Proton Persona News

Proton managing director Datuk Syed Zainal says the company is planning to enter more export markets, as well as looking to maintain a competitive edge in its home market.

Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir says the Malaysian carmaker has turned the corner and is ready for growth. Proton has chosen China, India, Russia and the Middle East for satellite production bases.It is also closing on an alliance with a big carmaker after failed talks with Volkswagen, Peugeot and General Motors.Proton is expected to go with Mitsubishi in an ambitious deal that should increase its products and allow it to reach its sales target of 10,000 cars a year in Australia.“The future looks better today,” says managing director Syed. “We are coming out with a series of models that are priced right and meet market requirements. The future is going to be really good but, at the same time, we are realistic in our approach.”Syed was at the Melbourne motor show to research the Australian car industry and the opposition his brand faces.He knows the company's 1.3- and 1.6-litre engines are small by local standards but hopes the price of fuel will make Proton more attractive.“Australia is very peculiar because of the requirement for large engines,” he says.“We need to be careful that the car fits into what the market needs.”Proton also plans a people mover and larger cars, probably in a deal with Mitsubishi.And it will probably rename the Gen.2 hatch as a second Persona to realign its local line-up and add the compact Saga sedan for $13,990.The first of the newcomers, the Persona sedan, will be here next month.“We have a program that will have a new car every year from now on. Last year we launched the Persona; this year is the Saga,” Syed says.“Next year will be an MPV, then a Waja replacement, then a D-segment car. So, as we go along, at least for the next five years, there will be a new product every year.” 

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Proton Australia spokesman Jon Thomson confirmed there was a likelihood that the Saga could be sold here.“Once demand has been met in the Asean (region) and China, we are looking no earlier than 2009,” he said.The new Saga will have a starting price in Malaysia of about $10,000 ranging up to around $13,000 for the premium model.The current cheapest cars in the Australian market are the 1.2-litre Proton Savvy five-door hatch and 1.4-litre three-door Hyundai Getz, both costing $13,990.Thomson said he could not comment on whether the Saga would be the cheapest car on the market here.“I can't answer that because it is still too far away, and it is yet to be absolutely confirmed, despite being likely at this stage.”The new Saga is powered by an improved 1.3 litre version of Proton's own Campro; double overhead camshaft multipoint injection engine fitted with a new air-fuel intake designed for better torque and driveability.It produces 71kW of power and 120Nm of torque, sipping fuel at the rate of 6l/100km for the manual and around 6.3 for the auto.The car sits on front MacPherson struts and a torsion beam axle rear while braking is handled by front discs and rear drums.In Malaysia, it will come with two SRS airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners.Proton Holdings managing director Syed Zainal said the company was targeting the Asean region with initial production of between 5500 and 6000 units a month.“This car, we believe, has high export potential for growing market segments such as the Asean countries, China, India and the Middle East. In terms of packaging, it has a potential global reach,” Syed Zainal said.“The initial foray will be in right-hand drive markets during the first half of the year in Asean countries, such as Indonesia and Thailand, while the left-hand drive version will follow in the second half targeting export to China,” he said.Codenamed BLM, the Saga was developed in 17 months, and is the second new Proton to be launched in the past six months following the Persona.Australia will get its first look at the four-door Persona sedan when it debuts at the Melbourne Motor Show in late February.It goes on sale in March with a single specification model. Prices are yet to be announced but will be in the mid-teens.The new Persona is based on the Gen2 Hatch platform, it's powered by Proton's Campro 1.6 litre engine with 82kW of power and 120 Nm of torque; with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.It will initially be available in seven colours.Persona will join Proton's existing Australian light and small car line-up including Savvy, Satria and Gen2, and the small Jumbuck. 

