The new national car project is expected to rollout it first model before 2020, said Entrepreneur Development Minister Mohd Redzuan Yusof.

He said the semi-autonomous car was being planned to enter the global market and would cater to the demand from young people.

“We are now shortlisting two to three partners to participate in this project, including Silterra and CTRM, and expect (the selection) to be concluded by year-end.

“The prototype for this (car) model is expected to be ready by early next year,” Mohd Redzuan told reporters at a media briefing on the new national car project in Cyberjaya today.

He said the project would be fully funded by the private sector, with the help of several government ministries.

Asked whether this project was feasible, given the short time for completion, Mohd Redzuan said the project would use the latest technology.

“This new car will use 100 percent disruptive technology and not follow conventional car manufacturing (methods),” he added.

Also present at the briefing was Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (Might) president and chief executive officer Mohd Yusoff Sulaiman.

Mohd Yusoff said this project was totally new and differentiated itself from the previous national car project by embracing Industry 4.0.

He said the role of Might was to emphasise the importance of having a new car that would help spur development.

“Besides that, Might is also mandated with the task to coordinate with various ministries, agencies and the industry, as well as the academia, to make the project a success,” Mohd Yusoff said.

- Bernama