Proton EMAS: New Proton Concept Car at Geneva International Motor Show with Pictures

Salam and hello to all. If you still don’t know Malaysia’s national car manufacture, Proton is currently developing their own concept car or maybe will go into production soon, here I tell you. The name of new Proton’s concept car is EMAS which stand for “Eco Mobility Advance Solution” and for the first time, it was shown at Geneva International Motor Show. Proton EMAS, it is a great name in my opinion.
This Proton EMAS concept car is the result of Proton collaboration with Lotus and Italdesign-Giugiaro, and as you can see from several pictures that I have shared below, only one word pop up in my mind “WOW!”. Something totally different from what Proton have produced before. I know some of you may say this is the result of foreign company, but well, knowing that this car is the result of collaboration of engineers from Proton and Lotus and designer from Italdesign-Giugiaro, I think as Malaysian, we should proud of this result. Well, I don’t know you, but me, I’m proud of it.
Well, just enjoy the pictures and leave some of your comments, words, opinions or maybe constructive critics about this new Proton EMAS concept car. All the pictures below are credited to Paultan.org and respected photographers who photograph these pictures.

I’m just hoping Proton will do mass production for this car, even I know it is still “concept” which is most probably won’t be produced. However, if Proton decided to mass produce it, I would be proud to drive it. Price? Wait and see or do you have any expected price in your mind? Do mind to share?

FULL SPECIFICATION PROTON SATRIA NEO + LATEST PRICE MONTHLY INSTALLMENT + MODIFIED SATRIA NEO

The New Proton Satria Neo maybe one of your choice of car to buy. Before you decide to buy it, it is better to read some info and reviews about this hatcback sports car from Proton. Maybe now you are comparing between Satria Neo VS Perodua Myvi VS GEN2 VS SAGA BLM etc. Bear in mind, stick to what you choose, the design, performance or comfort. But clearly this car fits all of the above characteristic. Except that it is actually small inside but look big outside due to the “wide body kit” styling at the wheel arc and bumpers. Many of the user of Satria Neo are complaining about the fuel comsumption because it uses the first generation of campro engine. But then, it also has a very attractive factors which is the sporty design.

The Proton Satria Neo was introduced in June 2006 as a replacement for the first generation Satria. Based on a new platform developed in-house by Proton (with some parts borrowed from the bigger Gen-2 and Waja), the car is currently only available in a three-door hatchback guise. The car was developed at a cost of RM500 million and four years, and was expected by Proton to generate a monthly sales volume of 2,000 to 2,500 units. The car was also intended to target those who are “youthful and sporty”. The Satria Neo was launched by Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

FULL SPECIFICATION PROTON SATRIA NEO + LATEST PRICE MONTHLY INSTALLMENT + MODIFIED SATRIA NEO

The entry-level Satria Neo, the 1.3 L-line, is powered by a 1.3 litre, inline-4 twin-cam Campro engine, producing 94 bhp (70 kW) at 6000 rpm and 120 N m of torque at 4000 rpm. The 1.6 M-line and top-of-the-range H-line models have 1.6 litre versions of the same engine, with an output of 110 hp (82 kW) at 6000 rpm and 148 N m of torque at 4000 rpm. Both the M-line and H-line models have active system antennae which actively search for signals in areas with poor reception. All cars have the option of either 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic gearboxes supplied by Mitsubishi that are carried over from the previous Satria, with the H-line benefitting from safety features such as twin airbags, ABS with EBD and seatbelt pre-tensioners. All versions of the car come with an integrated Blaupunkt CD player.

With a 0-62mph time of 11.5 seconds and a top speed of 200kph, the 1.6-engined test car is not fast but it is quick. Besides, with traffic conditions and legal limitations in Malaysia, the performance figures are more than adequate.
The Proton Satria Neo comes with just two engine choices; 1.3- and 1.6-litre, petrol units. Only the latter is available with a 4-speed automatic transmision but there is a penalty to making that choice – poorer fuel consumption about 10-14km/l, a slower sprint time and greater CO2 emissions than with the 5-speed manual box.

