The third national car project can cost up to RM850 million, according to Putrajaya in a parliamentary written reply.

"It is estimated the development cost of the third national car, which is fully funded by the private sector, will be between RM800 million and RM850 million," said Deputy Law Minister Mohamed Hanipa Maidin.

"As previously said by the prime minister, the new national car project is a private initiative that will be funded by the private sector. There is no involvement of public funds in the project...