This is not a political blog.
Proton until recently considered the Malaysian National car and chaired the ex Malaysian PM, Tun Mahathir.
Tun Mahathir and Malaysia's present PM appear to have had a disagreement over funds in the PM's personal bank account. The BBC says this has been settled. Malaysia agency says Najib Razak funds 'were donations'
Malaysia's anti-corruption agency has said hundreds of millions of dollars found in Prime Minister Najib Razak's personal accounts were donations, effectively clearing him of wrongdoing.
But it did not disclose who the donors were or what the donations were for.
This has been a bit of a distraction it would seem for the Proton Chairman.
Selfishly (yes I can be selfish) I now hope things will settle down, justice is seen to be done, and the good Doctor can run his eye over my proposal.
I'm not perfect, but I'm pretty honest and have a workable plan I'd like to implement.
Lotus, who I am hoping to interest in my proposal... Are owned by a Malaysian company DRB Hicom, who have many divisions, Defence, Post, Automotive etc...
Proton was started by Tun Mahathir, and was recently owned by the Government. It is now privately owned.
Up until now taxis in Malaysia were mostly Protons. Now that is about to change. Toyota products have now received official blessing. Toyota Innova MPV officially unveiled as TEKS1M cab - (Paul Tan)
Tun Mahathir is now the Chairman of Proton and Lotus. I cannot speak on his behalf, but I suspect that he will not welcome the competition!
Protons Malaysia market share in the past 10 years has dropped considerably, this won't help.
In England, my local garage stopped selling Protons a couple of years ago.
Proton, have agreements in place with Honda and Suzuki to share platforms and technology, and their new vehicles will reflect that...
Lotus will be building their next new vehicle, an SUV in China. Here is a small portion of todays Malaysian Reserve article: The market presence of Lotus cars in China was done via Goldstar Lotus Automobile Co Ltd, a JV company between the three parties. Proton, Lotus and Goldstar will own 40%, 10% and 50% respectively in the JV company, which will cost up to 10 billion yuan (RM6.15 billion).
I am not an insider... So I don't know for sure if this is being based on an existing platform, Proton Exora being the most obvious, or with the Lotus Toyota connection, they use their engines, possibly a Toyota platfom, or as Proton have agreement with Honda and Suzuki possibly something they currently use...
Building from scratch would only make sense if it were to be a global platform possibly, selling it back to one of their OEM partners. Car Makers do that, but I'm not sure that is going to happen. You would really need an agreement up front to do that. The Platform would then have to be designed around your needs and that of the sharing OEM.
I certainly wish them all the best!
It would be nice if they could leverage their brands, particularly Lotus in a more out of the box way. My proposal does that... However, it seems a lot of people think I'm out of my box proposing it!
Here's a video showing a couple of losers talking about something similar.
Alastair Campbell was Tony Blair's media man, and Brian Barwick was the CEO of the FA.
The College is now a physical entity, here is a promo Video.
Lastly, I saw this video on youtube: I attended an ASLI conference with Alex. He was the most photographed man there!
I know a couple of other drivers from my time in Malaysia who would love to driving in this!
If you read my blog/webpage you will know I have met some of Proton's management, past and present.
Proton being a Malaysian car company. They own Lotus (Hethel).
I have briefly met Dr. Mahathir. Now Chairman of Lotus and Proton.
I presented at ASLI with his Son (a former Lotus board member) and Tengku Mahaleel (former CEO of Lotus).
Before we went on both gentlemen let me know they would not appreciate it if I publicly embarassed them in any way... Keeping face in Asia is a big deal it would seem.
So I am not suprised to see this video appearing on youtube. Obviously, a VVIP was apprehensive about being publicly humiliated and took appropriate action.
The Police are only following orders.
I remember in my younger days having contact with the Police in America. I was arrested several (3)times for drink driving. The Police did what the Police do. End of.
The last time, I had an argument at the bar with a Man who was rude to the bar staff (gave him the wrong brand of beer). The person I argued with felt it necessary to call the Police after I left, apparently he got a pay rise from 'our' company for this.
I got what I deserved, a ban, a fine, lost my house for six months, and had a black mark against my name... Fair enough.
In Dr. Mahathirs case I imagine he was escorted home/elsewhere. No harm done...
I have just had a Linkedin request from a person who caused me to leave GM Flint.
The Unethical action
The Linkedin wannabe colleague, got copies of a job he designed and made hardcopies via a 3rd party and left them on a high level Design Managers desk.
