One of Britain's fabled motor racing names Lotus to return to Formula One for 2010 season
Lotus, one of the most evocative names in British motor racing, will return to the Formula One grid next season after 16 years away.
The fabled team, which took the likes of Jim Clark and Graham Hill to world title glory, have been named as new entrants for 2010.
The new Lotus, however, will be different from the homespun outfit introduced to F1 in 1958 by the great Colin Chapman.
Graham Hill
Golden memories: Graham Hill driving the legendary Lotus at Silverstone in 1958
The funding comes from the Malaysian government, which controls the Lotus company through its government owned Proton car marque.
However, sources in Malaysia indicated that Lotus would be initially based in Norfolk, with a view to establishing a permanent base in Malaysia.
Starting up Team Lotus again was originally the idea of F3 team Lightspeed, only for the FIA to overlook their claims in June by preferring applications from three rivals, including the British team Manor Grand Prix.
That, though, was before the nacking of the Malaysians, who will support the project with money from the state-owned Petronas oil and gas company.
Mike Gascoyne, a highly respected figure in the sport after spells at numerous teams including Force India, will be technical director.
Lotus will plug the gap left by BMW, if a buyer for them cannot be found, and other manufacturer teams if they decide the cost of remaining in F1 is too great.
It remains to be seen if the FIA will unveil more new teams today.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-1213507/One-Britains-fabled-motor-racing-names-Lotus-return-Formula-One-2010-season.html#ixzz0SIAaPRI2
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
PROTON MAKE A NEW PROTON SUV?
PROTON MAKE A NEW PROTON SUV?
By kdi • Aug 16th, 2009 • Category: ! FORUM, Lets talk here!" rel="category tag">! Hot Info > Lets talk here!, PROTONNew Contribution By Norman
Message :Patutkah Proton buat SUV 7 seaters? Seperti Daihatsu Terios 7 atau Honda Crossroad 7 seaters?
proton suv
KDI : Proton have done a clay model of Concept SUV before the launch of Proton Exora which is named as PROTON MSX. Proton MSX is base on Lotus APX. Yes in the future Proton will develop a new Proton SUV base of Proton’s interest to build the clay model of 7 seater Proton MSX.
Proton SUV MSX is to produce a high technology ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ dual image, high performance crossover.It is actually a technology showcase of aluminiun adaptable platform,ride & handling,engine power and crossover functions of suv and sports car.
proton 4wd
The target user group of the PROTON MSX is for successful professionals with young-at-heart lifestyle.The typical usage of the mpv is for leisure and work.And to attract all the businessmen, corporate leaders or celebrities,they had emphasize on 6 different aspect of the car which is the style,the engine and performance,the technology behind it,the ride and handling,the quality and also the ride comfort.
With only a Naturally Aspirated 3.0 V6 engine,They had manage to churned out a hefty 224KW of power and 360Nm of torque.With a 0-100 time of 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 250kmh, the proton already beaten up some of the top notch SUV such as the Porsche Cayenne S,BMW X6 35i and the Nissan Murano.
suv
The Technical Specification Of the PROTON SUV
ENGINE : 3.0L V6
MAX POWER : 224kW
MAX TORQUE : 360Nm
TRANSMISSION : 6 M/T
LENGTH :4,697mm
WIDTH : 1,852mm
HEIGHT : 1,750mm
WHEELBASE : 2700mm
KERB WEIGHT : 1,570kg
0-100km/h : 5.9sec
TOP SPEED : 250km/h
Monday, September 7, 2009
Proton At Green Car Congress
Proton Motor Previews “Triple-Hybrid” Electric Drive Passenger Bus
13 May 2009
Proton Motor Fuel Cell GmbH, a subsidiary of Proton Power Systems plc, a designer, developer and producer of fuel cells and fuel cell electric hybrid systems, has previewed the first passenger bus using the company’s “triple-hybrid” fuel cell system. The presentation took place in Puchheim, near Munich on 8 May, with an official unveiling and handover to take place this summer in Prague.
The new vehicle is the product of a cooperation agreement between Skoda Electric, UJV Nuclear Research Institute Rez plc and Proton Motor. As a manufacturer of trolley buses and electric-powered rail vehicles, Skoda Electric was responsible for the vehicle, including its electric drive system and system integration. The project was coordinated by UJV, a leading research institution in the Czech Republic. Proton Motor supplied the propulsion system.
The triple-hybrid system combines a 50 kW PM Basic A 50 fuel cell system, battery pack and ultra-capacitors. Factoring in regenerative braking as well, the system enables energy savings of more than 50% compared to a conventional diesel bus, according to Proton, while being emissions-free in operation.