If emissions and frugality are important to you, it is better to go for the 1.6 manual. Official figures are posted as; 27.9mpg (urban), 61.4mpg (extra-urban) and 42.8mpg for the combined cycle. In this format, the Satria Neo exhausts 157g/km CO2, which puts it in VED Band D and the insurance is Group 7.
The 1.6 engine produces 112PS (111bhp) at 6,000rpm and 148Nm (109 lb ft) at 4,000rpm The same collaborative engines and transmission can also be found in the GEN-2 but for the Satria, they have been tweaked for better low to medium acceleration and flexibility.
Criticisms of the car include the lack of headroom and legroom for rear passengers (even compared to the previous generation Satria), and lacklustre performance in comparison with the Satria GTi.  The infamous torque dip of Proton’s Campro engine is also present

Proton Satria Neo 1.6 (A) specifications

Latest Proton Car – Proton Pendera

Received an email today and was surprised it is a NEW Proton Pendera Pictures. I was like WOW not bad Nice design and very sporty. Thou i am no longer a PROTON car owner but i think this one very nice it was stated the car price around RM 63,898.00 but i don’t know how true is the email. But For those who wanted to take a look at the new Proton pendera Sporty Car..

My Question: Why they named it as PENDERA-aan? Proton Abuse? Lols ahah I do not know why..if PANDERA i think sound good for malaysian market but not PENDERA..But anyhow the design and the car itself LOOK HANDSOME.

Proton Saga “GTi” Artist’s Impression and more!

Click to enlarge
The Proton Saga is still quite a hot conversation topic right now, as it is the latest and most affordable brand new 3-box sedan on the market to date. Here is Theophilus Chin’s artist’s impression of a kitted up Proton Saga – it looks very similiar to the proton saga concept actually but it was actually done before the RED Concept was unveiled.

The Saga “GTi” Concept as Theophilus wishes to call it has a revised front grille that features a blackened area and a chrome top, a revised front bumper with an air intake beneath the grille with a chrome spoiler lip, different fog lamp housings, an Audi-like aluminium side mirror with lower half in matte black, and a blackened B-pillar. The headlamps have smaller turn indicators and the wheels are bigger.
You will find after the jumps more photos of the Proton Saga that I snapped at the press preview held before the launch. Enjoy!

Proton Exora M/T (M-Line) open for booking!

The new Proton Exora with manual transmission is now on the market and it’s only available in the M-Line trim level, which means basics without fancies like DVD players and GPS units, cloth seats, alloy wheels, and some body-coloured parts instead of chrome bits. It’s priced at RM64,998 for the metallic version and RM64,548 for the solid-coloured version. No ultra-basic no frills Exora B-Line in sight yet so far, but the manual transmission version is very welcome for those who want to save abit more fuel with the Exora, and the manual’s 12% transmission losses which is less than the automatic should result in more of the Campro CPS 125 horsepower going to the front wheels, thus improving the Exora’s lethargic acceleration.
Some of us have already had a go at an Exora equipped with a manual transmission during the proton type test drive and other than the fact that there’s more power that actually reaches the wheels, the manual model with more gear ratios also provides a little more flexibility with picking the right gear depending on the load on the engine. With the automatic model you tend to be working the 2nd gear most of the time, which means alot of high revving sometimes. The good news is NVH is significantly better than models like the Satria Neo so it isn’t that bad of a racket.
Next a B-Line model could come out, but the ultimate would be towards the end of next year where the Proton Exora with the Campro 1.6 Turbo will be launched. The Exora will finally get the engine it deserves and then you’ll have a combination of a very competitive price, good interior space, air conditioning all around, and a more relaxed engine that’s easier to drive because of more low end torque.

Proton readying Exora B-Line Manual for launch?

Proton will be attempting to stave off Perodua’s attack with a smaller but cheaper Perodua D46T MPV combined with a more desirable Toyota-associated brand because of the original model (it will be derived from the Toyota Passo Sette) this coming November.
The D46T is no secret, we’ve already seen the exterior and interior of what the Perodua version will look like, and the Toyota Passo Sette has already been around for quite sometime for all to see. In fact, one of the Passo Sette we’ve seen on Malaysian roads on road tests

The weapon of choice will be a cheaper version of the Exora. Right now the Exora is only available in M-Line and H-Line variants, with the only differences between them being creature comforts and minor styling differences.
A cheaper Exora will be further downgraded in terms of equipment, and will likely feature a manual gearbox, which actually could be more of a blessing for the Exora, as the auto while capable of taking the vehicle up to cruising speed and keeping it there, is rather sluggy to move around at city speeds.
Reader Kenneth spotted this Exora on the Penang bridge. It has light disguises on but we all know it’s an Exora. The LED tail lamps are still there but if this is a version of the production B-Line or manual model, we can see some evidence of downspeccing in the form of steel wheels with a cover instead of proper alloy wheels.

