Research reports published by AmSecurities and Public Bank research houses reveal quite a few details on DRB-HICOM's future plans for Proton. The reports were published based on an analyst briefing by DRB-HICOM during a tour of Proton City in Tanjung Malim.
Proton's target is to sell 500,000 cars a year by 2017/2018, with 150,000 of those units for exports. A target of 30% of annual volume in exports would mean its overseas markets has to grow quite aggressively and Proton's plans include potential CKD programs in foreign countries.
The Suprima S has been launched in Australia and Brunei this month, and next up will be Thailand. The Thai Motor Expo happening soon would probably be a good platform for them to launch it. Proton also has plans to properly re-enter the UK market with 3 new models beginning December - reports have mentioned September sales in the UK to be a dismal 3 cars because of a lack of models to deliver.
On the Proton Perdana Replacement model, Proton is expected to commence production in December 2013, with an initial 3,000 unit roll-out for government usage. The proper Proton Perdana replacement for general market sales will only come in two years time pending further developments. So while the government will get a car that looks very much like a Honda Accord, similiar to the prototype that we sighted recently, they do have plans to sell a more unique car to the public.
Proton's next model will be a B-segment car that is known by the codename GSC, or global small car. From what we understand from the reports, Proton will embark on this project on its own and not via a joint venture. Production targets for this model are about 60,000 units a year.
Hybrid cars are still in the pipeline, but not much details have been announced beyond that. In the meantime, you can read our past coverage on Proton electric cars.
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