My Dear Matrix
Thursday, April 14, 2005
My Dear Matrix
I have finally got a chance to own a non-malaysian car. Well, technically, it isn't truely non-malaysian as it is made by INOKOM. It isn't a luxury car to brag about but the very fact that I am not driving a Proton give me the thrill. Enough is enough, Proton, I am dumping you.
After driving it for 3 weeks, all I can say is that the Korean car makers are serious bunch of people. I am no technical expert to comment on the technology but the quality of the dashboard, the many small compartments in the car, and the tight fittings of all the panels shows that they are sincere in making the car. The Matrix 1.6A has less power, softer in handling, higher priced (at least in Malaysia) than Proton Waja. But Matrix gives me the true joy of owning a new car, something my last two Protons could never provide. I enjoy the quietness of the engine, the smoothness of the transmission, the worry-free sensation of driving a new car.
Proton CEO mentioned sometimes before in the press that Proton's technology is more advanced that the Koreans. I am not challenging that statement as I am sure he is well-supporting his statement. But Proton, like many Malaysians, lack the personal touch in things that they do. They spend so much in the R & D to come out with a car that is technologically more advanced, and little do they know that by using low quality door handle that will break down in the first three months of car ownership, is totally murdering the joy of driving the car. Having to replace the power window system at RM490 three time in the first three years is fast dampening the owner interest to experience the next "more advanced" models.
Malaysians are forgiving lots. They can wait 20 years for you to prove to them that "Malaysia Boleh". But after 20 long years, their patience is running thin. They just cannot accept the fact that Proton is still producing cars that need to be sent to service centers for warranty claim every so often, and worst of all, on the same parts. This is not about technology anymore, this is plain sense of responsibility, or the totally lack of it. If losing a market share of 60 over % to 30 over % is a not-strong-enough signal, I don't know what is!
After driving it for 3 weeks, all I can say is that the Korean car makers are serious bunch of people. I am no technical expert to comment on the technology but the quality of the dashboard, the many small compartments in the car, and the tight fittings of all the panels shows that they are sincere in making the car. The Matrix 1.6A has less power, softer in handling, higher priced (at least in Malaysia) than Proton Waja. But Matrix gives me the true joy of owning a new car, something my last two Protons could never provide. I enjoy the quietness of the engine, the smoothness of the transmission, the worry-free sensation of driving a new car.
Proton CEO mentioned sometimes before in the press that Proton's technology is more advanced that the Koreans. I am not challenging that statement as I am sure he is well-supporting his statement. But Proton, like many Malaysians, lack the personal touch in things that they do. They spend so much in the R & D to come out with a car that is technologically more advanced, and little do they know that by using low quality door handle that will break down in the first three months of car ownership, is totally murdering the joy of driving the car. Having to replace the power window system at RM490 three time in the first three years is fast dampening the owner interest to experience the next "more advanced" models.
Malaysians are forgiving lots. They can wait 20 years for you to prove to them that "Malaysia Boleh". But after 20 long years, their patience is running thin. They just cannot accept the fact that Proton is still producing cars that need to be sent to service centers for warranty claim every so often, and worst of all, on the same parts. This is not about technology anymore, this is plain sense of responsibility, or the totally lack of it. If losing a market share of 60 over % to 30 over % is a not-strong-enough signal, I don't know what is!
My first posting
Why do I need a blog? I really don't know. I will find a good use of it eventually. Treat it a place for friends to stay in touch. Don't take it too seriously.
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