Proton Exora Prestige Concept

This is the other concept Proton Exora which Proton Design whipped up in conjunction with the Exora’s launch. The Proton Exora Prestige converts the Exora into a VIP chauffeured car with a lounge behind where one can either continue to work on the move or relax on the way home after a stressful day.
There is of course a bodykit which includes a double fin front bumper grill, warp-around chrome foglamp garnish, a front lip, side skirts, rear apron with integrated quad exhausts, a rear roof spoiler, chrome glass trimming, chrome side protector moulding, a customised smoked rear brake lamp, tinted glass, and 18 inch wheels with 224/40R18 tyres.

In the interior, the first row is separated from the rest of the vehicle via a glass panel to give the boss at the back some privacy. The rear passenger can communicate with the driver via an intercom. This privacy glass panel includes a 19 inch LCD TV.
The VIP seats have electric adjustments, a massage system, and a built-in working table. Other creature comforts include a nice sound system including two 8 inch subwoofers to match the 5.1 channel DVD player, a stow-away footrest and a cooler box.

GALLERY: Proton Exora Technology Exhibition

During the media preview and drive event for the Proton Exora MPV last week in Cyberjaya, Proton had a whole room dedicated to a tech exhibition showcasing the technologies that went into the new Proton Exora. Of course alot of these stuff isn’t exactly cutting edge but are unique at this price segment for this model, and alot of them also represent their first time of usage in a Proton. I wanted you to feel like you were there so I snapped photos of as many slides and items as possible. Look after the jump for a full gallery of the Exora tech exhibition.

Proton Exora Launch: Proton Exora Prime Concept

Proton Design showcased two modified Proton Exora MPVs at the launch of the Exora yesterday evening. Some of you may have already seen these cars during the live telecast on TV1, but here is a closer look at the two vehicles. This is the white one called the Proton Exora Prime. Here’s the stuff that Proton Design added to the Exora Prime:

• Pearl White Exterior
• Double Fin Front Bumper Grille
• Corporate Graphic At FR Door Trim
• High Gloss Black Side Mirrors
• High Glass Black Roof
• Wrap-around Satin Galvano Foglamp Garnish
• Customised Side Skirts
• Customised Rear Apron with Integrated Exhaust
• Customised Satin Galvano Glass Trim
• Clear Rear Brake Lamps
• Tinted Glass
• 17 inch Wheels with 215/45R17 tyres
• 2-DIN DVD player with integrated GPS
• Rear view mirror with integrated LCD for reverse camera
• 1st and 2nd row pilot seats with integrated LCD and mobile theater system
• Cooler box for the floor console

Proton Exora platform to spawn new models

Proton has always had this problem. The high development cost of vehicle platforms. Vehicle platform and engine technology are some of the main reasons that they need a technical tie-up. Whether it is to share a platform with an existing manufacturer, or sell their own platform to recover some of the development cost, the world economy is just in too much of a crappy condition for Proton to have so many platforms.
Continue reading after the jump for a glimpse into Proton’s new platform strategy.

Proton Ebola

Ebola, commercial vehicle version of Proton Exora MPV. This is what happens when naming a car goes awry.

Proton Satria Neo Super 2000 to compete in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge

Proton has revealed that its MEM (Mellors Elliot Motorsport)-built Satria Neo racer, called the Satria Neo Super 2000, will be participating in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge. The news was released as the rally car was showcased at the Rally Show festival, which took place on the 6th and 7th of June.
Both MEM and Proton have also confirmed the driver line-up, that includes two-times British rally champion Guy Wilks and Phil Pugh as Wilks’ co-driver. The Proton Satria Neo Super 2000 is motivated by a 278HP 2.0 liter Renault powerplant, that is derived from the 1.8 liter Renault unit found in the production Proton Waja 1.8X.
Proton’s Managing Director, Dato’ Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir, mentioned that, “We are very excited to have Guy Wilks driving for Proton in the IRC. After his stunning performance in the recent Pirelli Rally, we are positive about our capabilities to put up a strong challenge. MEM has done a great job with the Proton Satria Neo S2000 and we will continue to improve as the year progresses.”

