Proton and VW back at the discussion table - Could we see VW's rebadged as Proton's?

[keshy]

That Proton has been talking to Volkwagen is one very big open secret, according to reports from the international automotive media, and to quote Autocar UK, "Proton could become the latest firm to join forces with the Volkswagen Group, according to Proton's chairman." Now that's news.

But currently there has been no indication on the extent of the discussions and what could transpire out of it since Mohd Nazmi Mohd Salleh has said at Proton's annual meeting that he chooses not to jump the gun and will only reveal the outcome of talks between the two firms sometime within the next two weeks.

Though there has been no details on the collaboration, there has been speculation going on for years now that Proton could use some of its spare capacity to assemble VW cars, and possibly even rebadge older VW cars as Proton cars.

Responding to the Proton chairman’s comments, VW told Reuters that there was no concrete plans for Malaysia and there were no developments or agreements in place at this stage.

We know what's in it for Proton as there's that big quality problem, so rebadged VW cars does certainly sound good. Sad in a way because it almost seems as if Proton is incapable of building its own "quality" car without external help, but if looked at from a different angle, Proton also stands to gain a lot if it relies on VW's years of accumulated experience in building cars, that just means less to spend on R&D for Proton. But what's in it for VW?

If you recall, in October last year the Malaysian government announced that it was seeking a foreign partner for Proton and it also said that foreign carmakers would be allowed to have 100% ownership of ventures producing cars worth over RM150,000. So here's the situation, help Proton build good cars and VW will be able to set up plant here to service the entire region with possibly even more incentives from the government. Totally in line with VW's expansion plans. Guess we'll just have to wait a couple more days to find out what's happening.

Source: Autocar, Reuters

 

[Jlow126]

Re: Proton and VW back at the discussion table - Could we see VW's rebadged as Proton

Wat??? a RM150K (Proton)??
Really have to think 10 times

 

[keshy]

Re: Proton and VW back at the discussion table - Could we see VW's rebadged as Proton

Wat??? a RM150K (Proton)??
Really have to think 10 times

"If you recall, in October last year the Malaysian government announced that it was seeking a foreign partner for Proton and it also said that foreign carmakers would be allowed to have 100% ownership of ventures producing cars worth over RM150,000."

---- not a 150k Proton dude ... but the government will let a carmaker looking to assemble cars in Malaysia retain 100% control of their venture if and only if the carmaker builds cars that cost more than RM150,000 ... Nothing to do with building a RM150K Proton ...

 

[AXXeLL]

Re: Proton and VW back at the discussion table - Could we see VW's rebadged as Proton

i dont mind driving a proton badged Golf GTI...

 

[zx3sgte]

Re: Proton and VW back at the discussion table - Could we see VW's rebadged as Proton

But look at it this way.............RM 150 k for a rebadged Golf gti or Passat CC seems like an offer one could't resist right...........keeping fingers crossed as it will benefit the consumers.

 

[Vagabond]

Re: Proton and VW back at the discussion table - Could we see VW's rebadged as Proton

Proton is obviously rehashing and milking this to boost public confidence.

Like the last 2 alleged "negotiations" , ..... nothing will come out of this. mark my words.

Remember what VW stated in the Star Newspaper on the 2nd time negotiations fell through: "This is the last time we'll consider dealing with Proton" .... or something like that.

 

[drewn123]

Re: Proton and VW back at the discussion table - Could we see VW's rebadged as Proton

1 word... joke

 

[PocketRocket]

Re: Proton and VW back at the discussion table - Could we see VW's rebadged as Proton

hmm....Proton Scirocco....rm150k...where do i pay?

 

[yeehau86]

Re: Proton and VW back at the discussion table - Could we see VW's rebadged as Proton

From The Star

Proton confirms talks with Volkswagen called off

Published: Monday June 7, 2010 MYT 10:26:00 AM
Updated: Monday June 7, 2010 MYT 12:07:29 PM

Proton confirms talks with Volkswagen called off


KUALA LUMPUR: Proton has confirmed that talks for a possible tie-up between German car maker Volkswagen and the national car manufacturer have been called off.

Proton, in a brief statement today, said that Volkswagen confirmed it currently has other priorities and that a potential collaboration with Malaysias car maker could not be pursued.

As one of the largest Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) in the industry, Proton said that Volkswagen, established in 1937, would be an interesting collaboration partner for Proton.

Proton said it acknowledges the decision made by Volkswagen.

Nevertheless, it would continue to forge ahead with its Asean Multi-Local OEM strategy. This includes product collaboration with Japanese car manufacturer Mitsubishi, the EMAS project and other new model developments.

Proton, which has notched up commendable sales for its Saga, Persona and Exora, said it remains committed to cementing its presence in China through collaboration with Youngman. Riding on the momentum of a very good 2009/10 financial year result, Proton said it was also eyeing penetration into other Asian markets in the near future and to further strengthen its position domestically.

Proton, established in 1983, is Malaysia’s largest manufacturer of automobiles, and the only full-fledged OEM car manufacturer in South-East Asia.

It has operations in key markets from UK to the Middle East, and across South-East Asia and Australasia, especially in countries like China, India and Iran. - Bernama