PROTON is confident that its “strategic partnership” with Geely will improve business by the end of year.

Its chairman, Syed Faisal Albar, said it was confident that events, such as the launch of the new SUV by year end, would boost confidence in the market.

“In terms of models to be introduced, we have the SUV by the end of this year,” he said after a meeting with the Council of Eminent Persons at Ilham Tower today.

Production of Proton’s Boyue-based sport utility vehicle will commence in April next year.

“The council wanted to know and understand more about what Geely is as it is not a known brand in Malaysia. This was our opportunity to explain it to them,” said Syed Faizal.

Geely is a Chinese multinational automotive manufacturing company headquartered in Hangzhou, Zhejiang

He said in February, Geely had bought a US$9 billion (RM36 billion) stake in Mercedes-Benz owner Daimler, or nearly 10% of their shares.

“They also acquired new technology in Southern California to produce flying cars.

“We are confident that Geely is the most suitable partner to take Proton to the next level,” he said.

Syed Faisal also said there would be no change in direction for the national automaker as Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad had shown confidence in it.

“We have loaned a car to Dr Mahathir and he likes the car very much.

“So, that indirectly shows the confidence he has in Geely’s technology,” he said.

He said the company was focused on the production of the SUV and that “market shares are not an issue for us”.

“Technology is something that we need to push for. If we want better technology, we need to invite people who have better technology to contribute.

“The strategic partner Proton now has is a start. Hopefully, the multiplier effects will be much better.” – July 10, 2018.