PROTON - Malaysia's 1st National Car Company [Archive] - Page 3

pedang

July 26th, 2007, 04:30 AM

BizFocus:
New sedan a turning point for Proton?
By Zuraimi Abdullah
zuraimi@nstp.com.my

July 25 2007

PROTON is bringing back smiles to the faces of its recently beleagured dealers these days, says Proton Edar Dealers Association (Peda) president Wan Ahmad Sepwan Abdul Rahman.

Sales of Proton cars have been gradually increasing, and a brand new 1.6-litre model, due to be out in mid-August, will likely give dealers a "big" extra boost, Wan Ahmad said.

"Many Proton dealers are optimistic that the monthly registration of Proton vehicles should exceed more than 10,000 units from July onwards," he said.

Peda recently had a brief discussion with Proton managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohd Tahir, and Wan Ahmad said he was pleased with the outcome.

"(Syed Zainal) is very positive and confident that the launch of the new sedan will take the market by storm, judging from the pricing and features. Peda is encouraged by his confidence.

"I had a preview and test drive of the car. All I can say is that this is the best car ever made by Proton. The looks are stunning. It is very spacious. Road holding is spectacular. Cabin and boot space are outstanding. This new car will herald a new era for Proton. There is no turning back, only soaring ahead," Wan Ahmad elaborated.

Proton super dealer Edaran Otomobil Nasional Bhd (EON) managing director Datuk Syed Hisham Syed Wazir said the car's launch is something that he is enthusiastic about.

"This 1.6-litre car is extremely beautiful and value for money. Going forward, things will get better for us (EON) and Proton. We are extremely confident (of our prospect) in the second half," Syed Hisham said.

The car had its soft launch on Sunday, and both EON and Proton Edar had collected bookings of over 200 units over two days.

Malkeet Singh, owner of a Proton dealership in Rawang, boldly remarked: "The dark days are over. I am extremely confident that Proton is set to soar."

Malkeet said there has been a build-up in new car registrations at his Proton showroom from June onwards.

"There were 20 new car registrations in June, and I am confident that it will exceed 30 units in July," he said.

Indeed, growing sales, high expectations of the new car and a string of initiatives, old or just implemented, could signal a new chapter for Proton, which last year suffered its first loss in more than 20 years.

It reported a net loss of RM591.4 million for the year ended March 2007, reversing a net profit of RM46.7 million the previous year. Group revenue fell 37 per cent to RM4.92 billion

Regardless of the strategic partner issue, which is seen as crucial for Proton's survival, industry players said the management deserved credit for steering the company amid the trying times, which could see overall industry sales contracting in double-digits this year.

They said recent initiatives to improve business and services and make Proton cars more affordable and appealing to the masses are helping to win back customer confidence.

Wan Ahmad said the the Proton i.CARE initiative, for example, augurs well for Proton because it provides customers with added comfort, convenience and peace of mind.

The company launched Proton i-CARE last week to improve every quality aspect of its business, from sales to after-sales and products.

Syed Zainal said the initiative will be a key driver to transform and project it as a company committed to improvement and quality.

Proton i.CARE means all Proton customer service offerings will now fall under a single point of contact. This includes hotline, 24-hour breakdown services and after-sales service centres.

Proton's customer and quality drive does not stop there. About a week ago, it embraced a no-frills approach, rolling out its new Savvy Lite to make the entry-level city car more affordable to buy. The promotion gives a savings of between RM5,000 and RM8,000 against the existing Savvy variants.

Proton also reduced the cost of spare parts for all Savvy variants by up to 30 per cent to cut vehicle running costs in the long term.

On the international front, Proton has been revving up too. It will supply at least 30,000 Gen.2 cars to China, rebadging them as the Europestar model under a deal signed recently with Youngman Automobile Group Ltd Co.

Proton will also allow Youngman to use its Campro engine, a move that means increased activities at its modern plant in Tanjung Malim, Perak.

Less than a week ago, Proton penetrated the Indonesian market even further by launching the Neo and Waja. They complemented the Gen.2 and Savvy, which made their debut there in March this year.

In the UK, its most important overseas market, Proton UK dealers scored great results in a recent customer survey undertaken by Which? magazine.

Customers taking part in the UK's largest car survey placed Proton dealers in second position when rating the overall dealership sales experience. Proton also did well in the overall reliability rating, finishing joint 12th out of more than 30 manufacturers.

The survey was conducted on more than 93,360 owners. Proton fended off competition from Honda, Toyota, BMW and Kia in the dealer rating and came second only to Lexus.

Proton is well known when it comes to quality in the UK market. According to a study in 2006 by consumer data experts Wegener DM, Proton UK was among the top five car manufacturers that customers are most satisfied with.

If this momentum continues, one could expect reasonably overwhelming response to the new sedan when it is launched in about three weeks.

Ironically, Proton could even benefit from the bad publicity it has received in the past over its losses and delayed search for a strategic partner.

With customer expectations not as high as they were in Proton's heyday and if the new sedan is as good as industry players say it is, the impact it will have on the company's future could be quite significant. We will have to wait and see.

