sideviews

Proton, please produce quality cars – Tan Eng Bee

February 18, 2016

In a world where transparency, truthfulness and honesty have taken a new dimension and importance, it is perturbing to note that Proton has kept silent on about 100,000 cars which need to have the faulty oil cooler replaced.

Despite its chief Datuk Abdul Harith Abdullah’s admission that 100,000 cars involving its Preve, Exora and Suprima models will be recalled to replace the oil cooler hose that can burst after 40,000km mileage, the announcement was very much welcomed despite the tight concealment all these months.

By keeping quiet over the matter denotes the matter was taken lightly by Proton earlier while owners of these cars were kept in the dark on the problem when CFE oil cooler hose can burst after 40,000km mileage.

Though the concealment was a well-kept secret, unfortunately, somehow, someday, truth will prevail and surface and it came at a time when Proton’s cars were highly criticised of its many shortcomings the past many years since its inception.

Anyway, I am glad with Harith’s statements that Proton wishes to “right the mistakes” and “there is a strong need to rebrand and reposition ourselves.” Hopefully, this time round, Proton will embark seriously to make good its reputation of making quality and reliable cars fit for the market.   

What is needed now is to just do it!

We can only hope Proton Holdings Berhad will pull up its sock to ensure no stone is left unturned to turn around the company into a well respectable entity, churning out quality and reliable cars that are on par with regional models such as Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Hyundai and Kia, among others.

Consider Mazda. Once a “despised” car for many years since their golddays of has reinvented itself and the company has invested tremendous time and effort to produce reliable and fashionable Mazda cars such as Mazda CX 5 and Mazda 6 that are well received by Mazda car lovers.

I would suggest Proton should learn from established car makers such as Toyota, Honda, and Nissan, which have experienced recalls where any malfunction of any parts of their cars would mean an international recall or in their own words, "service fix" or "preventive measure campaigns" to either repair or replace the problematic parts before any mishap or danger are caused to drivers and passengers alike.

These car makers are in the know that concealed faults can result in huge claims by the public and compensations can amount to many millions if deaths occurred due to the malfunctioned of faulty parts.

Despite the tremendous high cost of repairing or replacing faulty parts, these companies have no alternative but to lay bare the truth by announcing the fault in question and to make amend as soon as possible, failing which, the company can be in serious trouble of being sued for damages and deaths, either by the public or government agencies or both.

A recall can cost millions to the company and eats into their profits but such are their international obligation and social responsibility that failing to do so may incur legal proceeding and likely to cause a serious dent to their international trade mark, reputation and prestige.

On the other hand, I agree that the recall can help to build a degree of trust with the company but much has to be done in the months to come. 

I am sure Proton Holdings Berhad does not want any litigation taken against the company in the event of an accident that was attributed to its faulty part as that would surely call into question the quality and reliability of its cars.

To Proton, I would say this, waste no time to amend your reputation by removing any negative perception that the public has all these years.

Do whatever is necessary to see that Proton’s cars are of high quality, accepted and respected. Proton has the means to carry out a total revamp and to make it good this time round.

Bear in mind that proton is our national car and deserves full attention by the power that be.

I have no doubt Proton can stand tall among the other reputable car manufacturers in this region and beyond if the company is willing to go all the way to crack the whip to ensure every effort and energy are invested to produce quality cars fit for the market.

It is time to crack the whip at all fronts in the company. With our former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as its adviser, a man of no nonsense, Proton ought to reach the pinnacle of excellence, failing which, no one is to be blamed except the entire work force of Proton Holdings Berhad. – February 18, 2016.

*Dr Tan Eng Bee reads The Malaysian Insider.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.