Proton Holdings Berhad deputy CEO Radzaif Mohamed said this was to meet the ever growing demands of consumers.

“Newer models may have these new features too. A new Saga, perhaps, will be added with these features. This is what the consumer wants.”

At the same time, Proton wants to make its new models affordable, he told reporters on the sidelines of the Kuala Lumpur International Automotive Conference (KLIAC) 2018.

The KLIAC was organised by the Malaysian Automotive Association and Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute (Asli).

Radzaif, one of the panelists at the event, explained how Proton was implementing futuristic technologies, including autonomous systems, in its upcoming model, the X70.

He said autonomous emergency braking, front collision warning, blind spot monitor, and connecting the vehicle via mobile application, were among the new features being introduced by Proton.

However, CKD (Completely Knocked Down) versions of this will only be possible when Proton completes the expansion of its Tanjung Malim plant.

Radzaif said after completing the expansion of the plant in the 3rd or 4th quarter of 2019, Proton was expected to produce 250,000 units per year there.

Proton welcomes NAP 2019

Meanwhile, commenting on the government’s effort to review the national automotive policy (NAP), Radzaif applauded the move, saying that it would keep Malaysia abreast with changes in the global industry.

“More up to date technology will be incorporated not just to the product itself but also in the ecosystem of making the car,” he said.

Earlier today, Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Ong Kian Ming said the review of the NAP would be completed by the first quarter of 2019.

He said NAP 2019 would focus more on the advancement of electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles and the necessary ecosystem.