PHC9706

July 26th, 2007, 04:33 AM

I dont think that driving at 80@90 KM/H can consider as speeding, if U dirive in kancil (sorry) or riding a motorbike maybe 80/90KMH can consider as "laju" but I dont think that if u driving Wira 80/90 can consider as "laju" all of the saman I got is under 100kmh! so I'm not speeding what, so how come police can said the saman is fo speed trap? ok la out of topic oledi??

cooltemper

July 27th, 2007, 02:50 AM

You are not out of topic, because this tread (Proton thread) is discussing about some Wajunk, Potong kepala. We better discuss about speed trap.

kadiology

July 27th, 2007, 04:54 AM

PHC9706

July 27th, 2007, 06:59 AM

i check out the new sedan from the spy cam and it looks awesome! i have seen from paultan website on the superimposed image of the gen2 sedan some month back and could not believe that they actually going to produce it. then put R3 kit. sure look menacing and kickin! thinking of replacing my ol 1991 iswara 1.5 auto. used it for 16 years already heh. it beats my honda accord 2nd generation which we used for 12 years. but still cannot lawan my ford escort mk2 year 1980 which is now being used by my uncle to drive to his ladang kebun getah. gratzorr to proton!

no la this new model still used the old campro engine and the SC claim that they had made some improvement to the old engine, no R3. what ever quite good improvement for the H/Line version which installed with 2 side airbags, and other feature such ABS, EBD etc. so cool temper, maybe u can change ur iswara with thi new model:)

forrestcat

July 27th, 2007, 09:24 AM

July 27, 2007 13:10 PM

Proton On Track To Chalk Up Billions In Revenue From China Deal

By Mikhail Raj Abdullah

SHAH ALAM, July 27 (Bernama) - National carmaker Proton is set to chalk up a potential revenue of several billion ringgit over the next six years from its tie-up with China's carmaker Youngman Automobile Group Ltd Co.

Proton's managing director, Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin, said the deal to export 30,000 completely-built-up Gen.2 cars to Youngman over the next 20 months would draw in RM937 million in revenue and royalties of RM102 million.

More lucrative, however, is the licensing deal signed on July 13 on the Campro engine platform, whereby Proton would sell 150,000 completely-knocked-down units over the next six years, he said.

This, combined with parts supply to Youngman plus royalty payments from parts localisation, is worth a few billion ringgit, he said here Thursday.

The revenue was roughly based on the price of the car in China ranging from 125,000 and 130,000 renminbi, which is cheaper than the South Korean car in China but higher than the local car.

Youngman, China's leading commercial vehicle manufacturer that has been awarded a licence from the Chinese authorities to produce passenger vehicles, would build its cars at its new plant in Jinan, the capital of Shandong province located south-west of Shanghai.

Surveys in Shanghai and Quangzhou as well as participation in a leading motor show showed that customers were keen on the Proton, he said.

Moreover, "passenger cars are the biggest growing segment in China, which at 30-40 percent was outgrowing the total industry volume growth of 10 percent," said Syed Zainal.

Besides accelerating Youngman's manufacturing capacity, he said the deal represents a "penetration of a highly competitive market" while Proton gains from parts supply and royalty payments."

"They have requested localisation of parts in China, which means we will get royalty of about RM62 million," he said.

He said the re-badged Gen.2, with some minor modifications, would be sold in the increasingly lucrative China market under the brand "Europestar".

Syed Zainal said the 30,000 units would "bring additional capacity of about 1,000 to 1,200 units per month for its plant in Tanjung Malim."

"It would also be good for vendors and capacity enhancement," he said.

Youngman, which controls 70 percent of the luxury coach market in China, wants to diversify into the passenger car market in a big way by developing a series of cars given the enormity of the auto market in the republic, he said.

They engaged Proton's UK subsidiary, Lotus, to design the car but Lotus, which is good in engineering, needs a base and platform, so it is only right to use the Gen.2 platform.

Lotus' engineering revenue would be RM195 million from the design of the car.

"We only gave them (Youngman) the licence, but Proton holds the intellectual property rights. We are getting a package deal.

"We are doing exactly what Mitsubishi and Proton did," he said, recalling the national carmaker's tie-up with the Japanese auto giant to manufacture national cars in 1985.

The linkage with Mitsubishi ended a few years ago and now Proton is in discussions with Volkswagen and General Motors for a possible strategic alliance.

He said Youngman "will pay us a licensing fee to use the Gen.2 engine and Campro engine and royalty for every car they produce."

"So, they are locked in both through the platform and licensing," he said.

The totally new vehicle would be derived from the Gen.2 and Campro platform in 18-20 months' time, he said.

He said it would open spare parts supply opportunities in China for 30,000 cars.

Asked if there was anything to stop them from using their own parts, he said: "Approval for localisation must come from Proton. Our interests are protected legally."

Asked why Proton chose Youngman, he said the latter's foray into the auto business was telling.

This was evidenced by its building of new plants for expansion besides already having one, its control of 70 percent of the luxury coach market in China as well as producing 40 buses daily.

Another was Youngman's chairman, Pang Qingnian's credentials in the auto industry.

Syed Zainal said Pang has experience in high quality buses based on German technology, a good management team solicited from China's carmakers Geely and Cherry as well as strong government and financial backing.

Pang purchased equity of an existing car licence company in 2004, while today getting a car licence in China is almost impossible, he said.

He also has a factory exporting overseas and is building two more factories funded by the government, one of which is in Jinan in the south-west of Shanghai.

As far as opportunities are concerned, there is a big demand for government taxis in China.

The company has a bus division, truck division, passenger car division and a tooling division.

To develop their passenger car division, they have joined hands with Proton.

"This is the company Proton is dealing with, which is quite diversified, component-related and automotive-related," he said.