The basic vehicle is a 12-meter standard bus with a total permissible weight of 18 tonnes. The propulsion system’s nominal output is 120 kW (163 hp). Maximum speed is 65 km/h (40 mph), while its maximum range during urban transport is more than 250 km (155 miles) per tank. The bus carries 20 kg of compressed gaseous hydrogen at 350 bar, and the filling process takes less than 10 minutes. The vehicle will go into operation in and around Prague from mid-2009 onwards.
The PM Basic A 50 fuel cell system has also been in use since last year in the EU-funded ZEMship (Zero Emission Ships) project, applied in the fuel cell-powered passenger ferry, the FCS Alsterwasser. (Earlier post.)
In 2007, Proton Motor introduced a triple-hybrid forklift system. Designed as a “plug-and-drive” technology, the PM Package MH 30 system combines a 10 kW fuel cell, battery and supercapacitors. (Earlier post.)
In 2008, Proton Motor and AVL List GmbH signed a framework contract to collaborate on the development of fuel cell hybrid systems for powertrains as well as related measurement and diagnostic technology. AVL serves as the powertrain engineering and measurement technology provider while Proton Motor is the PEM (proton exchange membrane) fuel cell system provider. (Earlier post.)
Proton Gen-2
Subaru Justy & Proton Gen-2, Five years, 60,000-miles
Okay, so 60,000-miles isn't as good as the unlimited distance offered on the best cars in this quintet, but you've three more years than most cars in which to reach them. Only two cars in the UK are offered with such warranties: the Subaru Justy and a few special edition Proton Gen-2 models.
Why the Justy isn't unlimited is a mystery as it's basically a re-badged Daihatsu, but it does better the warranties of its Impreza, Forester and Legacy relatives. Proton's Gen-2 needs all the help it can get to drive sales; as generous as the special edition's warranty offer is we'd rather have a Kia or Hyundai instead.
Subaru Justy & Proton Gen-2, Five years, 60,000-miles pictures
Proton Car Maker
Proton (carmaker)
 | |
| Type | Public (Bursa Malaysia: PROTON) |
|---|---|
| Founded | Established 1983 |
| Headquarters | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
| Key people | Dato' Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohd Tahir (MD) |
| Industry | Automotive |
| Products | Car, Automotive Parts |
| Revenue | ▲ RM6.49billion MYR 2008 |
| Employees | 10 300 |
| Subsidiaries | Lotus |
| Website | proton.com |
Proton is the Malaysian national automobile manufacturer (Malay acronym for PeRusahaan OTOmobil Nasional, 'National Automobile Enterprise'), which was established in 1983 under the direction of the former Prime Minister, Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. Proton Holdings Berhad, the holding company, is listed on the Bursa Malaysia.
Contents[hide] |
History
Based on technology and parts from Mitsubishi Motors, production of the first model, the Proton Saga began in September 1985 at its first manufacturing plant in Shah Alam, Selangor. Initially the components of the car were entirely manufactured by Mitsubishi but slowly local parts were being used as technologies were transferred and skills were gained. The 100,000th Proton Saga was produced in January 1989.[1]
Until the end of the 1990s, the car's logo featured the crest from Malaysia's coat of arms, featuring a crescent and a fourteen-pointed star. The new Proton logo features a stylized tiger head. In 1993, a model called Proton Wira was introduced based on the Mitsubishi Lancer/Colt. More than 220,000 units were sold between 1996 and 1998.[2] Proton Perdana, based on the Mitsubishi Galant/Eterna, was first produced in 1995, intended for higher end market. The Proton Waja (Proton Impian in UK), which launched early 2001, is the first car model designed internally by Proton.
By 2002 Proton held a market share of over 60% in Malaysia, which was reduced to barely 30% by 2005 and is expected to reduce further in 2008 when AFTA mandates reduce import tariffs to a maximum of 5%. (See "Trivia" section for update on tariff implementation)
With the acquisition of Lotus technologies in 1996 from ACBN Holdings (a company owned by the owner of Bugatti), Proton has gained an additional source of engineering and automotive expertise. This led to the production of Proton Gen-2 which was code name Wira Replacement Model (WRM) before the launch. The Gen-2 is the first of cars to be manufactured and assembled at the new manufacturing plant in Tanjung Malim, Perak which is part of Proton City development project. The plant was opened in 2004. On 8 June 2005 Proton introduced the second model to be manufactured in Tanjung Malim, the 1,200 cc 5-door supermini, the Proton Savvy. Both the Gen-2 and Savvy, were models that MG Rover was looking to rebadge when the British firm entered into collaboration talks with Proton. However these joint-venture talks were unsuccessful and MG Rover subsequently collapsed.