By printing off the copies on my computer under my log in ID. The Manager in question ( two levels above my then GM boss, Ron - I can't remember his name) would see the ID on the screen copies and attribute the design material to me.
Needless to say the quality of this material was abysmal.
He is now a high level GM Design Manager himself now. So theoretically it would be a positive thing to have him as a contact.
I didn't make a fuss at the time. I left for a much better paying job.
I must say I am not sure to be annoyed or amused!
His GM brand is closing its Engineering unit, so maybe that has something to do with it.
In this case once bitten twice shy.
The gentleman in question will fall on his feet I'm sure, however I prefer to remain outside of his area of influence.
I must say, everything happens for a reason, and whilst my career appears to be on hold presently, I have enjoyed my life experience in the last decade or so.
Sitting behind a tube in Warren Mi would pay the bills. I don't miss it at all.
The Positve outcome
Since leaving Flint, I worked for GM in my new role in America and Germany. Enjoyed it thoroughly, worked in Malaysia, loved Malaysia... working for Lotus wasn't great if I'm honest. My wanna be Linkedin colleague would have been at home there.
Being involved with a Media company (Board Member) getting some first hand experience with the tourist industry (more as a friend than worker)
and meeting CEO's and in one case the ex Malaysian PM, Dr. Tun Mahathir (on the left below), no we're not friends or colleagues, would not have happened without my wanna be Linkedin friend.
There are a lot more positives than negatives that came out of his unethical action.
Everything happens for a reason!
Next step... Get my Dream project up and running!
I know who can influence the outcome. I hope they come through for me.
Lucky I'm patient and persistent and happy... healthy... don't hold grudges... the list goes on.
Since my invitation to meet the then CEO of Lotus Mike Kimberley some years ago, I have not been to the Geneva Show.
I never did meet Mike, although a year or two later we sat a few feet from each other at a conference. We never spoke.
Today, Lotus have a CEO called Jean-Marc Gales. A European with an Auto Executive CV.
This week Lotus Unveiled their updated/new car. An Evora 400.
Jean-Marc has appeared in many online media outlets this week.
There’s no real link between the Lotus F1 team and the road cars. But how beneficial do you think the F1 connection is?
'I think people can over-estimate the link to motorsport – there is no synergy between the race cars and the road cars.'
I have to agree with him. However, Lotus are certainly well served by the Marketing of their name by F1.
Their cars are at the end of the day 'Sports Cars'.
F1 has a Red Bull team. They make soft drinks, and obviously see some benefit in being associated with successful sport franchises.
Anyway, I saw this video on the Lotus forum and thought I would share it.
You will notice that Jean-Marc pulls the cover back with the Lotus Chairman, Tun Mahathir.
I have briefly met Tun.
And I have contacted him on several occasions about my proposal.
One I am sure he will throw his support behind it.
Success is never guaranteed, however I would be very disapointed and suprised if I let him down.
I believe in the project, and myself.
As anyone who reads this blog knows. I have been championing an educational based initiative since my time at Lotus Engineering Malaysia.
I believe it has merit (obviously). I however need a large well funded institution to fund and support the proposal.
Lotus are presently owned by the Malaysian consortium DRB Hicom.
They own Proton, who in turn own Lotus.
Dr. Mahathir, the ex Malaysian Prime Minister is the Chairman of Proton and Lotus.
Dr M now chairman of Proton and Group Lotus (Malaymailonline)
Dr. Mahathir is controversial. He appears to embrace controversy, and is not afraid to express his opinion.
Now speaking as an individual, I can’t say I would necessarily agree with burning bibles, or any other religious book come to that.
However, unlike Dr. Mahathir I was brought up in the “West”. I associate book burning as a prelude to authoritarian rule, quite possibly followed by World domination for the book burners particular brand of religion and political philosophy.
So would I work with Dr. Mahathir?
Well yes. I have a vision. It is based on a combination of industrial expertise, hardware and academic learning delivered online and in the classroom.
Dr. Mahathir is the chairman of my preferred partner. I would not throw the baby out with the bathwater because of fundamental differences of opinion.
Here is a picture of Dr. Mahathir meeting with Hilary Clinton.
Dr. Mahathir appears to be enjoying her company immensely, I am sure the same would apply to me.
My project has a CSR charity book.
All royalty payments go directly to ROKPA
The initial draft of the book was written in Red Palm hostel. Sofie (originally from Alor Star) and Tilo (Leipzig) were both associated with Red Palm. Here we are in the Pavillion, KL.
