Proton News

The Malaysian maker has been searching for a 'big brother' for more than three years and has finally gone back where it began, linking to the Japanese company which helped to establish Proton in the 1980s.It is a product connection with benefits on both sides, as Mitsubishi gets access to Proton's small cars and factory in Malaysia and its renewed partner can tap into a Japanese source for larger, semi-luxury cars.The new deal has only just been completed and and details are being kept secret."It's too early to be saying anything. These are long-term model plans which obviously need to stay confidential," says the CEO of Proton Cars Australia, John Startari.Proton originally intended to create a strategic partnership with Volkswagen for Asia but, when that plan floundered off the back of political infighting in Malaysia, it spoke to many other companies including Peugeot, Fiat and — through Holden — General Motors.It eventually settled on a deal with Mitsubishi as it prepares to spend more than $1.8 billion over the next five years on future models."It's good news. It secures a technology partner for Proton," says Startari."It's also a company that Proton knows well and is a strong and credible partner."Proton is likely to do the work for a shared city car, which would become the replacement for its current Savvy, with Mitsubishi lining up a replacement for the Waja which could be based on its new Lancer.The Malaysian company also plans to tap Mitsubishi's experience to improve its quality and design vehicles which will be more acceptable outside its home country.While the deal is an obvious win for Proton, Startari says the company is doing surprisingly well despite poor sales in Australia."Proton is one of the few companies anywhere in the world that's making a profit right now," he says.While Proton is struggling for cut-through in Australia, it is pushing ahead with new-model plans including its first people mover. It is about to go into production in Malaysia but local demand will delay its arrival downunder."We will definitely be getting the MPV, but it won't be coming until 2010," says Startari. 

A move towards large cars is part of Proton's growth plan. After years of concentrating on small vehicles, the Malaysian brand will step up to bigger cars with a people mover and possibly a compact off-roader.Recently speaking at the launch of the new Persona small sedan, Proton Australia managing director John Startari revealed the company's plans for the next two years.Several updated models are coming our way next year, including the new seven-seat MPV.The people mover is a big step for Proton, which has had only compact sedans and hatches.The van will be officially unveiled later this year in Malaysia, but Startari would not reveal details of the new model.He says the company is also considering a move into the competitive compact off-roader market soon, but the deal hinges on the company's expansion.“Proton is starting to seek partners in Russia. That, I think, will help Australia immensely,” Startari says.Startari did confirm that an upgraded version of the GEN.2 hatch is due at the end of this year and will begin a busy period for the brand.The face lifted GEN.2 is expected to use the company's new CAMPRO CPS engine that lifts power from 82kW to 93kW.The Saga and Satria R3 will be introduced early next year. The Saga will replace the Savvy light sedan and be available with either a 1.3-litre or 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. The Satria R3 is a performance version of the current hatch.Though the company hasn't said what will power the R3, Startari did say Proton is developing forced-induction engines.The Jumbuck light ute will also receive an update next year and is the “prime target” for Proton's eventual move into diesel powerplants.Since negotiations with Volkswagen for a joint-venture agreement to develop diesel engines broke down, Proton has been looking for a new partner.The Proton could produce a range of hybrid vehicles based on the Lotus-developed hybrid prototype. Lotus built the GEN.2 based EVE hybrid last year, but so far there has been no confirmation it will go into production. 

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.” 

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe represents a shift in Hyundai’s design strategy with a V6 and rear-wheel drive.

