The first hybrid prototypes have already been built and are currently in testing ahead of a planned launch for early next decade if all goes to plan. Malaysia’s Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi revealed to the Bernama news agency that he had already test-driven the car and urged the company to continue researching energy-saving technologies. He also remarked that consumers would “be happy when they drive such a car knowing it saves fuel and does not pollute".
In addition to the new hybrid model, Proton is also planning to launch its first-ever MPV model sometime next year.
While Proton is yet to export vehicles to North America, the new hybrid does have some significance as the Malaysian-built cars are currently sold in the UK, South African and Australia.
Pictured above is the Gen2, a vehicle loosely based on a Mitsubishi design but modified extensively by Proton and Lotus.