The Intercontinental Rally Challenge, IRC for short has seven remaining races for the current season, including the Belgium Ypres Rally, Rally Russia, Rali Vingo Madeira, Czech Republic, Spain, Rally Sanremo and lastly Scotland. All are Asphalt rallies except Russia and Scotland.
“This is fantastic news and a fantastic opportunity. Proton and MEM are highly ambitious but also very realistic as newcomers. We need to make progress in every round and be ready to fight for the championship in 2010,” said Guy Wilks. Continue reading to view more images.

GM could buy into Malaysia's Proton car

General Motors, the world's largest car maker, could buy a stake in Proton, the predominantly Malaysian state-owned car company that's seeking a partner to stem losses, a government official said.

GM had "shown interest" in Proton, Malaysian Second Finance Minister Nor Mohamed Yakcop said yesterday. Separate talks with Volkswagen and Peugeot Citroen were continuing, he said.

Proton ended a 21-year alliance with Japan's Mitsubishi Motors in March 2004 and is seeking a new partner to revive sales, which fell to the lowest in at least seven years in the September quarter.

GM is expanding in China, India and other Asian emerging markets as sales slump at home.

"GM can use Malaysia as an Asian platform and that's very positive for Proton," said Nik Azhar Abdullah, a manager at Avenue Asset Management. "If you have three big names who want to get involved with Proton, it's very good."

Proton shares jumped 10 per cent to 7.05 ringgit, giving the company a market value of R3.73 billion ($1.35 billion).

GM may offer as much as 10 ringgit a share, the New Straits Times reported on January 13. Malaysia's state investment arm Khazanah Nasional owns 43 per cent of Proton.

"The best partner is not necessarily the one that offers the highest price," said Sharifah Farah, an analyst at CIMB Securities Sdn. "Proton needs a partner that it can work with to achieve its objectives over the next 10 years."

Rob Leggat, a Shanghai-based spokesman for General Motors, said by phone that the company had held talks with Proton. He declined to say what was discussed and called the New Straits Times report "very speculative".

General Motors said in November 2000 it was in talks with Proton about forming an alliance in Malaysia, South-East Asia's biggest passenger car market. The discussions did not produce a partnership.

Proton is worth pursuing because of its share of the local market, said Graeme Maxton, managing director for Asia at Autopolis, an adviser to the Malaysian Government. Proton had 24 per cent of Malaysia's car market as of September 30, according to the Malaysian Automotive Association.

Proton said in November its loss grew to R250.3 million in the September quarter, from R154.3 million a year earlier.

Malaysia's Proton struggles on

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia's national car, the Proton, owes its very existence to Mahathir Mohamad, the country's septuagenarian prime minister. In the early 1980s, when Mahathir first dreamed of putting the Islamic star and crescent badge on the front of what was even then an aging Mitsubishi Lancer and called it the Proton Saga, nobody, inside Malaysia or out, thought he could do it or would. They were wrong. In 1986, the Proton Saga hit the road.

Today, driving on the highways that Mahathir begat to handle them, it is hard not to notice how dominant the national car has become. Protons make up about two-thirds of all of the cars traveling Malaysia's roads.

In a rational world it would be questionable how long the car would survive Mahathir's 22-year reign, which ends in October when he retires. Proton, or Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional, as the government company is called that builds the cars, violates all of the rules of economics and carmaking. Because Malaysia's market is small, it would be difficult if not impossible to sell the half-million or so that are required for economies of scale to make manufacturing efficient.

The car, however, has a complicated hold on Malaysia's national psyche. To a great extent, it encapsulates the combative prime minister's vision for Malaysia. When he came into office, Malaysia was primarily an agricultural country whose income was founded on the triumvirate of rubber, oil palm and tin. Oil platforms in the South China Sea added to the mix.

But Mahathir was obsessed with industrializing what had been a somnolent tropical backwater. The country initiated disastrous experiments in steelmaking, cement production and other white elephants whose costs still have not been tabulated and won't be under what amounts for all practical purposes to a one-party political system. Proton's balance sheet debt is RM700 million (US$184.2 million) and falling, but that is because the capital construction costs for the car's two plants, estimated by analysts at as much as US$2 billion or more, don't appear on Proton's balance sheet. The costs were borne by the taxpayers.

