Proton Holdings Berhad has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PT. Adiperkasa Citra Lestari (“PT ACL”) to establish relationship between Indonesia and Malaysia to develop and manufacture Indonesia’s national car.
Dato’ Abdul Harith Abdullah, CEO of Proton Holdings Berhad signed the MoU on behalf of Proton was then witnessed by Malaysian Ambassador to Indonesia, H.E. Dato’ Seri Zahrain Mohamed Hashim, while Mr Abdullah Mahmud Hendropriyono, Chief Executive Officer signed on behalf of PT ACL was witnessed by Indonesian Ambassador to Malaysia, H.E. Herman Prayitno. Also at the Proton Centre of Excellence witnessing this event was the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak, Indonesian President, His Excellency Joko Widodo and Proton Chairman, Yang Amat Berbahagia Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Dato’ Abdul Harith Abdullah said, “The collaboration will be good as both nations specifically work together to develop products for the larger market. Furthermore, PROTON, which has the facilities, capabilities and technology know-how in design, development and manufacturing of cars, is the only company in the ASEAN region with a Research & Development (R&D) facility in-house. No other countries in this region have their own national car project other than providing manufacturing and assembly services. Therefore, we are pleased with the opportunities this MoU presents as this collaboration allows both nations and companies to provide knowledge-transfer and mutual sharing of expertise in the area of automotive whilst strengthening the bilateral ties among the countries.”
“The MoU serves as a positive start to both nations. As the region’s major player in the automotive market, PROTON welcomes such cooperation with PT ACL for the benefit of all. Closer ties between both companies will surely facilitate international and regional investments, spurring more automotive markets activity and economic development,” he continued.
Meanwhile, Mr Abdullah Mahmud said, “We are very happy to be working with PROTON and Malaysia in this project. With the expertise that PROTON has and our similar culture and environment, we are confident that PROTON can help to train and develop a pool of specialist workforce for our automotive industry. This collaboration when materialized will not only spur the Indonesian automotive industry further but also expand knowledge and capabilities of our people.”
Under the MoU, both parties will conduct a feasibility study in terms of localization activities, purchasing activities, engineering and design activities, logistic services and market studies which is relevant to the project.