Tilo's dad Claus did the illustrations for the book.
Here we are celebrating Tilos wedding to Curtney (in Leipzig).
My most recent attempt to get the project off the ground was a letter to the new Chairman of Proton.
Here I am shaking his hand at ASLI Automotive conference in 2010. Tun Mahathir was the Keynote speaker.
I presented my project on stage with his Son, and Tengku Mahaleel.
I am happy to say, I have lost some weight since this photo!
I'm off later, to attend a spin class. My local GYM4ALL gave me a free membership, they were so impressed with my efforts.
I still have the upmost confidence that the MUM project will kick off sooner rather than later.
I met him personally at ASLI Automotive conference 2010.
I presented my proposal on stage with his Son and Tengku Mahaleel.
Hopefully, his new appointment will be a plus for Proton and Lotus. It would be nice if he adopted my proposal.
Both Lotus and Proton need to do something different. My proposal is different. And in my biased opinion it would be highly successful.
Well, its New Year again.
Professionally, nothing new to report.
I continue to bug people about my pet project.
It would be nice if this VIP were to give the plan a recommendation!
Personally, I am fit and healthy.
I lost about 5 stone this year.
Having lost it in a healthy manner, I am happy with the results.
MANY THANKS TO THE TRAINERS IN GYM4ALL!! Lee and Jade in particular.
The charity book is still available on Amazon. Many thanks to Claus and Tilo Werner for their help making this happen.Below, Claus and I visit a town near Lobstadt to promote the book.
Both Tilo and Claus worked for free!
To read the story behind the story, and find a link to Amazon please click here.
1.Some years ago, I made a proposal to set up a commercial training division for Lotus Engineering (Malaysia).
It wasn't greeted with any great enthusiasm by the then Management. I left soon afterwards!
I believe in the validity of the proposal, and as the following decade has past, this belief has only grown stronger...
I have contacted many people over the years, presented to CEO's and industry experts.
2.Recently, an induustry expert, recently employed by Mercedes Petronas F1 has left his position. In the near future he will take a sabbatical...
3.Another industry professional, also connected to Petronas is reviewing his options.
Below are three short pieces related to the above three (3) points.
What happened was for five years later they revisited it (Patton script) and they had hired George C. Scott and Scott didn’t like the script they then had, and someone remembered this earlier script. So they went back to my script and that’s how I got to be in it. So the moral I want to teach all the young people here is that the same thing you get fired for is what they give the Lifetime Achievement Awards 30 years later. ( Call me deluded... but this is what I see happening with my proposal)
The up-side of such a job would be that Brawn would be able to have a positive impact on the sport and, if at some point, there was to be a stock market flotation, a man in that position would have all the credentials required to become the CEO. One might even say that he could be “the next generation Bernie”…
(It would be fantastic if Ross Brawn would come on board)
Published: Friday December 6, 2013 MYT 12:00:00 AM
Updated: Friday December 6, 2013 MYT 10:05:25 AM
I have attended the last two ASLI auto conferences.
This year, I have no budget!
Many thanks to Kenanga Simon, who was very helpful during the whole conference, as was the whole ASLI team.
The keynote speaker, ex PM, Dr. Mahathir was and is the Keynote speaker.
Here is a picture of me shaking his hand at the 2010 event.
I presented with the ex CEO of Proton Tengku (Prince) Mahaleel, and Dr. Mahathir's son, Datuk Mokhzani.
I'm still annoying some of the people in these pictures regarding my dream project... Hopefully, my patience will be rewarded!
Here is a Bloomberg video featuring Datuk Mokhzani. I have to say, he was polite, but showed little real interest in me or my proposal.
I am out of the loop in Group Lotus. Today I heard that Lotus Engineering Malaysia was closed when DRB-Hicom took over. The expats were let go. The Malaysian employees were redeployed.
Some have been there for years and have love interests in Malaysia, others will be working abroad somewhere. A few will be taking a rest and counting their money!
Oh well, life goes on.
Me, I am looking forward to the day that my proposal gets accepted. The expats in Group Lotus were not proactive in helping me get it off the ground, so for me nothing has changed. Without wishing to sound rude, it might be better. No-one saying we can't because...
Here in the UK we are being warned of flooding with travel advisories.
I am expecting Jimmy and Mila tomorrow morning. Jimmy works in Proton Malaysia. I was hoping to take them on a little road trip. Lets see what happens!