Syed Zainal said market prospects were good as Shandong Province alone has a population of 90 million, a per capita growth rate of 14.5 per cent, while Jinan was regarded as the logistics hub of China.

"And the Beijing government is supportive of this man (Pang) who could be a Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin (of Naza Group) in the making," said Syed Zainal.

-- BERNAMA

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wish all the best for Proton in China.

Do u guys think this is somehow tied to the fact that Malaysia borrowed $$ for second Penang bridge.

Anyway, I believe this is one of the continuing benefits Malaysia enjoy for being the first ASEAN nation to have diplomatic ties with China which they appreciate. They then bought lots of rubber and oil from us and they now buy our cars and engines. :)

pedang

July 27th, 2007, 09:43 AM

Proton Confident Of Bouncing Back In Fy2008

By Mikhail Raj Abdullah

SHAH ALAM, July 27 (Bernama) -- Proton Holdings Bhd is confident of returning to the black for financial year ending March 31, 2008 from the expected brisk sales of its latest sedan to be launched next month.

Referring to the new car as Proton's "pride and joy," managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin said "this car will make a difference, we will be back in the black despite a tough first quarter."

He said a significant portion of Proton's pre-tax losses of RM619.866 million in FY2007 was a "legacy issue rather than operational losses."

"Our journey (towards profitability) will start when the sedan is launched on Aug 13," he said during an interview here Thursday.

"It is much more roomy and spacious. It is the right car at the right price and launched at the right time before the Hari Raya holidays," he said.

"We are mindful of all the lessons learnt. Margins for the car are more than you can imagine, it's the same margins as for the Wira, its a five-figure number.

"And for the first time in the history of Proton, we hope to launch and deliver the car on the same day, for which 400 bookings had already been received," he said.

He said about 2,000 cars would have been manufactured by the launch date.

Syed Zainal said some RM110 million has been invested in the new car compared with the RM500-RM600 million for Gen.2, with the big reduction in investment due to carryover or commonality.

He said the car, available in both manual and auto, was the most competitvely-priced for a 1,600 cc car as its indicative price ranges from RM45,000 to RM55,000.

A replacement for the highly successful Wira, there would be a sneak preview of the new sedan in Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru next week, he said.

Current owners of the Wira should migrate to the new car for which downpayments and monthly repayments would be at a minimum.

Syed Zainal said many of Proton's projects, including the sedan's launch, entry into China, Indonesia, Iran as well as more new models, were already in the pipeline many months ago and only became a reality now.

He cited how Proton was set to chalk up a potential revenue of several billion ringgit over the next six years from its tie-up with China's carmaker Youngman Automobile Group Ltd Co.

However, "we were barraged by negative publicity and the uncertainty due to the delay in clinching a deal with a strategic partner was beyond our control."

"We are very focused on what we do and that is trying to get cars on the road," he said.

He revealed that besides the new sedan's launch next month, other models such as the BLM Proton would hit the roads early next year as well as a multi-purpose vehicle in 2009 at highly-competitive prices.

He said Proton's recovery would partly be contributed by Lotus which has been repositioned with engineering design projects for China's Youngman and the assembly of the Telsa electric in December in Norwich for the US market.

As for Indonesia, he said there was an overwhelming response to campaigns to push the Satria Neo, Savvy, Gen.2 and Waja as evidenced by the increase in enquiries and bookings besides 2,000 bookings for Wira taxis.

On talks that Proton has hit rock bottom, he said despite the barrage of negative publicity, "Proton's management is not the one that is sitting down and we have done quite a lot of work."

Neither are we "waiting for a saviour" contrary to perception that Proton would collapse without a partner.

"A strategic alliance partner would only serve to enhance our development programmes by way of accessibility to more products, components, technology, improvements and hopefully more markets," said Syed Zainal.

"Proton is a company that is waiting to be plucked to go to the next level," he said.

-- BERNAMA

dengilo

July 27th, 2007, 02:19 PM

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP
BYE BYE PROTON

PHC9706

July 29th, 2007, 04:28 AM

new proton promo for 50th merdeka :banana: very funny joke :lol:

http://www.terato.com/cars/content/view/198/40/

alsen

July 29th, 2007, 05:10 AM

not funny .

Leeigh

July 29th, 2007, 05:22 AM

that was a bad TVC...

PHC9706

July 29th, 2007, 05:45 AM

just think the message there. what is the malaysian think bout proton after 20 years of producing cars? I think this promo shows us bout why nowadays proton can't sell their cars among malaysian, even outside aspecially in Aus got better respon from their buyer. the malfunction and the SC attitude. It's just my personal opinion only, btw me oso proton owner and very proud of it

myf282828

July 29th, 2007, 10:24 AM

Full of corruption in the corporation.

Low Quality Components/Parts + CORRUPTION = High Selling Price.

cooltemper

July 30th, 2007, 03:08 AM

Full of corruption in the corporation.

Low Quality Components/Parts + CORRUPTION = High Selling Price.

:applause:

cooltemper

July 30th, 2007, 03:11 AM

cooltemper

July 30th, 2007, 03:14 AM

new proton promo for 50th merdeka :banana: very funny joke :lol:

http://www.terato.com/cars/content/view/198/40/

Very funny, you are CHAMPION!

Good Job, Keep it continue.

OshHisham

July 30th, 2007, 05:54 AM

OshHisham

July 30th, 2007, 05:55 AM

OshHisham

July 30th, 2007, 05:56 AM

Full of corruption in the corporation.