Proton became the number-one car only because government intervention imposed a warped import tax regime that tacked tariffs ranging from 140 to 300 percent on to foreign cars and priced them well out of the reach of ordinary Malaysians. Thus opportunity costs - the money foregone by consumers who either have to pay the tariff on other brands they would prefer to drive or buy Proton - are estimated by analysts to be even higher. Proton has averaged sales of about 105,000 cars per year through the 1990s, analysts say, surviving on the high tariff rates. Consumers on average overpay by at least RM15,000 per Proton car, partly because of royalties paid to Mitsubishi (RM16 billion over the decade) and about RM20,000 per non-Proton car (RM17 billion over the decade), the analysts say.

Other industrialization projects were similarly costly and inefficient. But going to Malaysia today is very much entering a developed nation. Its roads are good, its cities are squeaky clean, its telephones work, its cargo-handling facilities are starting to rival Singapore's, its capital city features the world's two tallest buildings. Despite the failures and scandals, Malaysia is very much the country that Mahathir wanted it to be.

Still, Proton faces a dilemma. Vehicle sales volume dropped by 25 percent in the first half of this year compared with the same period of 2002. Total sales from January to June 2003 were 85,430 units, representing a 53 percent share of total passenger car sales, down from 113,680 units or 62 percent in the first half of 2002. Now, as Mahathir gets ready to leave office and World Trade Organization tariff cuts loom - and Malaysians get rich enough to buy other brands despite the high tariffs - the national car is in increasing trouble. Malaysia's consumers increasingly want something else.

Malaysia has compounded its problems by coming up with a second national car, the Perodua, to add variety for consumers but actually contributed to the problem because the two government-funded carmakers cannibalize each other. Undaunted, Mahathir is to unveil yet another, a locally assembled multipurpose vehicle MPV to be sold by Naza Kia Sdn, the Malaysian distributor of South Korean's Kia Motors Corp. The MPV will be priced at less than RM100,000.

Part of it is that competing non-national brands such as Toyota, Honda and Kia have cut costs to the bone, generated dramatic efficiencies and pushed promotions hard in order to get at Malaysia's lucrative car market.

"With non-national make cars hitting the market well due to attractive pricing and models, Proton is losing out," said Pankaj Kumar, head of research of OSK Research, adding that unless Proton bucks up, such as by introducing new models quickly, the company will see its market share slip further.

Proton's latest model, the Waja, is three years old. And in an industry where the average lifespan of a car before another new model emerges is two to two-and-a-half years, Proton is not producing new models fast enough to meet consumer expectations.

Despite its pricing advantage, Proton will soon face uphill technological and innovation battles in defending its dominant market share. In order to boost sales, analysts say, it must come up with more interesting models to compete with new non-national passenger cars that feature next-generation automotive innovations such as intelligent automatic gearboxes and variable-timing engines.

For a major part of its existence, the company merely assembled the Lancer and put the Islamic badge on the front. That has changed steadily as local content has risen. Once it unveils a new model with its new in-house engine, the Campro, that will rise to 95 percent. But that is not expected before next year and in the meantime consumers are looking elsewhere. Some analysts have projected a further drop in Proton sales this year as consumers await better, improved models and in anticipation of cheaper prices due to the advent of the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA) in 2005. Under AFTA, Malaysia is required to reduce import tariffs on automobiles and auto-related products imported from other ASEAN nations to between 0 percent and 5 percent by 2005.

If implemented, Proton and Perodua, the other national car maker, are expected to lose market share dramatically unless the government comes up with other non-tariff barriers to protect the two national companies, which is likely. Minister of International Trade and Industry Rafidah Aziz has said that higher excise taxes for cars are likely to be introduced to offset lost revenues from lower import tariffs.

Malaysia, however, also needs to liberalize its market under the auspices of the WTO, to which the country is a party. Under the WTO, participating countries are required to abolish unfair trading practices, including rules and policies in the compulsory usage of locally produced inputs for manufacturing of traded goods. Malaysia, therefore, is required to phase out several measures that are considered unfair trading practices to protect the local automobile industry. That includes a local content requirement policy by 2003 - but which was extended for two years.

