Proton developing hybrid model

Posted Mon Aug 4 2008 11:13 AM by Kenneth Hall

Small-scale Malaysian car manufacturer Proton is developing a new range of in-house engines, including a new hybrid powerplant as part of its strategy to increase its export program. Proton has traditionally relied on engines sourced from other carmakers, namely Mitsubishi, but increased demand from customers seeking fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness has spurred the carmaker to work on new hybrid powertrains.

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.

Reader Comments

Mon Aug 4 2008 1:35 PM
Bobby says

The Gen2 is not based on Mitsubishi Lancer. It's a hatchback using different fascia and a swooping roof at the rear for a coupe-like 4 door sedan base on the Proton Waja, of which is a platform sharing model from Mitsubishi Carisma and Volvo S40 MK 1.

The Gen2 is notoriously known as Proton's most unreliable car, with known problems such as gearbox failure, door handle dislodgement, the Gen2 fanclub even had a tutorial for new owners to 'self-tweak' the mis-aligned door handle construction.
Mon Aug 4 2008 2:11 PM
Ben says

proton own Lotus.
Lotus is developing the engines for proton.
they can do much more then hybrid.
Mon Aug 4 2008 6:46 PM
HECTOR says

OMG! Who the hell would buy that?!
Mon Aug 4 2008 7:26 PM
U says

the Gen2 is not based on Mitsu Lancer
Its a whole new platform from Proton
Tue Aug 5 2008 4:52 AM
Sorin says

In 2006 there were rumors that VW will buy Proton. What do you know about this?
Sun Aug 31 2008 4:03 PM
Sayz says

Wrong fact here.. Gen 2 its developed entirely by Proton with Lotus.. The agreement between Mitsubishi and proton has expired nearly a decade.. Proton Impian ( original name is Proton Waja) was the last project between them with only the capture of 1.6 16V engine from Mitsubishi and 1.8 Engine from Renault.. Now this Proton Impian also fitted with Campro 1.6 16V that been developed purely by Proton and Lotus Engineering..

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