In 2007, Proton launch its new sedan as replacement version for Wira Sedan but with new name, Persona. The new Proton Saga replacement model (codename Proton BLM) was launched on 18 January 2008. The new Saga is based on the Savvy platform, but using Campro 1.3L instead of Renault engine. It was announced on August 8, 2008 that Proton is developing a new, fuel-efficient hybrid car to beat rising costs and address environmental concerns. Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi told reporters that he had already test-driven the car and urged the company to continue researching energy-saving techonologies. [3]
As of 3 August 2008, Proton has produced 3 million cars since 1985, where the 3 millionth car is a second-generation Saga.[4]
Exports
Proton exports cars to the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Australia and the company is aggressively marketing its cars in several other countries including the Middle East. Besides that, Proton cars has also been exporting a small volume of cars to Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Taiwan , Cyprus and Mauritius. 14,706 Proton cars were exported in 2006[5]
Recently Proton returned to Guangdong, China, where it did business in the past but withdrew after having poor sales record. In July 2007, Proton signed an agreement with Youngman Automobile Group Ltd. Co., paving the way for the national carmaker to offer its products and services in China. Under the agreements,Youngman will import 30,000 Gen.2 CBU (completely built-up) units and resell them under its own EuropeStar brand and eventually develop a new range of Made-in-China cars with the engineering services provided through Proton's Lotus.[6] Proton is expected to ship 1500 cars a month for 20 months starting December 2007 to fulfill the order[7].
Proton began its exports from Malaysia to other right hand drive markets like New Zealand in the late 1980s, but its success was mostly limited to the United Kingdom where it entered the market, along with Ireland, in 1989. They advertised there with the slogan Japanese Technology, Malaysian Style. Proton cars proved popular among budget-oriented motorists, and like Japanese and South Korean models before them, led to the demise of manufacturers such as the Soviet Lada and ex-Yugoslavian (now Serbia) Zastava. By the 1990s, Proton had withdrawn from the New Zealand market after offering only the Saga four-door and Persona five-door models. The company also exited the Irish market in the early 1990s, following limited success in that country. The Persona and Natura models were sold in Chile briefly during the late nineties by a local Nissan importer, but few were sold and the venture ended after two years.[citation needed] Proton sales seem to be slowly declining in the United Kingdom with 2008 sales at 1518 (0.07% share of the market), compared to 2752 in 2002. These figures are insignificant compared to 2008 UK sales of 28,036 for Korea's Hyundai and 29,397 for Spain's SEAT. Proton enjoyed brief success as a few units of the Saga and Wira were exported to Trinidad & Tobago (Caribbean) during the late 90s where they were used mainly as rentals.
Proton also exports cars to Singapore and Australia, and now produces models in left-hand drive, for export to continental Europe. An entry into the US market was considered by Malcolm Bricklin following Hyundai's successful launch in the mid 1980s. However, exports to the US never materialized, as the cars required hundreds of changes to meet American safety standards in order to secure coverage from auto insurers and satisfy legislative requirements. Proton export models still do not comply to all environmental standards such as emission limits.
The model that Malaysia has followed with the formation of Proton may be used as a case study for rent seeking as tariffs on imported cars rose almost immediately following the formation of Proton. Also AFTA agreements on relaxing entries into the ASEAN marketspace had exemptions specifically for Proton. The Malaysian government gained a three-year exemption for Proton from 2002 to 2005 where entry tariffs had to be lowered to 5%. This was replaced by other duties resulting in no net decrease in automotive prices for importers.
In the United Kingdom, Proton cars suffer somewhat from a poor public image; they are considered poor quality products with very poor residual values compared to rivals from Kia, Chevrolet and Hyundai. In 1998 Proton attempted to change this by introducing the Proton Satria GTi - however, the car was somewhat out of reach to younger drivers due to high insurance premiums (the car was originally a group 16 and was reclassified in 2001 to group 14 but this still resulted in high premiums). The Satria GTi also sported a "Lotus Ride & Handling" badge which, coupled with an average security system, made it easy picking for a potential thief. However, the vehicle was a success as far as handling was concerned which meant that, coupled with its 1.8 16-valve Double Overhead Cam Engine (which produced 133bhp) a number were purchased by Octogon Race Circuits and used as track cars at Silverstone and Brands Hatch racing circuits.
Proton cars were imported into Trinidad and Tobago between 1993 and 2002. They were sold through a local dealer, H.E Robinson Ltd. Only the Saga and Wira ever reached this market with the Wira enjoying modest sales success. The bankruptcy of the dealership forced the exit of Proton from Trinidad and Tobago in 2002.