IT has been a long time coming but Proton is set to produce a worthy successor to its Satria GTi. The Malaysian car maker will show off the GTi descendant when it unveils the R3 Satria at the Melbourne Motor Show later this month.The hot hatch version of the Satria is destined for an appearance on local roads inside the next 12 months.While the company is not prepared to divulge any details, the high-performance Satria was developed by the company's special vehicles and motor sport arm R3 - Race, Rally and Research - under the eye of former Lotus engineer and race driver Tengku Djan Ley.“We have very much focused on the Lotus philosophy of performance through light weight, utilising intelligent powerplant solutions while minimising weight and enhancing Satria's already impressive handling,” Mr Ley says. Expect the R3 Satria to have under body upgrades to match the exterior tweaks, with the R3 engineers targeting a “significant” power increase over the standard Proton Satria.The Malaysian hot hatch was thought to be a chance of getting a small-capacity turbocharged powerplant through one of the joint ventures mooted with Peugeot or Volkswagen. But given the lack of progress on that front, Proton looks like it will be keeping the powerplant in house, but forced induction is likely, as is a power figure above 120kW.The R3 Satria will share Proton's stand at the Melbourne show with the company's new Persona sedan, which goes on sale in April.The new Persona, based on the Gen2 Hatch platform, is powered by Proton's 1.6-litre engine with 82kW and 120Nm, using either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.Proton Cars Australia managing director John Startari says the presence of the R3 Satria on the Proton stand at Melbourne will be a huge drawcard.“The question we get asked all the time is when will the next Satria GTi be here,” Mr Startari says. “The first-generation GTi carved a real niche for itself and it is a bit of a cult car." 

The Saga would become a sub-$15,000 price leader in showrooms here and instantly turn Proton from a 2500-cars-a-year tiddler into a 10,000-plus powerhouse. Click here to go to our Melbourne Motor Show page. The new car is the replacement for a 20-year-old howler that was so far past its use-by date that it was never considered for Australia. The starting price in Malaysia is 31,000 ringgit, (about $10,500). But it is not confirmed for Australia and there is little likelihood because of a huge order backlog at home. “The final decision has not been made, but we're fighting the battle,” the managing director of Proton Cars Australian, John Startari, says. He highlights two roadblocks for Saga — Malaysian and Asian sales and the need to get it here at the right price. “Everything is done on a business case and we have to justify taking the car,” Startari says. “There would be additional investment, for compliance and things. And it is a raging success over there." “They have about 12,000 orders and the car isn't on the road yet.” The car shares the same basic mechanical package as the baby Savvy hatch, but the design is a conservative four-door sedan. It has a 1.3-litre Campro engine developed by Proton, though there is no mechanical reason why it could not be upgraded to a 1.6 for Australia because the powerplants are externally identical. The Saga was known as the BLM — basic local model — during its development, which was completed in only 17 months at a cost of $171 million. That's a bargain basement deal considering cars such as the VE Commodore cost $1 billion. The mechanical package is predictable, with five-speed manual and four-speed automatic gearboxes, three trim levels in Malaysia and twin airbags as standard. But the big changes from the previous car, developed using a Mitsubishi mechanical package, are in the fundamentals such as quality, comfort, quietness and improved cabin space. Startari has been watching the BLM program closely and can see potential for Australia. But price in Australia will depend on specification. The battle for the Saga will shift into top gear next month at the Melbourne Motor Show.  

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. 

Supplies of the Proton Jumbuck ute are starting to flow after months of tight supply that threatened to derail the little Malaysian ute's chances of success. The compact pickup looked like being a local hit until supplies dried up when component shortages limited production. But Proton is finally on top of the problem. And to celebrate, as well as boosting Australian sales, it is delivering every Jumbuck sold in January with a $2300 quad bike. The deal has a small hitch though, as buyers have to spend an extra $1000 on Proton accessories. Jumbuck prices start from $14,990 for the GLi model and $16,990 for the GLSi version. The 50cc ATV quad bike is a workhorse, not a play racer, and fits easily into the Jumbuck's ute tray. It was chosen because of the popularity of quads. Farmers are an important target for the Jumbuck. “It will appeal to a wide range of buyers, from security companies who could use the quad for patrolling ... to vineyard operators who can use the Jumbuck and its smaller mate to access the narrow vine rows,” Proton Cars Australia managing director John Startari says.

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.