Most analysts believe the government will seek to preserve the car. Apart from being the four-wheel symbol of Malaysia's industrialization, a number of government-owned entities have stakes in both Proton and Perodua and employ significant number of people both directly and indirectly through its network of dealerships and auto-parts manufacturers. Hence, to ensure that the dual goals are achieved - the realization of the vision to turn Malaysia into a developed country by 2020 and the protection of thousands of jobs - the survival of both companies will probably be ensured.

Indeed, says an analysis by a major multinational investment bank, "On a bigger picture however, its decision to back the new multipurposes vehicle "clearly shows the Malaysian government's lack of seriousness in complying with the issue of AFTA."

For instance, during the 1997-1998 financial crisis, most banks and finance companies were wary of giving out loans and consumer confidence had somewhat eroded. Government intervention came in the latter half of 1998 to relax some financing requirements, such as increasing the duration for hire purchase and increasing the percentage of car financing.

But despite the protection, Proton continues to struggle with high production costs that make local cars relatively more expensive than many foreign cars without tax and tariffs.

Proton spends a significant amount on research and development (R&D) and royalties paid to Mitsubishi for the use of its engine. Still producing only 200,000 units after 15 years, its volumes are too low to support stand-alone operations, according to an analyst. The company has been trumpeting the development of its own engine, the Campro, since 2001, which analysts said would likely cut its cost by about 30 percent. But in the meantime, the big global firms are designing engines with target production volumes of at least 750,000 units per year, while investing billions of dollars on hybrids and fuel-cell systems.

Some analysts disagree, saying that Proton is relatively new on the block whereas other giant motor companies have been around much, much longer and therefore Proton should be given time to catch up. A Mayban Securities analyst, for instance, said Proton is taking steps to streamline its operations, referring to the restructuring that took place recently that allows each division to offer its expertise and services to other firms and evolve into a profit-making centers.

Certainly, Proton is not going quietly. The company and the government intend to do their best to prove conventional auto economics wrong - in a time when there is a worldwide glut in automobile production. Proton ventured into Iran in July to make a series of sales presentations to Iranian institutions in a move to market its R&D and technical capabilities.

According to Proton's chief executive officer, Tengku Mahaleel Tengku Ariff, Proton today is not just about selling cars but selling its expertise, capabilities and resources combined with that of the UK-headquartered Lotus Group (of which it has an 80 percent controlling stake), also presents the company with the opportunity to sell these services.

Meanwhile, Kim Eng Research points to the initiatives Proton has taken to defend its domestic market share and grow its export markets. Firstly, it plans to cut cost by 30 percent by designing its own car, using its own Campro engines for all future new models and procuring quality components from cheaper sources. This is in addition to annual savings of over $50 million a year on payment of royalties to Mitsubishi for their engines.

The use of its own engines also reduces the effect of yen fluctuation on its earnings. Kim Eng estimates that every 1 percent appreciation in the yen translates to a 1.4 percent drop in Proton's earnings. The engine and transmission (which typically account for about 25 percent of the cost of a car) are currently imported from Japan. With the use of the Campro engines, the transmission will be the only major imported component, thus reducing its yen exposure drastically.

The establishment of Proton's Tanjong Malim plant (coined as Proton City) is also expected to cut costs and improve quality. The plant has the initial capacity to produce 100,000 units annually with the potential to churn out as many as one million cars, hopefully providing Proton the ability to reach the economy of scale it needs. This is in comparison to just 230,000 units produced by its plant in Shah Alam yearly.

The lower cost per car also fits into Proton's export strategy, which most analysts agree is crucial to its survival beyond 2005. Proton is currently losing money on its exports, which account for only about 9.2 percent of total sales. This is not surprising given its outdated models and high cost structure. With lower cost and newer models, it is Proton's intention to boost exports. The company has identified China, the Middle East and North Africa as key export markets, and is currently negotiating for joint ventures. It has entered into a joint venture with Goldstar in China and hopes to start produce 30,000 and 100,000 cars in 2004 and 2005 respectively.

In Iran, Proton's joint venture aims to sell 30,000 units per year. It has also submitted a bid to buy an assembly plant in Morocco to spearhead its thrust into the Northern African market.

While all these plans seem promising, all eyes will be on Proton when it rolls out its state of the art models in the next couple of years, and on how the market, both at home and abroad will take to them.

