Dr. Tun Mahathir on starting a new Automotive Industry.

I saw this video today. Unless Dr. Mahathir said something in Malay which contradicts me, he said an Automotive Industry.
I actually feel that the Automotive Industry could be an educational entity.
Just a thought.

Dr. Mahathir resigns from Proton and Lotus...

Dr. Mahathir (Picture below with me[John Mansfield]) has resigned as Proton and Lotus Chairman

The good Doctor is the former PM of Malaysia. He founded Proton. He has also resigned from other posts.
He is 91. This is not necessarily the reason he has resigned. He has an ongoing issue with the present PM. It has been suggested that this might be the reason for his resignation.

DRB Hicom own Proton and Lotus. They (Proton and Lotus) have a poor Commercial track record. Both need investment. Obviously, they could go under the wing of an established OEM. Historically, this has been attempted, but always failed.

 Normally, the Government gives them (Proton) grants.

In one of his recent post on his Chedet blog, Dr Mahathir accused the Malaysian Government of allowing Proton to go bust...

In Britain, we have a history of subsidised Car Companies (British Leyland).

By resigning Dr Mahathir will make it more likely that DRB Hicom can approach the Government with a viable plan for both Proton and Lotus and come away with a cheque.

In Malaysia this is quite contentious. It was here in Britain. The term 'Lame Duck' comes to mind.

However, having worked in Proton's Shah Alam facility, I have empathy with the workers. I have always had a soft spot for Lotus, and it would benefit both if money were available.

Should the money become available, it would need to produce a sustainable entity. I think Proton has now got to realise that the Government no longer views it as 'Too politically connected to fail' .

Happy Chinese Gong xi fa and Tibetan New Year Losar

Different cultures have different New Years... All the best to everyone celebrating this now.
For me this is another opportunity to put my wish for this proposed project to gain traction!

I saw a picture which was Linked to Tengku Djan's facebook.

This is Tengku Djan (Head of Sales and promo for Lotus in Malaysia) with Dr. Mahathir (Chairman of Proton and Lotus).
I was kind of hoping that Dr. M is asking Djan... "So what do you think of that Motorsport Uni proposal? Is John Mansfield OK?"
And of course Djan answers in the positive!

Stranger things have happened!

Once again A Happy New Year to anyone celebrating it.