Low Quality Components/Parts + CORRUPTION = High Selling Price.

how do you know? your mother works with proton ke?

White_soX

July 30th, 2007, 06:17 AM

^^^its doesnt take a genius to solve that one, may be u need to start go overseas and see what out there compare to proton. You know AirAsia flying to Europe soon, so there ur chance.

OshHisham

July 30th, 2007, 06:22 AM

i've studied in japan for 4 years lah darling....and japan is considered as 'oversea', right?

White_soX

July 30th, 2007, 06:25 AM

look below

White_soX

July 30th, 2007, 06:27 AM

i've studied in japan for 4 years lah darling....and japan is considered as 'oversea', right?
So, what do you learn about their cars? worse than proton? again, try AirAsia to Europe/US, that might open ur eyes a bit:nuts:lets not limit ur thinking bbecause of ur patriotism pride, ppl talk thrash about proton out there, read the latest review.............

PHC9706

July 30th, 2007, 06:36 AM

oshkoshbgood, that's not what I mean, actually what I just want to kongsi here is the main idea there,what is the common mentality among malaysian when see the proton car, thus malfunction and the SC attitude there. got what I mean there? Actually, I for sure love and will support every proton car, me also drove on proton car, like I post before, even my budget can get more than vios, but I still love my waja very much! me also got other proton model before, after 3 years no such major problem, power window? for me it's just a minor, just DIY and the cost less than RM 50 what? so I think that is just the minor one, u know if u got mulfunction on vios or toyota power window how much u will pay? hahahaha even u change 4 iswara power window oso u can still makan nasik kandar at mamak restaurant 4 a week!! for me proton is built by malaysian for malaysian, so it's our responsibility to support our car industry, I don't think that perodua or naza can declaired as malaysian car or kereta nasional, so the only one we got here just proton! ofcourse I'll support them. I oso don't think that proton will tutup kedai after such problem, but, if we as the malaysian won't support them, that might be happen! after we earn them our money for this 20 years++ so takkan nak biar proton just go like that? so no matter how, I will support them!! and so far I think proton help malaysian so much with their car, aspecially for the first model saga, iswara and wira....

OshHisham

July 30th, 2007, 06:43 AM

it is not about patriotisme lah! just for your information, i buy every single issue of TopGear (malaysia edition). and i know a lot condemning about proton and i admit.

look, i didn't say proton is perfect and better than any models(i'm not korean, dude).

so, why the hell should i defense proton?

Proton still in learning process, and they are not yet matured (but HOLDEN of australia, is)

Proton was delayed in progress due to some agreements with Mitsubishi Motors in their early time(mitsubishi even oppose proton's move to set up RnD department)

political interference during Tun Mahaleel's time

Unmotivated workers and component suppliers

This is Malaysia! a 3rd world country...so u expect proton to be as par as BMW?come on lah...you are the one who should open eyes...

tak faham lagi ke..?ini bukan mengenai patriotisme. orang melayu bukan macam orang indonesia/filipina/korea yg patriotik membabi buta!

PHC9706

July 30th, 2007, 07:09 AM

So, what do you learn about their cars? worse than proton? again, try AirAsia to Europe/US, that might open ur eyes a bit:nuts:lets not limit ur thinking bbecause of ur patriotism pride, ppl talk thrash about proton out there, read the latest review.............

see what u get in uk here:)

http://paultan.org/archives/2007/06/08/letter-proton-in-the-uk/#more-4778
http://www.protonownersclub.co.uk/

more from over sea :)

http://www.motortrader.com.my/asp/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=20623

not bad what?

bout the power window.... just check here

http://autoworld.com.my/forum/allposts.asp?summary=1&Forum=ap111582596&access=1&status=1&subject=I+don%27t+think+I+want+to+buy+Toyota+again

more bout vios??

http://autoworld.com.my/forum/allposts.asp?summary=1&Forum=ap111582596&access=1&status=1&subject=Vios+Immobilizer+Problem

so?? japanese car better than proton? ofcourse, u want compare 20 y.o proton with what? 50 y.o++ toyota? honda? mitsubishi? even pokok balak will better the old one :nuts: then the uk people hate proton??? that's why the used as the police car?? or they just open the proton owner club just to give the negative view for proton???

myf282828

July 30th, 2007, 07:44 AM

how do you know? your mother works with proton ke?

Aiya, simple lah. One of the components for Wira can get from Japan at lower price with better quality but Proton bought the local made at 50% higher price for the same part. Can you guess what is going on there? :ohno:

OshHisham

July 30th, 2007, 07:59 AM

Aiya, simple lah. One of the components for Wira can get from Japan at lower price with better quality but Proton bought the local made at 50% higher price for the same part. Can you guess what is going on there? :ohno:

the price of one product depends on how much it was made....let say, if the part made in a mass production, then for sure the price would be cheaper...for proton parts, which are locals...it has to be priced higher due to less production(for local market) and the local manufacturers also have to pay more since they get the original parts from outside...

i don't see any 'corruption elements' there.....

Arkdriver

July 30th, 2007, 08:48 AM

OshHisham

July 30th, 2007, 09:15 AM

And about neighbouring countries citizen they are as patriotic as we does. You'll be surprised because actually we are more patriotic compare to them.

how is that?