For a short time, the Proton Wira was marketed in the Philippines via LHD in 1994 with the establishment of Proton Pilipinas through the ASEAN Industrial Joint Venture (AIJV) Scheme[8][9] before they pulled out due to the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis.
Drop in sales
In 2006, Proton's sales dropped 30.4% from 166,118 in 2005 to 115,538 for the Malaysian market,[10][11] with a later report indicating a 55% fall of sales to 962.3 million ringgit, its lowest in at least seven years.[12] This allowed Perodua to overtake Proton as the country's largest passenger carmaker for the first time, with a 41.6% market share, while Proton's market share fell from 40% in 2005 to 32% in 2006. In the period ending December 31, 2006, Proton has also suffered three consecutive quarterly losses. Compared to a profit of 86.5 million ringgit in 2005, the car company lost 281.5 million ringgit in 2006. Proton blamed discounts from rivals. Total losses in 2007s financial year climbed to $169 million.[12]
The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) acquired an additional 830,000 shares in a transaction that spanned between January 5 and January 12, 2007.[13]
Abortive strategic partnership with Volkswagen AG
In October 2004, Proton announced that an understanding had been reached with Volkswagen AG of Germany to establish a strategic partnership. Under the tie-up, the two carmakers were expected to exploit each other's strengths. Proton would gain access to Volkswagen's superior technical capabilities and technology. In return, Volkswagen would utilise Proton's spare capacity at the latter's Tanjung Malim plant to assemble cars for export to the South-East Asian market, where the German auto giant had a weak presence.
On 13 January 2006, Volkswagen finally announced that negotiations about the partnership had failed because VW's desires clashed with the terms and conditions offered by Proton. VW were more interested in eventually controlling Proton Holdings rather than just being a strategic partner.[14] Despite this, Malaysian news announced that Volkswagen AG has signed an agreement to buy a 51% share in Proton on 26 January 2007, which turned out to be unfounded. Throughout most of 2007, rumours about continuing merger talks with Volkswagen, and occasionally General Motors surfaced in the local press and at briefings given by top government officials.
Finally however, on 20 November 2007, Proton announced that talks regarding any partnership with Volkswagen had ended with immediate effect, citing improving sales over the year, a favorable export outlook and confidence in management turning around the company without external collaboration. This unexpected announcement resulted in a 19% overnight drop in Proton's share price to their lowest value in seven years, due to the market's perceived uncertainty about the future financial viability of the company in an increasingly competitive local and world market.[15]
Partnership with Detroit Electric
On 2 September 2008 Detroit Electric announced plans to progressively roll out affordable electric vehicles worldwide by the end of 2009. Proton cars are to be used and tested in order to validate Detroit Electric's technology and explore the potential to collaborate to create a range of pure electric cars. Detroit Electric has to date integrated its electric drive systems into Proton's Lotus Elise and two Proton passenger cars.[16] Detroit Electric hoped to collaborate with Proton to sell electric cars for the Southeast Asian market or to use Proton's existing manufacturing platform to produce electric cars under the Detroit Electric brand. The company planned to roll out 30,000 electric cars by 2010, as he demonstrated their performance at a Proton test circuit in Shah Alam, west of the capital Kuala Lumpur.[17]
Acquisitions
Lotus
In 1996, Proton acquired a 63.75% share in Lotus Group International Limited for £40,640,000. A later PriceWaterhouse Coopers audit would find that the CEO, Yahaya Ahmad, had inked the agreement on 16 October 1996. The agreement was presented to the board for approval on 27 November 1996. As part of the purchase agreement (signed prior to board agreement), there were restrictions placed on Proton's ownership of Lotus. One of the restrictions was a prohibition on diluting ACBN's remaining shareholding for a period of five years. This restricted Proton in its operation of the Lotus business and required Proton to guarantee a £40 million loan in 2000.
MV Agusta
In December 2005, Proton purchased a majority share in MV Agusta of Italy at 70 million Euro. MV Agusta was the manufacturer of MV Agusta, Husqvarna, and Cagiva motorcycles. A year later, Proton sold off its 57.7% share in MV Agusta to Italy's GEVI Spa for a token of 1 Euro. Due to heavy debt by MV Agusta, the selling enabled Proton to write off the losses off its book. But the buyer would assume the 107 million Euro ($174 million) in debt. In August 2007, GEVI SpA the company that bought over MV Agusta for 1 Euro sold the brand Husqvarna and its factory to BMW for a reported 93 millions euros leading to speculations by the Malaysian public of bad management of the company's board of directors resulting in further loss of reputation for the company.
