Proton (automobile)

Proton is an existing since 1983 Malaysian automotive brand.

History

Proton is the acronym for Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional, translated " National Automobile Company" (Holding). This designation is the result of history. The Group was formed in 1983 on the initiative of the then Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad by cooperation of Heavy Industries of Malaysia with the Japanese automotive and hi- electric Mitsubishi. To date, the state Malaysia is the main shareholder of the company Proton. The main plant is located in Shah Alam, Selangor. Another factory is in Tanjong Malim, Perak, where the factory premises and the premises of supplier companies occupy 30 % of the area of Proton City.

The original trademark was a yellow star on a dark blue background. The contours show the shape of a diamond. Production began in 1985. Initially, all the parts of the cars from Mitsubishi were made in the course of time made ​​Malaysian company to more and more components. Are produced mainly in the meantime Mitsubishi under license and own development Proton Waja, Gen2, Persona, Saga, Savvy, Arena ( Jumbuck ), Satria Neo, Exora.

1996 Proton acquired a majority stake in British car manufacturer Lotus, has since 2003 Proton 100 % of this company. In December 2004, Proton acquired a majority stake in the Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta. At MV Agusta were at this time in addition to the main brand and the brand Husqvarna and Cagiva. At the beginning of 2006, this investment was however released again.

From 1995 to 2001 Proton cars were offered in Germany. It models the 300 (Proton Satria, Linzenzmodell the Mitsubishi Colt ) and 400 (Proton Wira, license model of the Mitsubishi Lancer ) were sold. Due to the disappointing sales figures (about 2000 pieces a year) pulled the brand of this market, but back again.

2002, Proton in Malaysia with a market share of about 60 %. This decreased to 2005 to 30%. It is expected a further reduction in the proportion, if the tariffs to a maximum of 5% must be reduced by the development of AFTA. Due to weak demand in the domestic market of the Malaysian state probed the possibility of a 50 percent share of the company to sell and transfer the production in the hands of a foreign automobile manufacturer as the main shareholder. Negotiations have been conducted with the Volkswagen AG, but they were unsuccessful. Instead, a development agreement with Mitsubishi was signed in December 2008.

Models

Former models

  • Saga I (1985-2008, 1992-2008 and " Saga Iswara " )
  • Satria / 300 (1993-2005)
  • Wira / 400 (1993-2006)
  • Putra / 418 LRS ( 1993-2006 )
  • Tiara (1996-2000)
  • Juara (1998-2002)

Current models

  • Perdana (since 1986)
  • Waja (since 2000)
  • Arena / Jumbuck (since 2001)
  • • GEN 2 (since 2004)
  • Savvy (since 2004)
  • Satria Neo ( since 2006)
  • Persona (since 2007)
  • Saga ( since 2008)
  • Exora (since 2009)

Timeline

  • Licensed production of Citroën Citroën AX
  • Based or production under license by Mitsubishi Colt IV, III Lancer, Lancer V, VII Galant, Mirage IV, Lancer, Town Box

Formula 1

Since the 2010 season, the Tochteruntnehmen Lotus Racing is represented in Formula 1. After 15 years, the name Lotus dive there again.

662833
de