Proton's Salesman : A response to The New Straits Times Press

Proton Exora as budget taxis for TEKS1M

With reference to the article entitled ‘SPAD’s Chairman is also Proton’s Salesman,’ Suruhanjaya Pengangkutan Awam Darat (‘SPAD’) would like to clarify. The decision to use the Proton Exora was made by the government and it is in line with the National Car Policy. It is not within the ambit of the SPAD Chairman.

As a government agency implementing the taxi industry transformation, SPAD is bound to follow this policy. The decision was based on various considerations including technical specifications, luggage space, legroom and headroom. In terms of value-for-money, the question of affordability for taxi drivers was also considered. The Proton Exora is the most affordable model within its class. The value proposition includes the dual-fuel options (petrol and NGV); with future potential for diesel or hybrid versions.

In terms of economics-of-scale, the Proton Exora parts can be sourced easily. It is therefore more economical for taxi drivers to maintain. Proton also has the advantage of being more responsive to any requests for vehicle specification changes

Malaysia has a fragmented taxi industry. Uniformity and standardisation as seen in London, New York and Dubai is a must for industry sustainability. The new Teksi 1Malaysia (TEKS1M) intends to provide a standard and efficient operations model. This includes minimum specifications with greater emphasis on safety, comfort and a shorter 7-years usage limit. It will also provide connectivity to a centralized booking and dispatch system for wider operations coverage. SPAD will also harmonise the fare structure to ensure industry sustainability.