Proton to revive exports

Proton to revive exports

KUALA LUMPUR: Exports of Malaysia's national car Proton are expected to rebound with the introduction of new models at the end of this year, a senior government official said Wednesday.

Exports of Proton cars have fallen sharply over the past few years due to stiffer competition and old models, said International Trade and Industry Ministry's parliamentary secretary Fu Ah Kiow.

Last year, only 8,209 Proton cars were exported, down seven percent from 8,838 in 2001 and a far cry from 14,598 in 2000 and 14,052 in 1999, he said.

"It has been identified that the decline was due to the competitive automobile market and the somewhat older models of the cars," Fu was quoted by Bernama news agency as telling parliament.

But the introduction of new models, the construction of a Proton plant in Iran as well as the introduction of Proton's own Campro engine would boost exports, he added.

Britain is Proton's key market. It also exports to Australia, and Iraq under the UN oil-for-food program. -- AFP