PROTON Selects Accenture to Modernize its Enterprise Technology

Leading Malaysian Car Company to Underpin Expansion Plans With IT-Driven Superior Performance

NEW YORK; Nov. 11, 2010 – PROTON Holdings Berhad and Accenture (NYSE: ACN) have announced the launch of a project to expand and improve PROTON’s SAP-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. Accenture will work with PROTON to upgrade business processes across the company in order to improve efficiency, enable more rapid and effective decision making and increase responsiveness to customers. Financial details were not disclosed.

The project is the next step in PROTON’s transformation process, which aims to strengthen the company’s ability to compete effectively in the international market through its Asian Multi-Local OEM (AMLO) strategy.

PROTON selected Accenture for its extensive experience in the automotive industry, its strong capabilities in developing and implementing SAP-based ERP solutions and the combination of its global and local business expertise.

This project is part of PROTON’s previously announced Propex program of 13 major initiatives designed to transform the company. The company’s ERP system is the key enabler for many of the other initiatives, and it will provide the foundation for improvements throughout the company. Propex is expected to result in quality improvements, cost reductions, shorter lead times to customers and reduced inventory levels.

The ERP modernization project will cover all aspects of PROTON’s order-to-delivery process, from demand forecasting to manufacturing to the distribution network. It also will cover the development of automated processes for the company’s finance and procurement functions aimed at increasing efficiency. Another major focus will be improving collaboration throughout the supply chain – from suppliers to dealers.

Accenture will deploy the Accenture Global Manufacturing Business Solution (AGMBS), which combines lean manufacturing processes with technology blueprints.

“As we move on to our business expansion program reaching out to our international markets under the AMLO strategy, it is important for us to be able to improve our customer satisfaction through more effective end-to-end order-to-delivery times,” Dato’ Syed Zainal said, “An integrated and seamless platform is crucial to ensure the efficiency and productivity of our regional operations, and to ensure our responsiveness to both our local and regional markets.”

“PROTON is aware that the market is being driven by technological advancement, environmental awareness, and ultimately by consumer needs,” said Luca Mentuccia. “PROTON is laying the foundations to enable it to meet its national and international aspirations, creating the ability to harness new capabilities in each of these three areas.”

Accenture will deliver the work from teams based in Malaysia, supported by its Global Delivery Network centres in India and Shanghai, China, the site of one of Accenture’s Automotive Industry Solution Centers.

The project includes a skills transfer from the Accenture team to the PROTON employees to build the expertise within PROTON staff.

About Accenture

Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company, with approximately 211,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Combining unparalleled experience, comprehensive capabilities across all industries and business functions, and extensive research on the world’s most successful companies, Accenture collaborates with clients to help them become high-performance businesses and governments. The company generated net revenues of US$21.6 billion for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2010. Its home page is www.accenture.com.

About PROTON

PROTON, established in 1983, is Malaysia’s largest manufacturer of automobiles, and the only full-fledged OEM car manufacturer in South-East Asia. With operations in key markets from UK to the Middle East, and across South-East Asia and Australasia, especially in countries like China and Iran, PROTON produces cars to suit a range of consumer demands and preferences.

Its offerings include versatile and reliable four-door family vehicles, two-door hatchbacks for the young-at-heart, luxurious and stylish executive sedans, spacious and affordable multi-purpose vehicles, as well as the world-renowned sports cars from Lotus. Most importantly, PROTON models are now developed with Lotus Engineering, offering customers superior ride and handling experience in every drive.

PROTON’s inception as a key driver of national development has seen the brand accelerate its learning curve through technology transfer with strategic partnerships and technical collaborations. By listening to the needs of customers, PROTON cars are now steadily on track to achieve the mission for the future, with PROTON set to become a marque which builds cars with passion and soul; cars that are a delight to drive - and a pleasure to own.

Contacts Anthony Hatter
Accenture
+44 7810 756 138
anthony.hatter@accenture.com