Archive for the ‘Proton’ Category
There’s a speculation over the future of the top management at Proton Holdings Bhd after being taken by DRB-Hicom Bhd. There’s a news said DRB-Hicom will be reshuffle Proton’s management in next two or three weeks. The current Proton chairman, Datuk Seri Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh and managing director Datuk Seri Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir were said to be on top of the list of those to be replaced.Among the new faces that were expected to head Proton were DRB-Hicom group director of automotive Datuk Nik Hamdam Nik Hassan and chief operating officer Datuk Lukman Ibrahim, both of whom were former employees of Proton.
Source :- Biz The Star
I think the reshuffle will be done…
PT Proton Edar Indonesia (PEI), a subsidiary of Malaysian carmaker Proton Holdings Berhad, launched new versions of the seven-seater MPV Proton Exora Star on Thursday in a bid to strengthen its foothold in the Indonesian market.
PEI marketing general manager Mazlan Bin Mohd Zain said after the launch that the new Exora Star, Exora Star Executive and Exora Star Supreme models have lower prices than the older versions of the car, which were launched at last year’s Indonesian International Motor Show (IIMS).
He said that the lower prices for the new models might boost PEI’s sales this year.
He also said that local accessory makers have also lowered their prices.
“We assembled the accessories locally, while major components, such as the chassis and engine, are still being imported from Malaysia,” he told journalists after the launch in Jakarta.
Locally assembled accessories for the Exora Star will include door visors, side-body molding and tinted windows, while those for the Exora Star Executive are alloy wheels, a rear parking sensor, outside mirror covers, fog lamps and a rear spoiler.
Accessories for the Exora Star Supreme will include both front and rear parking cameras, a rear chrome garnish and chrome door handles.
Meanwhile, older versions of the model that were launched at the IIMS will still come in completely built-up (CBU) forms.
PEI is pricing the Exora Star at Rp 154 million (US$17,255) with a manual transmission or Rp 165 million for an automatic transmission.
The Exora Star Executive is priced at Rp 168 million for a manual transmission and Rp 179 million for an automatic transmission, while the Exora Star Supreme sells at Rp 188 million for a manual transmission and Rp 199 million for an automatic transmission.
Each version shares the same 1,600cc four-cylinder engine, which can accelerate from zero to 100 kilometers per hour (kph) in 12.9 seconds. It has a top speed of 165 kph with an average fuel consumption of 12 kilometers per liter.
Zain said that the MPVs make up 70 percent of all PEI car sales, so the launch of the new MPVs could help improve the Exora Star’s monthly sales.
image hosting jpeg
PEI will launch a six-seater automatic-transmission MPV Exora Prime and a new sedan at this year’s IIMS. The sedan will be simultaneously launched in Malaysia.
Monthly sales of the Exora Star are expected to increase from 100 cars to 200 cars, while annual sales are expected to increase from 3,000 cars in the year from April 2011 to reach 5,000 cars in the following year.
Source :- JakartaPost
Good luck Proton at Indonesia. Hope it will sold out and become one of best MPV in Indonesia.
Image Hosting
Proton’s hopes to win the first FIA S-WRC at the season opening Monte Carlo Rally is dissappear after the car catch on fire. Proton’s driver, Per Gunnar Andersson was leading the S-WRC class and ninth overall but a small fire ended his successfull run. The fire being traced of fuel leak and forced Andersson into retirement in stage 16.
Head of Proton Motorsports Datuk Abdul Razak Dawood said: “The team, especially Andersson, are extremely devastated by this stroke of misfortune considering we were essentially en route to victory.
“Andersson took a cautious approach and was even prepared to concede his ninth overall placing as he didn’t want to be distracted from clinching victory in the S-WRC category.
“But this is the reality of rallying and what makes the Monte Carlo Rally one of the toughest and most unpredictable competitions.
“We commend Andersson for an impeccable drive that saw the Satria Neo S2000 dominate the S-WRC category. It is definitely an eye-opening start to the season,” added Abdul Razak.
Source :- TheStar
it is not a good 2012 start for Proton’s but the journey is still long. They must improving on the engine to ensure the problem will not occur again.
New Proton owner, DRB-Hicom would consider to sale the Group Lotus after look the plans and operations. China’s Shanghai Auto, reportedly interested to acquire Lotus but new owner never received any offer.
On DRB-HICOM’s plans for taking Proton private, Mohamad Khamil said no stakes in the struggling carmaker would be sold to foreign entities.
However, it was open to possible technical cooperation with global players like General Motors, Volkswagen and Honda, he said, adding that he aimed to turn Proton around within five years.
Proton has been criticised for poor-quality and unimaginative cars and has struggled to stay in the black in recent years.
Source :- AFP Google
I’m agree with new Proton’s owner. Why keep if there’s no profit? I think new owner must focuss on to upgrade their car rather than buy any carmaker. Let’s Proton get attention worldwide and not just in local market only.