"We continue to believe that the survivaliability for Proton relies on two factors; (1) Continued government support and/or (2) The involvement of global majors in revitalizing its presence both in and outside the Malaysian market," says an analysis by a major investment bank. That sounds fairly ominous.

Malaysia Independence Day Supplement: Proton to consolidate position with new models Arab News

JEDDAH: Malaysian carmaker Proton, which has ambitious plans to expand its market share, is launching EXORA, its new multipurpose vehicle (MPV) and other new models in the Saudi market. “Although our market share in Saudi Arabia is moderate, we have drawn up a plan to promote our cars and consolidate our position in this highly competitive market in 2010-11,” Samer Ajjan, marketing manager of Proton (ARATACO), told Arab News in an interview. “Our performance in 2008 witnessed some growth, but is still less than our expectation. We are taking up the required measures in both sales and after sales, and it will further enhance our performance,” Ajjan said. Proton cars, though they are still new, have some unique features as standard equipment, he said, adding: “Our company is working hard to provide our customers with the best sales and after sales service, and at the same time maintain the competitive price of our cars and their spare parts.” Ajjan said the company was able to maintain its sales growth for the third successive year due to well-planned sales and marketing policies. “In this regard we would like to express our deep appreciation to Proton for their strong support for all of our promotional activities which helped us in achieving our target,” he said. Asked which of Proton’s models is the most saleable, Ajjan said: “Whenever there are plans to launch new models, it’s Proton’s policy to conduct a comprehensive study to evaluate and understand the needs of its customers. Proton thus gets the advantage of meeting the requirements of different segments of customers, and therefore all models are saleable.” Commenting on the Saudi car market, he said Saudi Arabia was the largest automotive market in the region and had a lot of potential, especially in the small vehicles sector even though there was tough competition in this segment. “We can overcome the tough competition by our unique quality, competitive price structure and prompt services,” Ajjan said. In fact, he added, the Kingdom is potentially a rich market for cars in all of its provinces and regions. “Therefore we are selling well all over the Kingdom.” He expressed his deep appreciation to Malaysian Ambassador Professor Omar Al-Saggaf and the diplomatic mission staff for their continuous support for Proton vehicles in Saudi Arabia.

Proton R3 Satria Mixes Malaysian Style With Lotus Tuning For Aussie Buyers

In addition to building a car for the Islamic world, Malaysian car company Proton also builds a number of cars for the Australian market, including the popular Satria GTi. As a way of previewing the next GTi, Proton will be showing off the R3 Satria, which was tuned with the help of Proton's motorsports arm. If you're not moved by the thought of a Malaysian company's tuners, we'd remind you that they borrow expertise heavily from Proton-owned Lotus. Though details are scarce, it sure looks mean enough to be a successor to the GTi. Press release below the jump.

Proton R3 Satria

Proton Gives A Hint To New Hot Hatch With R3 At Melbourne Motor Show

Proton will give Australia a sneak preview of its next generation hot hatch when it unveils the Proton R3 Satria at the Melbourne International Motor Show on February 29.

The R3 Satria has been developed by Proton's special vehicles and motorsport arm - R3, which stands for Race, Rally, and Research - at its headquarters in Shah Alam in Malaysia.

R3 is headed up by former Lotus engineer and prominent Malaysia race driver Tengku Djan Ley. The R3 Satria combines a range of special body enhancements as well as suspension development and a high performance power plant, to give the Satria Neo a true edge in the hot hatch arena.

At this stage the R3 Satria is still in development and no on sale date has been decided however the R3 division is working to bring the performance model to market as soon as possible.

While the type and configuration of the power plant can not be revealed at this stage R3 has targeted a significant power increase over the standard Proton Satria, which is powered by Proton's own Campro 1.6 litre twin cam multi-valve engine.

Alongside the R3 Satria at the Melbourne Motor Show media day will be Proton's new four-door Persona sedan, which will also be launched at the show.

According to Djan Ley the R3 Satria has been developed as a spiritual successor to the legendary Satria GTi, the first Proton to utilise the expertise and performance credentials of subsidiary company Lotus.

"We have very much focussed on the Lotus philosophy of performance through lightweight, utilising intelligent powerplant solutions while minimising weight and enhancing Satria's already impressive handling," said Djan.

"The Satria is a striking design and a great canvas for us to work with, I believe the R3 Satria will be a real hit at the show and draw a lot of attention," he added.

