KUALA LUMPUR: Proton Holdings Bhd has spent RM504 million in investment and R&D costs for the Proton Savvy model and registered sales of 28,671 units amounting to RM694 million in the domestic market between 2005 and September 2009, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

The Savvy had been well received in the overseas markets of Thailand and Indonesia, said Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin in reply to Hee Loy Sian (Petaling Jaya Selatan-PKR). Hee had asked about the profitability of Proton car models Savvy and Juara.

Awang Adek said the operating profit for Savvy amounted to RM115 million.

As for the Juara, he said Proton invested RM38 million to roll out the model. "Although this model was not well received, it chalked up sales of about RM116 million," he said.

In a supplementary question, Hee asked what the government was doing to ensure Proton cars could compete internationally.

Awang Adek admitted that Proton must increase its efforts to market its cars abroad.

"This is something that is being looked into — the ways in which Proton can market its cars abroad. Perhaps through joint ventures with other car companies abroad or through strategic partnerships," he said.

In the 2008 to 2009 financial year, he said the national carmaker sold 108,405 Proton cars in the country, securing 31% of the local automotive market but exported only 18,426 units.

Replying to a supplementary question from Datuk Ahmad Hamzah (Jasin-BN), Awang Adek said Proton had come up with newer models like the Persona, Saga and Exora besides making great strides to penetrate the export market for these models.

On Monday, Proton announced a much improved second quarter. In a year-on-year comparison, Proton's 2QFY10 net profit came in at RM82.06 million, up almost twice from RM43.81 million reported in the previous corresponding period.