RE: Proton: What’s gone wrong?

[Badoozleby 0]

I live in Proton's home market, Malaysia, and to broaden the perspective on their challenges in the UK, they're not getting it all their own way here either. Of course, their volumes here would make almost all brands in the UK green with envy - I believe they sold around 140,000 units last year - they are coming under stiff pressure from the Korean brands, the value end of the Japanese brands' ranges, and even from their national nemesis, Perodua (who sell more than they do). The general consensus is that whilst their new products are much better to drive than the older ones (the Preve small saloon for example), their lack of refinement and a general lack of confidence in the brand makes some people inclined to invest their hard-earned wages in their overseas competitors. The uninspiring Nissan Almera, for example, appears to be flying off the shelves.

So if this is happening in their home market, I would hesitate before putting a bet on them suddenly making a step change in the UK. If they get it completely right here, perhaps it could be a different story.

[James Baggott 227]

That's really interesting to know. It's a concern here that's for sure. I know when Batch was planning this feature a representative from Proton was due to talk to him but cancelled the interview at the last minute - that seems very strange to me as you'd think they would want to put their side of the story across.

Why wouldn't they want to explain what's gone wrong and inspire those dealers that are left holding the franchise? Bad form if you ask me.

[CJ Underhill 34]

I wouldn't say I enjoyed this article as enjoyed would be the wrong word.. I was more intrigued by it, mostly by Richard Smiths comments, I’m sure if you had asked the rest of us dealers you would of had a completely different response to his comments, he's clearly been informed and knows more than rest of us

[James Baggott 227]

What's your side of the story? We'd love to hear it. Do you agree with what was said?