Proton sets up tinting film centre at Tg. Malim factory

During Proton’s early years, the factory built the cars with just the basic equipment and left the addition of accessories to third parties after the cars were delivered to the showrooms. Only the air-conditioner and audio system were installed at the factory; other items like central locking, power windows and other accessories were installed elsewhere.

From a manufacturer’s point of view, it is not good to have other parties install items which may require modification of some areas like electrical wiring or even changing the head unit. Inexperienced or unprofessional installers may not do the wiring properly and a short circuit can occur. This can lead to a fire starting and in fact, there were some cases of cars catching fire which Proton’s investigations found to be due to such short-circuits.

The ‘standard options’ controversy
This led not only Proton but also other companies (through the Malaysian Automotive Association) to ask the government to allow the assemblers to install certain accessories which were becoming popular. There had also been some controversy over ‘optional’ accessories not being optional and customers being forced to accept them, leading to the term ‘standard options’.

By the late 1990s, it was decided that the assemblers could install items such as central locking, power windows and a few other items if they were part of the specification. This meant the installation could be done at the factory by properly trained personnel to the high standards that manufacturers had.

Accessories installed at factory
Today, most assemblers install many accessories before sending the cars to showrooms, and in some cases, there are optional items that are really optional. And it is not just high quality of installation that is the advantage but also that the cost of the extra items can be included in the amount financed under the H-P loan and repaid over many years. No accessory shop would give such a long repayment period!

At the Proton factory in Tanjung Malim, Perak, the carmaker has now set up an Accessories Tint Centre which will install the security tinting film that is standard on the Flagship and Premium variants of the X90 and the S70.

Up to 5,000 vehicles a month
This in-house capability can handle up to 5,000 vehicles a month to cater for other models which will have tinting offered as an option or standard in future. Besides high quality professional installation, the tinting film also comes with a separate warranty which is 5 years long with no mileage limit (similar to the X90 and S70 vehicle warranties).

“The launch of our new tint centre in Tanjung Malim is a significant step towards Proton’s commitment to delivering quality products and more value to our customers. By taking responsibility for the fitment process, we have better quality control and can offer better peace of mind,” said Roslan Abdullah, CEO of Proton Edar, the carmaker’s marketing arm.

Proton Parts Centre upgrades operations to improve aftersales services