Proton Holdings Bhd's (5304)top executives yesterday suggested that it will reverse the big loss recorded last year after being profitable in the first quarter to June 30 2009.
They also said the next Proton model after the Exora launched in April will only be rolled out in the second half of 2010. Until then, the national carmaker will only unveil variants or upgrades of its existing models.
Its top executives declined to reveal the new model but it is an open secret that the car is the replacement of the Waja. That 1.8-litre new car is a joint development with Japan's Mitsubishi Motors Corp.
Chief executive officer Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said 2010 onwards will see more new Proton cars rolling out from its manufacturing plants.
This will help the company to enhance its revenue, Syed Zainal said after Proton's annual general meeting in Shah Alam, Selangor, yesterday.
Its chairman Datuk Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh said Proton showed signs of improvement this year following a profitable first quarter.
It made a pre-tax profit of RM64.4 million during the period on a RM1.85 billion revenue. Sales volume improved to 39,257 units from 34,490 units in the preceding quarter.
Proton saw red in 2008 with a pre-tax loss of RM319.2 million on revenue of RM6.5 billion.
Nadzmi said the strong showing so far was pushed by the Exora as well as the Saga and Persona models.
The Exora has so far received bookings of over 18,000 units, while the Saga - launched in January 2008 - has now become the fastest-selling Proton model in history with bookings in excess of 136,000 units to date.
Syed Zainal said Proton will become more export-centric. Export volume accounts for about 15 per cent of its total sales.
Its local-assembly forays in China, Iran and India, while focusing on CBUs (completely built-up units) in Asean countries, will push its export volume.
Proton sold 18,428 cars abroad last year and has targeted 20,925 units for 2009.
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