Proton is expected to roll out its hybrid electric vehicles by 2014

KUALA LUMPUR: Proton is expected to roll out its hybrid electric vehicles by 2014.


International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamedtold Parliament that Proton, like many other car manufacturers, is focused on moving towards producing environmentally friendly cars.


Proton is currently collaborating with UK-based Frazer-Nash Research (FNR) firm to develop its own electric vehicle models.


This is based on the firm's capability in developing its own intellectual patent in alternative and green technology.


Mustapa said in a reply to Azmin Ali (PKR-Gombak) that Proton had allocated RM500mil for research and development (R&D) in green technology and is expected to gain profits after commercialising it in 2014.


Azmin had asked the ministry to state the rational of investment by Proton through Frazer-Nash Research (FNR) to develop its own hybrid cars.


Mustapa said that Proton's investment in green technology R&D compared to other multinational car manufacturers was much smaller.


For instance, General Motors spends about USD1.2bil to develop its green car Chevrolet Volt while Nissan-Renault had allocated USD5.6bil for the same purpose.


Allegations that Proton spent some RM270mil to test 30 cars and each cost about RM9mil were also untrue, Mustapa said.


They are attempts by the opposition to confuse the public, he said.






























He also denied allegations that Proton had not met its target to produce hybrid cars commercially by 2011.