DRB-Hicom, Geely tie-up promises exciting future, say dealers

Proton dealers' impressed with technological capabilities and work culture after visit to Geely Research Institute in China.

Proton dealers are looking forward to seeing Proton cars incorporate the advanced safety and other state of the art features developed by Geely.

KUALA LUMPUR: The partnership between DRB-HICOM Bhd and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co Ltd bodes well for the future, thanks to the technology and research scope developed by the Geely Research Institute (GRI), according to Proton dealers.

In a statement today, Proton said a few of its dealers had visited the GRI in Hangzhou recently, with the experience showing them the future possibilities and which increased their confidence in the collaboration.

Proton dealer Mohd Nazrin Mohamad Fozi from Rahman Brothers Automotive Sdn Bhd said the visit to GRI had more than lived up to his expectations.

“It showcased Geely’s technological capabilities and the future of the automobile industry. I imagine that if these technologies, like advanced safety and other state of the art features are incorporated into Proton cars, we will definitely be at the leading edge of automobiles in Malaysia and beyond,” he said.

Meanwhile, Munauwir Mohd Khir from Edaran Saga Sdn Bhd was impressed with Geely’s attention to detail.

“Geely takes into account every single detail. Everything is done in a controlled manner and the processes are in order, from testing to final product.

“It takes a good car manufacturer to have a big vision for the company, of not only developing cars with advanced technologies but also more importantly, those which are environmentally-friendly, like electric and hybrid cars,” he said.

GRI’s work culture also received praise from Hazree Hashim of Vitalic Sdn Bhd, who said that line workers were diligent in executing their tasks.

“From the work culture to the plant, there is a proper system and flow of doing things. Production is in control and everything looks orderly.

“After this visit, I can see the on-going developments in Geely more clearly, and how Proton can eventually benefit from the partnership in the long term,” he said. FMT