"However it is on the road where it will be really impressive but people will have to wait a little while before the R3 Satria hits the tarmac," he added.

Proton Cars Australia managing director John Startari said the presence of the R3 Satria on the Proton stand at Melbourne will be a huge drawcard during the fortnight of the show.

"The question we get asked all the time is when will the next Satria GTi be here, the first generation GTi carved a real niche for itself and it is a bit of a cult car, the R3 Satria certainly give some pointers to what its successor might look like," said John Startari.

"While we can't reveal too many details at this time Satria GTi enthusiasts can rest easy in the knowledge that a performance version of the new Satria is not too far away and the R3 Satria is evidence of that," he added.

As well as revealing the new Persona and R3 Satria, Proton will also show a full array of its Australian model line-up at Melbourne including the Savvy city car, Gen 2 hatch, Satria Neo and Jumbuck ute, recently named the cleanest and greenest ute in Australia by the Australian government Green Vehicle Guide.

SPORT STYLE MODIFIED PROTON WAJA

We have seen so many waja modified with VIP style and now we would like to introduce to all kdi readers about one of the waja modified sports version which is owned by Kamal from Blaze Motorsport. Sports style is one of the famous modification theme on a car nowadays which consists of many stuff, bodykit and decoration on the car.

SPORT STYLE MODIFIED PROTON WAJA

The rear GT Wing Spoiler with high adjustment and can be lowered down anytime.

17 sport rims 5 spoke which really express a sporty looks on the modified waja. Smoked tinted rear tail lamp and diffuser.

The interior is wrapped with fur on the dashboard, door trim and center armrest panel. Unique white panel on the dashboard meter.

Custom bumper DAMD style for waja, tinted head lamp and reshaped hood.

The extreme modified waja with the proud owner, Kamal Blaze Motorspor

PROTON CAMPRO TURBO ENGINE MODIFICATION

This is our picture archive while visiting Proton Technology Week, The campro turbo under development in a Proton waja campro turbo

The turbo boost meter inside the waja campro turbo.

The engine bay – using 1.6 litre campro engine, Malaysian made turbocharged engine giving better horspower and torque

You can see all the intercooler piping and intake hose

This one is fitted in the engine bay of proton Exora Prestige concept which is most probably the first proton model using the campro turbo engine on production line to be delivered in oct 2010. The theme of turbocharge engine is blue colour while red for campro CPS.

Talking about campro CPS v campro turbo, which one is better for you? Anyway, both have pros and cons. The CPS may be fuel efficient and the campro turbo surely got better power and pickup but the consumption must also be high. So if you need to add a little more power to your campro, a CPS engine conversion can be done which costs around RM3000 with new better than vtec alike system that will gives you better performance at the same time better fuel consumption.

PERFORMANCE MODIFICATION - PROTON WIRA 1.5 4G15

Message : model wira 1.5gli,engine 4g15..simple mod apexi super intake, voltage stabilizer, grounding wire, extractor 4-2-1, bullet n muffler straight flow, spark plug super4

Upcoming mod cable plug racing jasma,cam pulley adjustable, cam shaft n radiator adjustable..

KDI : A modification done on a Proton Wira 1.5 engine by pekakasari picture above. There are so many stuff to increase the performance of your Proton Wira and maybe we can discuss it here.

MODIFIED GEN 2 WITH EXTREME CUSTOM BODKIT - ARIVIN BLAZE

Proton Gen2, is a car with sports design genetic which is suitable for youngsters and even for family car. Arivin from Blaze Motorsports has made his ride with gen2 sportier and really satisfed doing an extreme modification on his gen2 which is so nice.

MODIFIED GEN 2 WITH EXTREME CUSTOM BODKIT - ARIVIN BLAZE

The interior quite simple with red reflective metallic colour on the dashboard panel and arm rest console.

MODIFIED GEN 2 WITH EXTREME CUSTOM BODKIT - ARIVIN BLAZE

custom modified bodykit fitted to all his gen2 skirtings. Original gen2 bumper is modified with new grill holes ads more sporty image on this gorgeous gen2.

MODIFIED GEN 2 WITH EXTREME CUSTOM BODKIT - ARIVIN BLAZE

Double exhaust tip with big diameter showing how good the exhaust system modification is done for the gen2 performance