Back to my project. None of the people I contact about it are with Group Lotus.
I normally contact Genii or DRB-Hicom/Proton people.
Genii were kind enough to get me in touch with Sir Jackie Stewart.
DRB-Hicom and Proton people tend not to answer their emails!
I have presented at ASLI Asian Strategic Leadership Conference (Automotive)
So everyone knows!
Dr Mahathir Proton and Petronas adviser with me at ASLI 2010
Me with the ex CEO of Proton and the Big boss at SepangF1 circuit.
I gave an overview of the Motorsport University concept. I also introduced and moderated several sessions. Many thanks to ASLI for the opportunity. Particularly Kenanga the conference organiser.
The previous year Alex Yoong was my guest at the conference. Among other things, Alex works for Caterham now. He is something of a celebrity in Malaysia.
So corporate Malaysia knows of my plans.
Ideally, Group Lotus and Lotus F1 would partner, along with Caterham and Petronas.
Getting educational partners will not be difficult. They want to be paid, so funding needs to be provided. I know that is obvious.
I received a very nice letter from Sir Jackie Stewart.
Sir Jackie was heavily involved with Cranfield when I first made this proposal to Lotus as part of my 5 year plan for training.
He wished me luck. However, no endorsement was forthcoming.
You may or may not know that Sir Jackie is an Ambassador for the Lotus F1 team.
The Lotus F1 team is owned GENII and is seperate from Group Lotus/Proton/DRB-Hicom.
Many of the Malaysian papers ran stories on the Petronas DRB-Hicom signing ceremony.
DRB-Hicom/Proton bought the engine technology and intellectual rights to all Petronas developed powertrains.
This picture was run by the Malay Mail.
There are 3 people in this picture whom I have contacted about MUM.
The central figure, Dr Mahathir is adviser to both Petronas and Proton. I have met him personally, albeit only for a moment.
I wrote to him 2 days ago asking him to advise both Petronas and DRB-Hicom to support me in making MUM a reality.
Sadly, no reply as yet.
I'm looking forward to having my old Proton friend Jimmy and his wife visit me in the UK over Christmas. Then a quick trip to Leipzig to wish my Friend Tilo and his new Wife Curtney all the best at their Hochzeit.
Curtney and Tilo are on the left. The hostel Red Palm gave them an unofficial Hochzeit shortly after they got wed.
Very nice people.
I get to wear my shiny green turquoise suit. Turquoise, black and white are to be the theme colours.
Tilo, who once played in Leipzigs top punk band 50/50 (thats what his Mum told me...) is working on an acoustic piece for the occasion. I look forward to hearing it!
Currently, 50/50 have a record company. This I assume will be run from the lead singer's (Sash) home.
I'm only in Leipzig for two days. So I'm not sure if I'll get to see it. Good luck in the venture in any event.
I must say Tilo has been very helpful with my webpage, and any IT problems I have had, and continue to have!
Tilo and his Dad did the cover and graphics for my Charity book.
Tilo has a link to the book on his Media webpage SAMASAMA. All royalty payments go directly to charity. Tilo and his father worked totally for free on this project.
Many thanks to Tilo and Claus for all their help.
Some things take a long time to happen.
Wolfsburg, 26th October 2004 these gents signed a MOU between Proton and Volkswagen.
Two have left their posts. Tengku Mahaleel and Bernd Pischetsrieder have left Proton and Volkswagen. Dr. Mahathir remains the Advisor to Proton.
At the end of 2011 DRB-Hicom sign an MOU with Volkswagen.
DRB-Hicom are puting about 1 Billion Ringgit into Protons production facility.
http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Malaysia/Story/A1Story20120810-364503.html IPOH - The stalled Proton City project in Tanjung Malim is set to be re-ignited after it came to a standstill 15 years ago, said Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir. DRB-Hicom has briefed the state government on plans to reactivate the project on a 1,618.7ha piece of land there, he said. "The company has come up with a new and comprehensive plan and hopes to set up the automotive city within five years, or even by 2015," he told reporters after the state executive council meeting here yesterday. "It plans to invest RM1bil and make Tanjung Malim the main Proton car manufacturing centre," he added. "This is a big plan and it will be a major landmark in Tanjung Malim."
DRB-Hicom obviously see the plant being fully utilised. Good. By whom? Proton, according to the article. For Proton to fully utilise the proposed plant it would have to sell 4 or 5 times as many cars as at present.
