Vendors' design capabilities enabler towards proton internationalization strategy

Abstract

There is a symbiotic relationship between the automaker and the suppliers. Proton is the first automotive company in Malaysia to strengthen product development (PD) activities to penetrate global markets. Vendors' participation determines the final product and vendors' design capabilities (DC) have been identified as part of the automakers' competitive advantage. However, Proton Malaysian vendors are just beginning to develop DC. Some strategic planning is required to speed up the development process, including technical assistance (TA), joint venture (JV) and also external support from buyer and government, (is required). This chapter discusses Proton product development (PD) practices, especially suppliers' involvement in the product development (SIPD) process and performance. The findings are also compared with prior studies to identify significant critical success factors (CSFs) to be used for the future framework of DC development for Malaysian automotive suppliers. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.