Perodua to launch export model

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's second national carmaker, Perodua, said on Monday it would launch a new export model in May, but called for further state protection as the auto market gradually liberalized under a regional free trade pact.

Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua (Perodua), which began operations in 1995 as a compact car producer, still needs government assistance to grow its brand and build its niche market and capabilities, said chairman Asmat Kamaludin.

The automaker has worked to enhance its quality, widen its economies of scale and upgrade its vendors, but much more needs to be done to prepare for a further opening of the market under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations free trade area agreement, he said.-- AFP