...u see indonesia, does they easily accept things from outside, as malaysians do? they even buy crappy things in the name of 'bangsa indonesia'.when they play games...they fight for their country..
malaysians? for money only meh...:ohno:

phillippines....you know them already lah ssangyong...

korean...?this one you don't know how terrible their patriotism is...

fairul

July 30th, 2007, 11:55 AM

just saw the new proton on the road just now...

myf282828

July 30th, 2007, 02:09 PM

if Proton dont use Malaysian part, people will bark and say 'What's the benefit of sourcing part from Japan, dont you want to help local manufacturers?"

another bastard political champion "Proton needs to use imported part for quality, and at cheaper price."

If you myfckfckfck 88866 were a Proton CEO what will you do? If you're Prime Minister? If you're local manufacturer still on learning curve?

There's no element of rasuah here, but it's rather paying extra so that local people can learn how to manufacture things.

And about neighbouring countries citizen they are as patriotic as we does. You'll be surprised because actually we are more patriotic compare to them.

Bull shit!!!!!!!!

If the products/parts do not meet the minimum QC standards, how could you use them. These are minimum criteria for IQC. AND do you know that the so called 'local made' is actually imported from China? IF you continue supporting the so called 'local made' and eventually will cost the whole corporation facing bankruptcy, do you still call this 'patriotism'?

You talked about "Patriotism", our Royal Families are all using latest 'S' classes, why can't they be more patriotic than normal citizens. For leisure hours, you will see all ministers driving BMW, Benz, etc......

IF you work closely with these kinds of corporates, you will sure find out there are corruptions here and there. I have one personal experience, but this is not with Proton, that RM275K deal is actually cost only RM125K, the RM150K all gone to middle men and the persons in power.

THat's why the orang putih say that the Malaysian beliefs in getting rich is

Government + Corruptions = RICH.

GUYS: please be alert that the JAKIM's Halal cert can get it within one month without proper audit. What you need to do is to pay RM2K (corruption) for the cert.

You say "No corruption", it is not happened in the Bolehland.

Arkdriver

July 30th, 2007, 07:23 PM

cooltemper

July 31st, 2007, 02:38 AM

You all don't know kah, Mr Osh, really like to say hello to others people Mother!

Kurang Ajar betul.

cooltemper

July 31st, 2007, 02:51 AM

Although the export units have been enhanced, but still......

Thanks for the website PHC9706... this has opened my eyes to all the Proton stupid problems. SOme more already enhanced.
http://www.protonownersclub.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5654
http://www.protonownersclub.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4738
http://www.protonownersclub.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5262
http://www.protonownersclub.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4851
http://www.protonownersclub.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5727

Car to UK already like that, then what about all those junks in Malaysia?

PHC9706

July 31st, 2007, 05:07 AM

7 month waja still running smoothly :cheer: , no problem with the car. So I don't think it's a junk, for me every car got it's own problem and has own risk :)

myf282828

July 31st, 2007, 06:00 AM

well i'm not into royal family and i'm not championing their existent to balance the power. And i dont believe in paying them so extravagantly luxurious lifestyle just to provide a sense of security to Bumis.

i dont have much problem in fact no problem at all with my Gen 2. The car is okay and i do believe in supporting a national car because i could afford to skip imported makes. It's up to you.

Talking about corporate practice and life i know much more about it. Some of the allegations are true but that's how you make extra money to provide your family. Fortunately for me my parents are not into that kinda practice.

I Support Local products too and hope Proton can excel. But at this moment, buying proton is not showing you are patriotic. See illustrations below:

Buyiing Protons:

Total cost of the car (proton) + Directors fees for sleeping, drinking, eating, playing golf + Rebate to dirctors' pockets from parts suppliers (Corruption) + SUBSIDY for exported models (GB, Austrialia, etc..) = Car Selling Price.

Buying others:

Total cost of the car + High Tax Duty (to government) = Car Selling Price

From you can see which one is more patriotic. Buying non-proton cars, you will contribute a lot more to the country hence more patriotic.

alsen

July 31st, 2007, 06:04 AM

this thread full with BS.

adzakael

July 31st, 2007, 07:19 AM

cume concept car je
tp lawa gak ah

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r76/hazri03/protonpm5concepts25sep0em4.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r76/hazri03/protonconcept-1.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r76/hazri03/protonconcept2-1.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r76/hazri03/protonpm5concepts25sep0mz8.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r76/hazri03/protonpm5concepts25sep0qi8.jpg

White_soX

July 31st, 2007, 07:27 AM

OshHisham

July 31st, 2007, 07:33 AM

You all don't know kah, Mr Osh, really like to say hello to others people Mother!

Kurang Ajar betul.

so many times i tried to talk with some concrete argument in manner, but still your type peoples talk like an idiot.

so....you and your comrades deserve that! i can be more kurang ajar to those kurang ajar....

why? bcoz your mother tak ajar i lah....

sakit hati? tau takpe....

OshHisham

July 31st, 2007, 07:48 AM

You talked about "Patriotism", our Royal Families are all using latest 'S' classes, why can't they be more patriotic than normal citizens. For leisure hours, you will see all ministers driving BMW, Benz, etc......

IF you work closely with these kinds of corporates, you will sure find out there are corruptions here and there. I have one personal experience, but this is not with Proton, that RM275K deal is actually cost only RM125K, the RM150K all gone to middle men and the persons in power.

THat's why the orang putih say that the Malaysian beliefs in getting rich is

Government + Corruptions = RICH.

GUYS: please be alert that the JAKIM's Halal cert can get it within one month without proper audit. What you need to do is to pay RM2K (corruption) for the cert.

You say "No corruption", it is not happened in the Bolehland.

the money sucking royal families and rich people can afford buying a high-end cars. so, for what they should buy proton?

even if i were rich, i love to drive BMW/AUDI too....using other cars is not being unpatriotic. it is your right to choose. and to criticize proton, it is also a patriotic action(if your critic for the purpose of proton's sake). so, please lah next time, cakap biar logik sikit.

and talking about corruption, as a government servant, my company so far is transparent...alhamdulillah, to fight corruption, one should have GOD in their heart (especially Muslim). no need to rely 100% on ACA.

PHC9706

July 31st, 2007, 07:54 AM

why blame using local for poor quality? can't the local build a good quality for proton eh? why give link to UK proton.......want to compare proton there and here, try! if you say proton is 20 y/o and toyota is 50 yo, they can't keep up, well that's like the same saying that proton now is toyota 30 years ago? although with new technology that available to everyone........

why UK? cause u just said that ppl in there just talking trash to proton:nuts: and what did u think the new technology that proton didn't use? the VVT? it's old technology oledi? since 1960's, then hybrid? proton got hybrid what??

http://www.caradvice.com.au/2170/proton-gen2-hybrid/

adzakael

July 31st, 2007, 07:57 AM

I know that there are members of royal families who uses Proton although they can afford to buy more expensive cars.Why?I don't know,since I never ask.

If I were rich,I will develop new cars or new technologies for our cars.Speaking about technologies,mostly they are not free for everyone (since they were patented) and to use them we need to pay royalties.Sometimes the amount to pay the royalties is so absurdly high.That is why Proton develop their own engine,no matter how crap ppl say it is.

OshHisham

July 31st, 2007, 08:25 AM

so, White_sox, tell me about your HOLDEN...how is it going?

pedang

July 31st, 2007, 09:27 AM

Model baru Proton bakal tambat hati rakyat

SHAH ALAM 30 Julai – Pelancaran model sedan baru Proton pada 15 Ogos ini akan menjadi titik kelahiran semula syarikat kereta nasional itu, bagi meletakkannya kembali di hati rakyat Malaysia.

Pengarah Urusan Proton Bhd., Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Tahir berkata, model sedan baru itu juga akan menjadi produk utama untuk Proton menembusi pasaran-pasaran baru, terutama di India dan Asia Barat pada tahun kewangan akan datang.

Katanya, Proton berhasrat menjadikan eksportnya berganda kepada kira-kira 40,000 buah pada tahun depan menerusi model sedan baru dan satu lagi model baru diberi nama kod ‘BLM’, yang dijangka dilancarkan Januari depan serta kenderaan pelbagai guna (MPV) pada tahun 2009.

Menurutnya, kereta sedan baru yang akan dilancarkan Ogos ini, yang boleh diperolehi dalam transmisi manual dan automatik, adalah yang paling kompetitif dari segi harga untuk sebuah kereta 1,600cc yang mana harga indikatif ialah dari RM45,000 hingga RM55,000.

Sehingga pagi ini, Proton telah menerima lebih 700 tempahan daripada orang ramai di seluruh negara, katanya pada sidang media di Pusat Kecemerlangan Proton, dekat sini hari ini.

‘‘Pembeli yang bertuah (kereta sedan baru itu) akan dipilih untuk menerima kunci mereka daripada Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin ibni AlMarhum Sultan Mahmud pada 15 Ogos ini.

‘‘Yang di-Pertuan Agong juga berkenan melawat kilang serta melancarkan model baru berkenaan,” ujar beliau.

Model BLM, ujar beliau, disasarkan untuk dijual pada harga yang sangat berdaya saing, yang bakal membuktikan kesungguhan Proton berpegang kepada matlamat asal penubuhannya iaitu menyediakan kereta yang mampu dimiliki oleh semua orang.

‘‘Secara peribadinya, jika boleh, saya mahu harga BLM kurang daripada RM30,000 supaya ramai orang boleh membelinya. Dan Proton merekabentuknya bukan untuk Malaysia semata-mata tetapi juga pasaran eksport,” katanya.

pedang

July 31st, 2007, 09:28 AM

Sedan baru Proton menawan dan selesa

SHAH ALAM 30 Julai - Wakil media termasuk Utusan Malaysia hari ini diberi peluang memandu uji model sedan baru keluaran Proton Bhd. yang bakal dilancarkan pada 15 Ogos ini.

Pandu uji itu diadakan sebaik-baik selesai majlis temu bual Pengarah Urusan Proton, Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Tahir, di sini hari ini.

Lima wakil media yang bertuah menjalani pandu uji kereta baru Proton itu, bagaimanapun diberi syarat iaitu mereka tidak dibenarkan mendedahkan nama model berkenaan.

Menurut Syed Zainal, nama model baru Proton itu bakal diumumkan pada pelancaran kenderaan berkenaan pada 15 Ogos ini serta tidak dibenarkan merakamkan gambar kereta berkenaan.

Semasa dibawa ke litar ujian Proton di Kompleks Proton di Seksyen 26 disini hujan baru berhenti dan di situ, tiga buah model kereta berkenaan sedang menanti untuk dipandu uji. Dua buah berwarna perak dan sebuah lagi berwarna hitam.

Apabila kali pertama dapat melihat model baru sedan keluaran Proton itu dari dekat, ternyata rekabentuknya amat mempersonakan!

Terdapat perbezaan luaran yang boleh dilihat pada varian-variannya iaitu Base Line (paling asas) tidak dilengkapkan dengan roda rim aloi dan lampu spot pada bamper depan berbanding varian ke atas.

Utusan Malaysia difahamkan terdapat beberapa penambahbaikan telah dilakukan kepada transmisinya bagi memberi tork dan kuasa yang lebih baik berbanding Gen.2 iaitu model asasnya.

Model baru itu menggunakan enjin CamPro 1.6 liter dengan kekuatan maksimum 82kw (110bhp) pada 6000rpm, yang menjana tork maksimum 148Nm pada 4000rpm. Tangki penuhnya ialah 50 liter.

Pandu uji di trek berkenaan mendapati prestasi enjin sedan baru ini, mencapai paras kelajuan yang memuaskan selain kawalan pacuan yang agak memuaskan.

Pengurus Besar Homologasi, Ujian dan Protaip Proton, Tengku Azizan Ahmad berkata, pihaknya telah menangani semua isu yang diketengahkan oleh pengguna dalam Gen.2.

Daripada segi dalaman, panel pemuka turut diperkemaskan termasuk ruang ‘glove' bertutup dan jam diselaraskan pada meter, bukan lagi di atas papan pemuka. Kerusinya juga telah menjalani proses selesa diduduki.

pedang

July 31st, 2007, 09:29 AM

Proton tawar harga alat ganti kompetitif
Oleh Suffian A Bakar

Pakej diskaun 30 peratus Savvy dapat maklum balas positif

PROTON Holdings Bhd akan mengkaji semula harga alat ganti bagi semua model kereta keluarannya bagi memastikan ia terus kompetitif di pasaran, kata Pengarah Urusannya, Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin.

“Kita baru-baru ini mengadakan perbincangan mengenai kaedah berkesan bagaimana hendak memastikan pelanggan Proton sedia ada kekal setia kepada jenama Proton, selain menjadikannya faktor penarik kepada pelanggan baru.

“Kita sudah melaksanakan siri pakej alat ganti bagi Savvy yang menawarkan diskaun sehingga 30 peratus dan menerima maklum balas positif. Justeru, kita akan mengkaji semula harga alat ganti untuk semua model,” katanya pada temu bual, di Shah Alam, semalam.

Beliau berkata, syarikat juga akan melesenkan keseluruhan pengeluaran alat ganti Proton bagi memastikan harga ditawarkan kepada pengguna lebih seragam.

Katanya, berikutan pasaran automotif tempatan yang tepu, adalah penting ‘tarikan’ sedemikian diwujudkan bagi memastikan pelanggan kekal setia dengan jenama Proton.

“Selain perkhidmatan i.CARE yang dilancarkan baru-baru ini, Proton mengadakan kempen ‘pandu lalu’ yang membolehkan pelanggan mendapatkan servis asas seperti menukar minyak enjin, penapis angin dan palam pencucuh dalam masa 30 minit.

“Kempen yang bermula di pusat servis Shah Alam itu akan diperluaskan kepada semua pusat servis seluruh negara secara berperingkat,” katanya.

Syed Zainal berkata, ketepuan pasaran tempatan juga memaksa Proton merangka strategi perniagaan masa depannya kepada pasaran eksport, seperti mengadakan pakatan strategik dengan pengeluar automotif asing.

Proton baru-baru ini memeterai perjanjian dengan Youngman Automobile Sales Co Ltd dan Youngman Automobile Group Ltd Co (Youngman) bagi mengeksport kereta dan perkhidmatannya ke China.

Menerusi perjanjian itu, Youngman akan mengimport 30,000 unit model Proton Gen.2 secara siap bina (CBU) dan dijual dengan jenama EuroStar, selain membangunkan barisan baru kereta buatan China EuroStar menerusi keupayaan kejuruteraan Lotus Proton.

Perjanjian itu juga, katanya, meliputi pelesenan teknologi platform enjin Campro Gen.2 untuk kereta baru EuroStar Youngman dan membekalkan komponen tulen alat ganti kereta itu.

Beliau berkata, perjanjian 'menang-menang' itu membolehkan Proton menjual dan mengkomersialkan teknologinya di China menerusi Youngman bagi jenama kereta penumpangnya berikutan potensi pasaran besar di negara itu.

“Kita tidak mengharapkan rakan strategik asing untuk ‘menyelamatkannya’ Proton... kita sudah mengambil pelbagai inisiatif sendiri, walaupun tidak menguar-uarkannya, bagi memastikan Proton terus mengorak langkah dalam pasaran automotif global.

“Kita sekarang menawarkan teknologi kepada syarikat automotif asing. Kita tidak menunggu orang lain untuk memberi tahu kita apa nak buat,” katanya.

Mengenai sedan baru yang akan dilancarkan 15 Ogos ini, Syed Zainal yakin model baru itu sekurang-kurangnya dapat mengukuh perkongsian pasaran automotif pasaran yang kini dikuasai Perodua.