Charges of protectionism
When the first Proton appeared on Malaysian roads, local wits promptly dubbed it (Proton Saga) the 'Potong Harga', meaning the 'cut-price' Proton. And for good reason. The Proton was at least 20% cheaper than non-national makes in the same 1.3 to 1.5 litre class. With both the price and a dash of national pride working for it, the Proton got a rapid hold on the market. By 1988 the Proton had overtaken all other makes and grabbed 73% of the passenger car market. This is the fact to which most Malaysians are not satisfied of, adding a general conclusion that Malaysian cars are not worth buying in terms of quality.
In 1983, when the 'national car' had been planned, Malaysia was selling just over 90,000 cars a year and the market was growing annually by 20%. The Proton plant was designed to turn out 80,000 units a year and could gear up to 120,000 units. But in Proton's first full year of production (1986), car sales took a severe dip to 47,000 and next year, due to the worsening economic situation, just 35,000. Only in 1988 did the market begin a recovery to 54,000 units, by now most of them Protons. Since then, the market has grown steadily to a 2005 peak of 417,000 cars[18]
Government policy has kept the Proton cheaper than other makes by the simple strategy of taxing the competition, while giving Proton exemptions from these same taxes. Duties on packages of parts for assembly into complete cars in Malaysia is said to average about 150%. Proton is exempted from most of these[19]
On 1 January 2008, the postponed-several-times full implementation of an ASEAN Free Trade Agreement [20] which Malaysia originally signed on to in January 1992 was to finally have come into effect. The agreement would effectively bar practices that discriminate against goods (including vehicles) that are considered “Made in ASEAN” by the use of Tariff and/or Non-Tariff Barriers. This would practically eliminate most of the price advantage, achieved by way of the 50% rebate Proton (and other “Malaysian-made” cars) enjoy on the hefty (75 to 125%) engine-capacity-related Excise Duty applied to new vehicles sold in Malaysia.
This rebate is largely responsible for the non-Malaysia ASEAN-made cars costing between 30 and 60 % more than an equivalent locally-made vehicle. With a “level playing field”, within the confines of CEPT[20] (which at the moment allows a maximum 5% import duty) using existing FOB prices, an ASEAN (Thai-made) Toyota would sell for within 10% of a comparable Proton, and would probably result in the devastation of Proton the company. It would appear that this is an unacceptable consequence to the Malaysian government, so for the time being, local car manufacturers will be allowed to continue receiving the excise duty rebate, with the Government picking up the tab for probable penalties it will have to pay to ASEAN members for the gross disregard of the Trade Agreement requirements.
As 2008 progresses, it is starting to be apparent that more and more global manufacturers are betting that the level playing field stipulated by CEPT will continue to be ignored by the Malaysian government for as long as possible. This has temporarily derailed these manufacturers' previous plans to use Thailand (principally) as their regional manufacturing hub, forcing them to reintroduce Malaysian-assembly of some models from CKD. This allows them to benefit from better tariff structures applied to such vehicles, in an effort to remain competitive (in the non-National car segment), and to narrow the price difference between their models and equivalent (Excise Duty rebated) locally-made cars.
It should be noted that the main “solution” mooted by the Malaysian Government over several years to maintain the pricing advantage of locally-made cars, by providing grants and subsidies (to counteract a removal of the Excise Duty rebate) would also be deemed to be non-compliant with the Trade Agreement, contravening Non-tariff barriers to trade requirements.
The lack of direct competition at Proton models' price points (in Malaysia) has allowed Proton, for many years, to continue selling very outdated designs, generally with scant regards to providing basic safety equipment such as airbags and anti-lock braking in domestic models. Additionally, J.D. Power survey results have consistently shown that Protons have poorer rankings in initial quality than the available competition[21]
See also
References
- ^ Todd, Halinah (May 1989). "The Proton Saga saga". New Internationalist. http://www.newint.org/issue195/proton.htm. Retrieved 2007-02-28.
- ^ Sorabjee Hormazd, Paul Fisher & Chips Yap (23-30/08/1999). "Asia's Century on Wheels". Time Asia. http://www.newint.org/issue195/proton.htm. Retrieved 2007-02-28.
- ^ AFP (2008-08-03). "Malaysia's Proton develops new hybrid car: reports". Yahoo! News. http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080803/sc_afp/malaysiaautocompanyenvironmentproton_080803063234. Retrieved 2008-08-03.
- ^ Paul Tan (2008-08-04). "Proton produced 3,000,000 cars since 1985". paultan.org. http://paultan.org/archives/2008/08/03/proton-produced-3000000-cars-since-1985/. Retrieved 2008-08-03.