They must have some excellent products coming through their R&D portfolio, or they have a plan to share platforms with a best selling brand.
Just conjecture on my part.
Many years ago I worked as a contract designer in Spain. VW had become partners with SEAT. SEAT had previously been state owned and made old versions of FIAT cars.
Martorell was and is the SEAT technical centre. Obviously, they use a lot of VW carry over parts. I don't know if they still use German based contract design offices.
Proton has it's own Tech Centre, as has Lotus. Maybe they can look forward to having a VW management team guiding them in the near future.
I have been in contact with both about my MUM proposal.
No real interest shown.
I moderated in ASLI Automotive conference in 2010. I shared a stage with Syed Zainal.
He was very polite and a very good speaker. I wish him well.
I assume DRB-Hicom are going to be more hands on.
Naturally, I have sent a presentation to the DRB-Hicom MD plus others.
See what happens.
I have received very good feedback on my Charity book. It is now available in print.
Please buy it!
Today,(30 Jan '12) I read that Dany Bahar is looking for Investors to buy Group Lotus with him.
Good Luck.
I have contacted the last three Group Lotus CEO's regarding my proposal.
One of them was very arrogant and rude, two were polite.
None of them have shown any interest in my proposal.
I hope the person/corporate entity that finally decides to move Group Lotus forward is persuaded by my educational argument.
I presented a paper at the last (2010) ASLI Automotive conference. I shared the stage with some of the Leaders of the Malaysian Auto and Motorsport industry.
Malaysians seem to interested in this. If you go back to one of my earlier blogs May 2010
Motor Sports: National Youth Skills Institute For Motor Sports In The Offing
SERDANG, April 5 (Bernama) — The Youth and Sports Ministry is mulling setting up a National Youth Skills Institute which will focus solely on motor sports, said its minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek.
He said the institute would offer courses related to the engineering and technical aspects of motor sports with the cooperation of the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).
I actually shared the stage with the Sepang Chairman. He never showed any interest in my proposal. Maybe, he likes the proposal but isn't to keen on me!
Anyway, I fully intend to contact the next Group Lotus boss, whoever he or she may be... I'm available.
In the meantime, I'll carry on annoying the guy below!
Dr.Mahathir was kind enough to allow the official ASLI media person snap us shaking hands. Dr. M was the keynote speaker.
Below is a visual from my webpage. Showing how the proposal would work.
PLEASE CLICK ON THE YOUTUBE PRESENTATION BELOW.
THIS IS THE CAMPUS IN JOHOR I WOULD LIKE TO PARTNER WITH!
ADD THE USA CAMPUS. GO TO MY WEBPAGE. THE UK CAMPUS. MAYBE OTHERS AS TIME GOES BY...
Still waiting for the Green light for the project. I had no idea I could be this patient!
It is my hope that Tun Mahathir likes the idea and puts in on the Proton/Petronas table for discussion and financing.
It would be nice to think that my name would appear on the ensuing org chart.
I read on a blog (Lotusbuzz) that the old Group Lotus CEO is in hospital with a lung condition.
My only contact with him was by telephone. It was obvious that many people had spoken to him about me. Mostly in order to ensure that I was not hired!
One thing I would like to clear up. I do not have an axe to grind with anyone associated with the Hethel Engineering Centre. The previous head of engineering Dave Tait was instrumental in setting the centre up. I met the man once and shook his hand. He seemed to be very personable. End of story.
I don't intend to answer any other accusations or libelous statements. I do occasionally wonder what makes some people tick.
I'm sure that Tun Mahathir is his own Man and will see through the BullsDoody and make up his own mind.
It would be nice if those who see merit in this would speak up.
Once again for those of you who cannot envisage this, here is a link to the SkySports video on the Burnley football college... 'Why has nobody thought of it before?' -Brian Barwick FA Chief Executive 2005 - 2008
Formula1.com has an article on how a former F1 in schools student got a job at Red Bull F1 team. Adrian Newey is a patron of F1inschools. It reads like an adfomercial.
Here's the link: A dream realised - from F1 in Schools to Red Bull Racing
I read on the forums that Tony Fernandes was interested in buying Group Lotus at one point, pre Dany Bahar I imagine. I attended an ASLI Auto conference with Alex Yoong a couple of years ago. Alex told me he had met a Lotus Engineering Man on a plane who had suggested he do some work with Lotus Engineering Malaysia (Part of Group Lotus).
Alex now does Driver development for Team Lotus...
Here is his boss on CNN:
