The brand name which is synonymous worldover with two-wheelers is now trying to add two more wheels to its product portfolio, if reports are to be believed. It is understood that Hero Group is holding exploratory talks with Malaysian car manufacturer, Proton, for establishing a small car manufacturing facility in India.
Speculation is also pretty rife that instead of going solo, Proton is looking to tie-up with an Indian partner for the contract manufacture and sales and distribution of its cars in India. A leading news agency, Dow Jones Newswire also claims that the Kuala Lumpur-based company is holding discussions with other Indian automakers too like Mahindra and Mahindra and is likely to forge an alliance with someone by the end of this year. However, if a joint venture agreement between the two companies materialises, the Hero Group could manufacture some of Proton’s small cars – possibly the Proton Saga – for the Indian market.
In a bid to cash in on the booming Indian automobile industry, Malaysian national carmaker, PeRusahaan OTOmobil Nasional (Proton Motors Ltd.), is planning to roll out its money-spinning models which include its supermini car Savvy as well as its Saga and Persona sedans for the Indian market in the next few years, as claimed by a leading Indian newswire agency earlier quoting the company’s annual audit report (without referring to any model’s name) It is learnt from reliable sources that the Malaysian carmaker is looking for a joint venture partner to manufacture and run its operations in India. The agency has also exclusively reported that Proton has been holding discussions with Mahindra & Mahindra as well as contract manufacturer, Argentum Motors, though the company has not officially confirmed it.
Proton said in its statement: “We will be launching new programmes regionally, specifically in ASEAN, China, India and the Middle East. Proton will leave no stone unturned in our vision to strengthen our brand equity within the local and regional arena.”
Besides its home country, Proton has its operations in China, Iran, Pakistan, UK and Australia. Apart from their manufacturing facility in Malaysia, they have their assembly units in Indonesia and Iran. Proton is said to be looking at getting its vehicles made to specification in India, without having to invest significant amounts of money in putting up a manufacturing facility all by itself. Losing its marketshare in its home country for sometime, it is seeing exports as a way of boosting revenue. The company has however declined to reveal concrete plans to launch their cars in the Indian market
Proton, established in 1983, is Malaysia's largest manufacturer of automobiles. With operations in key market centers from UK and Western Europe to the Middle East, and across South-East Asia and Australasia, it produces cars to suit a range of consumer demands and preferences. The offerings include versatile and reliable four-door family vehicles, two-door hatchbacks for the young-at-heart, luxurious and stylish executive sedans, as well as the world-renowned sports cars from Lotus.
Proton’s inception as a key driver of national development has seen the brand accelerate its learning curve through technology transfer with strategic partnerships and technical collaborations. Proton cars are now steadily on track to achieving the mission for the future, gearing up to achieve the promise of a marquee which build cars with passion and soul; cars which are a delight to drive and a pleasure to own.
Comments By The ReadersNo Comments Yet ! Be The First To Comment
No comments:
Post a Comment