A hectic 2007 proved to be lucrative for the car industry with a plethora of new cars launched and more than a million sales throughout the year. And there's no indication that it will be slowing down in 2008.AUDI The new A4, to rival the 3 Series and C-Class is expected here about April, while July will see the hot sports wagon, the RS6 Avant and the A3 Cabrio. Extra A5 variants will follow. BMWBMW has a busy year ahead, starting with the 320d and 335i touring this month. The 1 Series Coupe will go on sale around April, followed by the convertible in May-June. But its big one for the year will be the new X6 Sports Activity Coupe, arriving between July and September. It comes with three engine variants, all twin-turbo, an in-line six, a 3.0-litre diesel and a 300kW 4.4-litre V8. Pricing is expected to start at just under $100,000. And the X5 scores a new engine in February, with the first variable twin turbo diesel offered in the range. CHRYSLER/JEEPJanuary will be a busy month for Chrysler, with the Sebring Cabrio and Grand Voyager people mover both arriving in Australia. The Jeep Cherokee will also get a total makeover. CITROENBased on the C4 Picasso, but bigger and better equipped, Citroen will introduce the Berlingo van between July and September, with a mainly diesel range. This will make room in the line-up for the new Nemo small van mid-year. The C5 will also get a new V6 diesel engine.FERRARIDeliveries of the exquisite F430 Scuderia, priced at about $550,000, will start mid year. Only about 40 will come to Australia and New Zealand. FIAT The reincarnation of the 1960s Bambino will arrive in March, but Fiat has already sold the first four months' supply. The new Fiat 500 will have three engine choices, a 1.2-litre petrol, a 75kW 1.4-litre petrol engine or a 56kW 1.3-litre turbo diesel. Pricing is expected to start from $22,000. The new Ritmo will join the Fiat 500 in March with pricing from $30,000. FORD One of the biggest launches for the year will be the new Falcon. Ford will release details of the new model in February and it's expected to be followed by an unveiling at the Melbourne motor show in the same month, with the official launch around May.FPV FPV will start the year with a new model, the hot turbo Territory, known as the F6 X model. It's the first non-Falcon model from FPV, with 270kW and 550Nm. The FPV Falcon range will also arrive this year. HOLDEN/CADILLACWith Ford's big year planned, you can't expect Holden to keep quiet. But so far, Holden has only announced it is expecting the VE Sportwagon, due in the first half of the year. GM-Holden is also introducing Cadillac with the first model due late in 2008. HONDA Honda will start the year with the new Accord model, due to be launched in February. The small Jazz is also getting an update after the middle of the year. Details on the new generation will be released closer to the launch. The Accord Euro is also expected to arrive later this year. HYUNDAI No big launches just yet, although an upgraded Sonata is expected mid year. JAGUARJaguar's major release for the year will be the new XF in June, with pricing expected to start from $105,000. It will be available in a V6 diesel, as well as a V6 and V8 petrol. KIAPreviewed at the Sydney motor show last year, Kia will launch its new seven-seater Rondo crossover in February. It is expected to start from as low as the mid-$20,000 mark. LEXUSNew for Lexus will be the LX570 around April or May, followed by the IS-F towards the end of the year. Details still to come. MAZDAThe second-generation Mazda6 will go on sale at the end of February with pricing from less than $30,000. It will be powered by a 2.5-litre, four cylinder engine, with 125kW and 226Nm.MERCEDES-BENZThe first arrival for Mercedes-Benz is expected to be the C 63 AMG in mid March. It will be followed by the S 320CDI, priced at $189,874 and the C-Class wagon, which will carry a $3000 premium over the sedan, coming in just under $60,000. MINIAnother new version of a 1960s cult car is also headed our way, with the Mini Clubman launched in February. The modern successor of the Morris Mini Traveller, the Austin Mini Countryman and the Mini Clubman Estate won't get into showrooms until March or April. Pricing will start in the mid-$30,000 area. MITSUBISHIMitsubishi will release two turbocharged Lancers this year. The top-level Lancer Evo X GSR will be here in April and sell for about $58,000. The 2.0-litre four cylinder turbo engine pumps out 200kW and 422Nm. Joining it will be the detuned version in the Ralliart all-wheel drive, at about $40,000. NISSANNissan's first addition for the year will be the all-wheel-drive wagon, the Dualis. Starting at $28,990 and stretching to $35,990, it's powered by a 102kW, 2.0-litre engine. PEUGEOTThe big launch for Peugeot will be the 308 replacing the 307 range, which will start with the 308 hatch in February in both petrol and diesel guises. The touring will follow in June or July, with the 308cc model a prospect for late 2008 or early 2009. PROTONProton has announced the Persona, based on the Gen2 hatch platform, will make its debut at the Melbourne motor show in late February, going on sale in March. It will be priced around the mid-teens. The Gen2 will also get engine updates and minor styling changes. RENAULTThe all-new Laguna will go on sale mid-year with a 2.0-litre diesel engine. SAABJune sees the arrival of the Turbo X AWD. SSANGYONGThe South Korean company will go completely diesel in 2008, with no more petrol engines on offer in Australia. SMARTThe new Fortwo arrives in Australia in February. The one-model brand will get both the 52kW and 62kW models, in hatch and cabrio, being bigger than the current models. SUBARUThe star WRX STi comes in February with a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, although pricing is still to come. The third generation Forester arrives in March. SUZUKIFebruary's proving to be a busy month, with Suzuki also launching its Grand Vitara diesel. TOYOTAAfter a big year in 2007, Toyota is expecting a quiet year, with only the TRD Hilux due to be launched in April-June. VOLKSWAGENVolkswagen will kick off the year with the SUV, the Touareg R50, to be released in April. It's powered by a 258kW V10 TDI engine. The Tiguan also arrives about October.  VOLVOThe recently launched XC70 arrives in showrooms this month, joined by the C30 diesel also in January. It's priced at $43,950. A base model C30 will also enter the line-up, at $34,450. A 3.0-litre six-cylinder engined V70 will arrive in March. 

