian Family”.

Category 2 (Individual) winner with Tun Mahathir

Proton and Lotus enter into a Joint Venture with Goldstar of China

Looks like Proton and its subsidiary Lotus have signed a Joint Venture agreement with Goldstar Heavy Industrial Co Ltd of China. According to the press release, a new JV company will be formed for the purpose of R & D activities that will eventually produce and sell Lotus branded passenger cars in China.