- ^ "RTM article". http://besonline.rtm.net.my/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=67995&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0.
- ^ "Proton Secures Deal With China's Automaker". http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news_lite.php?id=273089.
- ^ More Proton models for China
- ^ Rafaelita A.M. Aldaba. "Increasing Globalization and AFTA in 2003: What are the Prospects for the Philippine Automotive Industry?" (PDF). p. 17. http://www3.pids.gov.ph/ris/dps/pidsdps0042.pdf. Retrieved 2009-05-10.
- ^ Rafaelita A.M. Aldaba. "Increasing Globalization and AFTA in 2003: What are the Prospects for the Philippine Automotive Industry?" (PDF). p. 15. http://www3.pids.gov.ph/ris/dps/pidsdps0042.pdf. Retrieved 2009-05-10.
- ^ "Malaysian auto sales down 11% in 2006". http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/1/25/business/20070125134350&sec=business.
- ^ Whitley, Angus (2007-01-25). "25/01: Malaysia's Proton loses top-selling spot for the first time". Bloomberg.com. http://malaysia-today.net/blog2006/newsncom.php?itemid=2090. Retrieved 2007-02-28.
- ^ a b Whitley, Angus (2007-02-27). "Proton Posts Loss as Sales Slump to Lowest in 7 Years (Update2)". Bloomberg.com. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601080&sid=axpaLGflllBA&refer=asia. Retrieved 2007-02-28.
- ^ Yong Soo Heong (2006-01-13). "VW's demands wreck deal with Proton". Malaysia Today. http://www.malaysia-today.net/Blog-e/2006/01/vws-demands-wreck-deal-with-proton.htm. Retrieved 2007-02-28.
- ^ Proton did however state that they may resume talks about collaborating with other manufacturers at later unspecified dates.Strong sales, so Proton drops partner option
- ^ "Detroit Electric's Electric Car Hits the Road Again After 100 Year Absence". PRNewswire. 2008-09-02. http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/080902/3730493en_public.html?.v=1. Retrieved 2008-09-02.
- ^ "Detroit Electric eyes comeback with Malaysia's Proton as partner". Yahoo! News. 2008-09-03. http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20080902/tap-malaysia-netherlands-auto-environmen-0193655.html. Retrieved 2008-09-03.
- ^ "Malaysia Automotive Association Summary of Sales & Production Data". http://www.maa.org.my/info_summary.htm.
- ^ "The Proton Saga saga". http://www.newint.org/issue195/proton.htm.
- ^ a b "Agreement On The Common Effective Preferential Tariff (CEPT) Scheme For The ASEAN Free Trade Area". http://www.aseansec.org/1164.htm.
- ^ "Initial Vehicle Quality Improves for a Third Consecutive Year in Malaysia" (PDF). http://www.jdpower.co.jp/press/pdf2006/2006MalaysiaIQS_E.pdf.
External links
 | Wikinews has related news: Malaysian car maker unveils 'Islamic car' |
- Company homepage
- Proton Malaysia homepage
- Proton Australia homepage
- Proton UK homepage
- Zagross Khodro - Proton Iran
- Lotus Cars UK homepage
- Proton News
- Proton Saga BLM Owners' Club @ PROSBOC
| [hide] Proton road car timeline, 1985–present | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | |
| Supermini | Tiara | Savvy | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Subcompact | Satria | Satria Neo | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compact Sedan | Saga / MPi / Knight / Saga Iswara | Saga | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wira / Persona / 400 series | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Waja / Impian | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gen-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Persona / Gen-2 Persona | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mid-size | Perdana | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coupe | Putra | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pick-up | Arena / Jumbuck | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Microvan | Juara | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compact MPV | Exora | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Proton car
List of Proton car models
This is a list of Proton car models, listed in chronological order by the year of release of each of the respective cars. Proton is the Malaysian national carmaker.
