Proton defends request for protection

Proton defends request for protection

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian national carmaker Proton has defended its request for another 20 years of tariff protection and announced plans to launch a series of cars this year powered by its new Campro engine to stay competitive, a report said on Friday.

Chief executive Mahaleel Ariff was quoted as saying by The Star that Proton's request for duty exemption and for research grants was in line with the government's call for local firms to invest in research and technology, and to acquire new technology.

The carmaker has asked for 20 years protection because it will take a long time before it can profit from new engines and high technology, he said.

He noted that other governments, such as in Australia and Europe, also hand out incentives to support their automotive industry. --AFP