Proton is taking aggressive action to address the parts shortage problem and now has at least one month’s worth of high-demand parts in stock at 147 3S and 4S centers nationwide.
According to a report by automotive media outlet Paultan.org, Proton has started to address the parts shortage in order to restore owner confidence in Proton. Proton has set up a special task force to deal with the parts supply chain issue, and Chief Executive Officer Li Chunrong will oversee the operation of the task force.
All 147 3S and 4S centers nationwide are now stocked with at least one month’s worth of high-demand parts, although Proton does not specify which parts are in high demand (Fast Moving Parts), but they are generally understood to be consumables needed for routine maintenance and repairs, such as engine oil, lube filters, transmission fluids, polite filters, cold air filters etc.
Proton also said that five 3S/4S centers nationwide will have parts in stock to meet 3 months of demand, namely Atiara Johan, Lesydear Automobile, Pantai Baharu, LHM One Stop Car and The Apple Auto.
Proton’s deputy chief executive officer pointed out recently that the shortage of parts can be attributed to several reasons, the first being the implementation of the MCO last year, and the shortage of manpower faced by suppliers.
The third reason is the shortage of international chip supply, as well as the accumulated problems of China’s power restrictions last year. The severe flooding that broke out in China at the end of last year was also one of the reasons for the shortage of parts.
In addition, Proton’s deputy CEO revealed that many of Proton’s franchised agents only focus on the sales of new cars, but neglect after-sales service, and are even unwilling to spend cost and time on planning parts inventory. Proton will communicate with agents and instill the importance of after-sales service.