Contents[hide] |
Car Models
Proton Saga
Main article: Proton Saga
| Picture | Models | Info |
 | Proton Saga | The Proton Saga was the first Proton model, . It rolled off the Shah Alam assembly line for the first time in September 1985. The 100,000th Proton Saga was produced in January 1989. |
Proton Wira
Main article: Proton Wira
| Picture | Models | Info |
 | Proton Wira | This car was, and still is, very popular in Malaysia. The word Wira translates into English as "Hero" but instead of using this as the name in English-speaking countries, Proton chose to use the word Persona. The wira has variant models such as 1.3GLi A/M, 1.5GLi A/M, 1.6XLi A/M, 1.8XLi A/M and 2.0D M. Only the 1.8XLi Auto is marketed in the English-speaking country at first known as Persona. Persona is a hatch back model. However, from about 2001 onwards, the car has been sold as the Wira in the United Kingdom, |
Proton Satria
Main article: Proton Satria
| Picture | Models | Info |
 | Proton Satria | The Proton Satria (also called the Proton Compact in the UK) is a sporty 3-door hatchback based on the Mitsubishi Mirage / Mitsubishi Colt. Proton gained a lot of valuable engineering knowledge from its takeover of Lotus which ultimately led to a special Lotus badged version of the Satria being produced. The Proton Satria GTi is a 3-door sports hatchback. This was Proton's entry in the sport performance hatchback market. The Satria GTi is popular in Malaysia and has a large following in Australia. It is powered by a 4-cylinder 1,800 cc DOHC engine and featured Lotus-tuned suspension. The Proton Satria R3 is a limited edition road-legal race-spec Satria with only 150 units in production. It features a double seam-welded lightened chassis and a tweaked engine with more aggressive cam timing. The Proton Satria SE is the last batch of Proton Satrias to roll out. Featuring Proton Arena sports rims and grille, and many extras in the interior similar to the Proton Wira SE, this would be the last of the Satrias before the long-awaited SRM (Satria Replacement Model) rolls out. |
 | The Proton Satria Neo is the replacement model of the previous Satria variants, using all-new design, chassis and powerplant. Launched on 16 June 2006, the Satria Neo is available in 1.6L and 1.3L variants, where both variants are powered by Campro engine. |
Proton Putra
Main article: Proton Putra
| Picture | Models | Info |
 | Proton Putra | The Proton Putra (also sold in the United Kingdom and Australia as the Proton Coupe or Proton M21) is a 2-door sporty coupe based on the Mitsubishi Mirage. Considered by many as one of the better looking of the Mitsubishi-based models, the Putra was well-received and commands good second-hand value. |
Proton Perdana
Main article: Proton Perdana
| Picture | Models | Info |
 | Proton Perdana | The Proton Perdana, based on the Mitsubishi Eterna, was first produced in 1995, and was intended for the higher-end market. The Proton Perdana V6 was a facelifted version of the Perdana, featuring a more powerful V6 engine and new front and rear look. It was later facelifted to include the Alfa-Romeo-inspired grille that earned it the nickname Alfa-dana among enthusiasts. |
Proton Tiara
Main article: Proton Tiara
| Picture | Models | Info |
 | Proton Tiara | The Proton Tiara was a supermini class 5 door compact car based on the Citroën AX. It was built under licence from PSA Peugeot Citroën by Proton from 1996 to 2000. The Tiara was powered by a 1.1L engine and featured a different grille, tail lights and bumpers than the Citroën AX. Its successor is the Proton Savvy. |
Proton Juara
Main article: Proton Juara
| Picture | Models | Info |
 | Proton Juara | The Proton Juara was a microvan based on the Mitsubishi Town Box Wide. This model was the first batch being totally CKD models from Japan. The external appearance of the car, which was a modification of the original Town Box, was not popular with the Malaysian market and suffered poor sales. The Proton Juara was very economical in fuel consumption and was very versatile. It is also one of the best-equipped Mitsubishi-based models offered from Proton. |
Proton Waja
Main article: Proton Waja
| Picture | Models | Info |
 | Proton Waja | The Proton Waja (Proton Impian in Europe) is the first Proton to be designed and styled in-house. However, the car's chassis and engine were sourced and adapted from Mitsubishi (except for the 1,800 cc variant, which was powered by a Renault engine). The word Waja translates into English as "steel" while Impian translates into "dreams" or "ambition". The name Impian was chosen as it was considered to be a more pleasant sounding word for the international market. In January 2006, the car was fitted with a CamPro engine which has been re-tuned to boost the horsepower to 86 kW (115 bhp) and 155 N-m of torque. This made it go full-circle, as the CamPro was originally developed for the Waja, but was deemed not ready for production when the Waja was launched, hence debuting in the Proton Gen-2. The facelifted 2007 Proton Waja was launched on 19 January 2007 with the new grille nearly identical to the Proton Savvy. Although Proton Waja was designed as a premium product of Proton, it was termed as one of the worst cars of Proton. The Waja was also released as the Proton Chancellor in late 2005, a variant for the executive market with a 250mm wheelbase stretch and luxury fittings and accessories, including a space-robbing rear centre console that restricts seating to four persons. It is fitted with powertrain from the Proton Perdana V6. With a selling price of about twice that of a Waja, the Chancellor is a very rare sight on Malaysian roads.