Malaysia's state investment arm, Khazanah Nasional, which controls Proton has discontinued negotiations with VW.VW was the latest in a long line of potential venture partners that included Fiat, Peugeot and General Motors.It had wanted to buy a 51 per cent controlling stake in Proton, but the Malaysian Government baulked at losing control of the carmaker.Carsguide understands this has been a sticking point with other alliance contenders. Some auto analysts say Proton may find it hard to secure a partner in the future.But Proton Australia chief John Startari, who is in Malaysia, says the change of heart by the Government demonstrates its faith in the carmaker “to continue the work they've done in turning the company around.”“They've given new management the opportunity to continue the work they've done in turning the company around after the losses last year,” he says.“They've made significant gains so far this year.”The arrival of the new Persona sedan and models such as the BLM (for baseline model) and a people mover augur well for the future.“Proton at no time has said it won't need a partner, or it doesn't need a partner,” Startari says.“It's just saying the timing at this point is not right.”Proton Australia has sold 2035 cars this year, up 25 per cent on last year, admittedly off a low base.The arrival of the Persona and other products should lift its market share.VW started talks with Proton in 2004 with the aim of forming a strategic alliance and giving Proton better access to new technologies, platforms and better quality standards.The Malaysian Government says it has also ended talks with General Motors.Proton's domestic sales and exports are improving, which prompted the cancellation of negotiations.But the Government has not ruled out a technology alliance with another global automotive player at some stage.Proton Holdings managing director Syed Zainal says the latest development did not detract Proton from continuing its efforts to seek opportunities to enhance its product portfolio and access to markets, technology and operational efficiencies. 

A new Malaysian flagship is being prepared for action in Australia next year. The Proton Persona sedan, unveiled in Kuala Lumpur, is locked into a role here next year at the top of the local range. It will slide in above the Gen.2 hatchback, which provides the Persona's mechanical and body package. But there are more improvements in the newcomer, which is expected to create about 20 per cent more sales for the company and improve customer satisfaction. “We have addressed concerns of customers in Australia,” Proton Cars Australia managing director John Startari says. “It's a fantastic car. It's very encouraging.” The changes include a new dashboard with a glovebox, something missing from the Gen.2, and better seats with more headroom. “Basically, it has an all-new interior. There is a new console, cupholders in the rear and the electric-window switches have been moved. It's a big change from the Gen.2,” Startari says. Proton has been overwhelmed in Malaysia, with more than 10,000 advance orders, and this has pushed the start of local sales back to next year, he says. “We will launch the Persona at the Melbourne Motor Show in February,” Startari says. This is not the first time Proton has had a Persona in Australia, the car was also sold as the Wira, but it is a big change in direction. The previous model was over-priced and underdone, but Proton knows it must do better this time. That means two models, with a starting price that should be in the low-to-mid $20,000 range. Standard equipment is expected to include twin airbags, anti-skid brakes, airconditioning, electric windows and parking radar. “The price will be somewhere around the present Gen.2,” Startari says. “The Persona will give us an extra 600 cars a year. It will be our flagship and help us improve on this year's target of 3200 sales,” he says. That should easily better the result of the Gen.2, which has struggled here after early quality problems.  

Last week government ministers said they were in talks with Volkswagon and French rival Peugeot-Citroen about possible acquisition of the Malaysian government’s 42.7 per cent stake.Peugeot-Citroen last night bowed out of talks and said the company had no plans to buy any part of Proton.Volkswagon is also no longer believed to be interested after the Malaysian government refused to allow the German car maker to have management control.Proton has sold 1628 cars in Australia this year, comprising the light cars Satira and Savvy, plus small cars Persona and Waja.Investment companies including DRB Hicom and the unlisted Naza Group are believed to have expressed interest in the Malaysian Government’s share."We submitted a letter of interest to the Ministry of Finance about two months ago and are awaiting word from them," Naza Group chief executive Nasimuddin Amin was quoted as saying in the Star newspaper.Naza assembles cars in a venture with South Korea's Kia Motors Corp., while DRB Hicom has alliances with Isuzu Motors Ltd., General Motors Corp., Honda Motor Co. and is controlled by politically well-connected businessman Syed Mokhtar Albukhary.But Malaysian ministers are understood to be seeking foreign investment for Proton.Proton, established in the 1980s, is an icon of Malaysia's rapid industrialisation.Its fortunes in Southeast Asia's biggest car market have plummeted from about 60 percent three years ago to just 40 percent this year due to improving sales from second national manufacturer Perodua and cheaper foreign models.ASEAN's impending decision to liberalise decades-old protectionist policies in its auto sector also could hurt Proton's bottom line, analysts say.European automakers are attracted to Proton because it gives them a chance to break into the Southeast Asian auto market, historically dominated by their Japanese rivals.Proton has two plants in Malaysia, with a total capacity of 380,000 cars per year that can be raised to 1.2 million units per year if there is sufficient demand. The plants are currently using only half their capacity.-With wires