Since last year, we now hear the words Coronavirus and COVID-19 at least ten times a day. Sadly, it’s the new normal. The world as a whole is under the thumb of this virus, industries have shut down, and businesses are losing their markets. One of the countries that are badly hit by the COVID-19 pandemic is Malaysia.
The Malaysian government has implemented a Full-Movement-Control-Order (FMCO), under which only the essential economic sectors are allowed to operate. That, unfortunately, does not include the automotive industry. Hence, all the Malaysian car brands, including Proton, have paused their production. As a result, deliveries of Proton cars in Pakistan will be further late.
Proton Pakistan has shared the bad news on their social media, and the response shows the public is not happy. Many are calling the company’s behaviour unfair and unjust. Some have even questioned the company’s credibility and called the booking procedure a fraud and scam. People who have booked Proton Saga and Proton X70 have lost their chill and are demanding full refunds. Some internet warriors have suggested the company offer compensation over late deliveries of their cars.
Proton’s Response
The good thing about Proton Pakistan is, unlike other companies, they have at least tried to explain their situation by replying to the comments. One reply said, “We apologize for the frustration this has caused. The ongoing lockdown in Malaysia caused by the rising cases was unexpected for all of us, and it, unfortunately, caused a delay in the deliveries. We value our customers and are trying our best to get their cars delivered to them.”
Addressing the fear of scam, the company said, “Proton Malaysia has issued a letter regarding lockdown.. which clearly indicates that Al-Haj Automotive is not deliberately causing this delay, but it is due to extrinsic factor of complete lockdown in Malaysia and the resultant standstill in the movement of goods, services and industrial transportation.. This clearly proves that there is no fraud on the part of Al-Haj.”
When asked about the Proton assembly plant in Pakistan, the company replied, “We will release information regarding plant update next week.. which will show that as far as our preparation is concerned, we have covered all bases, and the plant is in the final phase of completion. The only bottleneck is that CKD kits shipment is on hold due to lockdown.”
Do you think Proton is making excuses, or the situation with lockdown in Malaysia is a genuine reason? Which side are you on? Proton or public?
I understand some complains but taking such proportion is not reasonable at least Proton never increase them prices as a newcomer, not like changan with alsvin, when alsvin and Proton X-70 were launched around the same time, alsvin ‘s price increased where X-70 is still available for the same prices just to give one example.
Anyway since we are mid july, the plant should be completed by the end of the month according to one of your previous article.
I agree with Mr. Waqas, Proton not increasing vehicle prices is the best business ethics that anyone ever displayed in Pakistan and the company should be lauded for it.