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Proton Arena
Main article: Proton Arena
| Picture | Models | Info |
 | Proton Arena | The Proton Arena (called Proton Jumbuck in the United Kingdom and Australia), a coupe utility vehicle. Based on the Wira platform, Proton engineers managed to develop a vehicle that would cater for those who have an active lifestyle and also those who need a small and economical utility vehicle as opposed to a commercial truck. 1200 units were sold in Australia in its first year. The Arena comes in 3 bodystyles. |
Proton Gen-2
Main article: Proton Gen-2
| Picture | Models | Info |
 | Proton Gen-2 | The Proton Gen-2 is the first fully Malaysian-developed (including chassis and engine) Proton car and the replacement model for the Proton Wira; launched on February 8, 2004. Proton still continued to sell the Wira after the Gen.2 was launched, due primarily to the popularity of sedan/saloon vehicles in the target market. The Gen.2, a hatchback design, is considered by many to be the best-looking Proton. It has a minimalist and modern interior with design cues from the Lotus subsidiary. However, very low quality of materials and fit and finish of interior components seriously hurt the public's perception of the quality of the vehicle at launch. Later models used improved quality materials and assistance from the TUV of Germany to help maintain the quality improvements. The Gen.2 was the first Proton to receive the (inappropriately) named CamPro engine, which at launch was widely criticised for the lack of low- to mid-range torque (pulling puwer), due to a late decision to drop Camshaft Profiling from the engine feature-list in production models. Attempts to improve this torque deficit by adjusting ECU parameters have largely been unsuccessful. Published engine torque curves still show a pronounced dip in torque output in the crucial 2000-3000 RPM engine speed region, presumably due to the missing engine feature. The version with Campro CPS engine was previewed during the 24th Thailand International Motor Expo 2007 in Bangkok.[1][2] The Proton Gen-2 was also released in the form of two other variants:
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Proton Savvy
Main article: Proton Savvy
| Picture | Models | Info |
 | Proton Savvy | The Proton Savvy was launched on June 8, 2005. The 1,200 cc 5-door supermini car . The car is fitted with an engine and a gearbox sourced from Renault. In an official on-road test made by Proton in mid-2006, Proton Savvy recorded the fuel consumption rate of about 24 km/L at constant speed of 90km/h (or about RM0.08/km of fuel), making the car as the most fuel-efficient Malaysian car as verified by Malaysian Book of Records. Even with very good fuel efficiency the car maintenance were reportly to be very high even surpassing the Proton Waja. This because of the use of the European Renault engine. The Proton Savvy R3 Zerokit was based on the Proton Savvy R3 prototype and could be added to a Savvy purchase for an additional RM3000. It featured a roof spoiler, front and rear lips and side skirting. |
Proton Persona
Main article: Proton Persona
| Picture | Models | Info |
 | Proton Persona | The Proton Persona was launched on 15 August 2007. The 1.6 liter sedan is based on the Proton Gen-2 and features a sedan body instead of the Gen-2's hatchback body. It retains the same 82kW Campro engine. The Persona is rebadged as the Proton Gen-2 Persona in the UK market. |
Proton Exora
Main article: Proton Exora
| Picture | Models | Info |
 | Proton Exora | The Proton Exora was launched on 15 April 2009. It is powered by the 1.6L Campro CPS I4 engine producing 125 horsepower and 150Nm of torque, resulting the top speed of 165 km/h (103 mph) and the average fuel consumption of 7.2 L/100 km (39 mpg-imp; 33 mpg-US).The Exora will feature a Body Control module which allows automatic activation and configuration of various vehicle functions such as door locking/unlocking, interior lamps, headlamps, brake lamps and wipers. |
The result has been announced on 17th February 2009. The name Proton Exora",was picked from the Name The Proton MPV competition grand prize winner Norsholihan Bt Abdul Eanich. Some says that it was taken from the name of a flower, (Ixora) but according to compettion terms and conditions the name should not based on any kind of flowers, animals etc.[3]
Others
Proton PERT
Main article: Proton PERT
The Proton PERT (Petronas-EON Racing Team) is an identical copy of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. The latest model resembles the Evolution VII and participated in the production class of the World Rally Championship. The PERT rally programme officially ended in 2006.
| Proton road car timeline, 1985–present | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | |
| Supermini | Tiara | Savvy | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Subcompact | Satria | Satria Neo | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compact Sedan | Saga / MPi / Knight / Saga Iswara | Saga | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wira / Persona / 400 series | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Waja / Impian | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gen-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Persona / Gen-2 Persona | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mid-size | Perdana | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coupe | Putra | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pick-up | Arena / Jumbuck | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Microvan | Juara | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compact MPV | Exora | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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