Proton products and competitiveness

Proton is the Malaysia's first national car under the vision of Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohammad, former Malaysia's Prime Minister. The first proton car was introduced in 1988 based on Mitsubishi car which is known as Saga in Malaysian market. Through over the years research and development (R&D), Proton had made their own car such as Waja, Gen-2, Saga BLM, Pesona and Savvy and their own engine from Campro to Campro IAFM and later CPS. Proton has won numerous awards since their establishment. Presence in so many countries such as United Kingdom and Australia.

Since recent years the automobile industry getting tougher. Proton need to introduce new model such as replacement for Perdana V6. Perdana V6 is too long in the market and the technology are outdated and based in 12 years back technology. New model should offer executive interior looks and target for medium to high end market. Thus the Proton should study from Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mercedes C-class & BMW 3 series before introduce a new model.

Proton new MPV, Exora is a good car with the size and technology equipped. Price are relatively low which is good car to buy. The Exora would be better if the door based on slide door (like Estima / Alphard) rater than normal door. Besides that, the Exora is equipped with 1.6 CPS engine which is under-power for Exora body size. The 1.8 engine would be the best for Exora car.

In terms of the reliability of the Proton engine, I would say their engine are great with no problems (at most a minor problem) but their fuel consumption a bit higher as compared with other Japanese cars with the same engine capacity or more. For example, Satria Neo 1.6 CPS consume more fuel as compared with bigger body size of new Honda Civic 1.8. Proton need to enhance their R&D so that Proton could offer better fuel efficiency engine and compete with other main competitors. Further more it will protect our environment as it produce less emissions.

MAS Economy Class

Malaysia Airlines (MAS)new 737-800 is a great aircraft as it comes with Boeing's Sky Interior and new in-flight entertainment. However, their economy seat pitch is relatively small which is 30" as compared with Garuda Indonesia (31"-32"), Singapore Airlines (32") and Thai Airways (31"). Malaysia Airlines should adjust the seat pitch on their coming next 737-800 to a bigger seat. MAS is a 5-star airlines, thus they should provide comfortable seats to their customers. Besides that, with bigger seats, MAS could capture the market share loss to Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways and Garuda Indonesia which offer bigger seats. However, MAS 777-200ER and 747-400 economy seat still one of the largest ever at 34" beats it's rival but same as Qatar Airways and Saudi Arabia Airlines.

Malaysia Airlines: Business Improvements and Strategy

Expand Malaysia Airlines when there is an opportunity available. Malaysia Airlines should deploy new routes to Zurich, Madrid, Athens, Kuwait City, Doha, New York, Hawaii and Christchurch. Don't ask about the load factor because there is so many ways to improve the load factors by simply marketing strategy, product offering and transiting before the final city. My suggestion or my point of view is Malaysia Airlines should introduce new business class on their fleet. Current business class seat are small in size and are not full flat lie bed. Besides that, Malaysia Airlines could deploy on the following routes:

1) Kuala Lumpur - Doha - Muscat - Doha - Kuala Lumpur
2) Kuala Lumpur - Kuwait City - New York - Kuwait City - Kuala Lumpur
3) Kuala Lumpur - Tehran - Moscow - Tehran - Kuala Lumpur
4) Kuala Lumpur - Tokyo Narita - Honolulu - Tokyo Narita - Kuala Lumpur
5) Kuala Lumpur - Johannesburg - Sao Paolo - Johannesburg - Kuala Lumpur
6) Kuala Lumpur - Melbourne - Christchurch - Melbourne - Kuala Lumpur
7) Kuala Lumpur - Zurich - Kuala Lumpur
8) Kuala Lumpur - Athens - Madrid - Athens - Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia Airlines might concerned on the availability of an aircraft to deploy these routes. Malaysia Airlines could use operating lease for temporary to test the markets and when the market is there, malaysia airlines can subsequently purchase a new aircraft to cater the demand and growth.

With a new aircraft, Malaysia Airlines can reduce fuel consumption with better fuel efficiency aircraft. Besides that, Malaysia Airlines can offer a new products such as new first, business and economy class, nicer interior, shower for first and business class, Wifi and mobile phone coverage on board.