Model baru itu yang ditawarkan dalam versi transmisi manual dan auto, paling berdaya saing dari segi harga untuk sebuah kereta 1,600cc pada harga anggarannya dari RM45,000 hingga RM55,000 seunit.

cooltemper

July 31st, 2007, 11:36 AM

so many times i tried to talk with some concrete argument in manner, but still your type peoples talk like an idiot.

so....you and your comrades deserve that! i can be more kurang ajar to those kurang ajar....

why? bcoz your mother tak ajar i lah....

sakit hati? tau takpe....

cakap macam gangsta. gangsta is your family business is it?
talk like orang tak baca buku, still shameless and tell people you study in Japan for 4 years, haha:lol:

Arkdriver

July 31st, 2007, 01:26 PM

Osh, sometimes you need to be more careful when choosing you words. Just because of some people that replied here did not use their brain that does not warrant you to attack them personally especially when it has nothing to do with their mother. People here respect you a lot, you spent 4 years your tertiary education in a foreign country under government scholarship, so we expect you to behave in a more proper manner. To spent 4 years in Japan is a privileged, so we assume you know how to use your brain for good.

You told them their mother tak ajar mereka sebab mereka reply macam idiot, so when you reply to their idiot msg like idiot, did your mom ajar you to reply like that?

Sakit hati? i also used to sakit hati with the people who trash proton like myfck88866 and cooltemper. Also i did thrashtalking cooltemper once but that's my only time doing that and now i'm on good terms with cooltemper. Different ideas and opinions is biasa saja, every people entitle to their opinion.

myf282828

July 31st, 2007, 04:39 PM

^^ Guys, in my previous msgs, I did not attack anyone personally. But, instead, I strongly emphasized on fighting corruptions in Malaysia; do you find this 'No Brain'?

As I said earlier, I do hope Proton can excel one day and I do hope I will buy one someday. But before that, Proton has to show us that they are trully independent and do not need our EPF and Petronas's profit to subsidize their operations.

Osh, as you said, to criticize proton, it is also a patriotic action, right? And I strongly agree with you that if trully Muslims have their God in their minds all the time, we, human being, do not need any restrictions set by human such as ACA. Please be calm and do hope you have your trully god in your heart and I believe you will not attack me. And strongly urge that you pass on your god message to others and hope that others will have less greediness and less corruptions.

Hope you guys don't find this "Brainless".

skyscraperboy

July 31st, 2007, 06:46 PM

TWK90

July 31st, 2007, 07:26 PM

Erm, the impending launch of the new sedan will provide an answer on doubts on Proton competitiveness and future model offerings(quality)....

Now that pricing is reasonable for a 1.6 litre sedan and preceived improved quality in the new sedan, i hope this model would be a beginning to cure Proton......since most of the issues on Gen2 seems to be ironed out in this new model...with a proper sedan model that should be gone well in our market and hopefully, start venturing into overseas market....

OshHisham

August 1st, 2007, 02:02 AM

cakap macam gangsta. gangsta is your family business is it?
talk like orang tak baca buku, still shameless and tell people you study in Japan for 4 years

are you talking to yourself? you're such a clown...funny:hahaha:

OshHisham

August 1st, 2007, 02:07 AM

Osh, sometimes you need to be more careful when choosing you words.

it is a special case for cooltemper....sorry, for him, i just 'bulldoze' any words...:lol:

Different ideas and opinions is biasa saja, every people entitle to their opinion.

different ideas doesn't mean you have to behave in defferent manner...:yes:

PHC9706

August 1st, 2007, 06:28 AM

http://http://protonmania.com/index.php?topic=21591.100

cooltemper

August 1st, 2007, 07:18 AM

are you talking to yourself? you're such a clown...funny:hahaha:

Thank you.
For me, i feel good as this thread no more discuss about the junk but full of hate.
:lol:

cooltemper

August 1st, 2007, 07:23 AM

it is a special case for cooltemper....sorry, for him, i just 'bulldoze' any words...:lol:

different ideas doesn't mean you have to behave in defferent manner...:yes:

Bulldoze? You mean like that
http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/7156/16036mgau9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

:lol: :lol: :lol:

cooltemper

August 1st, 2007, 07:25 AM

OshHisham

August 1st, 2007, 07:46 AM

Take scholarship from tax payer money ah and now talk like gangsta. If know you will behave like this, talking about other people mothers, then better let you become mat rempitand then get knock down by car.

:lol: what? your mother pay tax also ah?

PHC9706

August 1st, 2007, 09:54 AM

ok la guys, we should stop all this and back to the topic. here got some comparison between the new sedan with others model included Vios and MyVi

http://protonmania.com/index.php?topic=21591.100

OshHisham

August 1st, 2007, 11:31 AM

why compare sedan with myvi...unfair lah! how about City?

OshHisham

August 1st, 2007, 11:34 AM

PHC9706

August 1st, 2007, 02:13 PM

http://www.imagehosting.com/out.php/i981191_protonpersona.jpg

bloody hell this proton! change the sport rim lah! why still use the old one? aduhh.....

and the name also...Proton Persona, is that the name used for UK's market Wira?

I think from the previous post, all of the car picture used the new sport rim except this. Hopefully proton didn't used this sport rim anymore.

PHC9706

August 1st, 2007, 02:15 PM

why compare sedan with myvi...unfair lah! how about City?

maybe bout they campare becouse of the price are almost same, and there are ofcourse got City n vios kan??

pedang

August 2nd, 2007, 05:20 AM

Govt to seek details on VW’s Indonesian plant
by Surin Murugiah
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com

BUTTERWORTH: The government, which is involved in talks to sell a stake in Proton Holdings Bhd to Volkswagen (VW), will seek more details on a news report that the German carmaker plans to set up an assembly plant in Indonesia.

Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop said yesterday that VW did not raise its plans to invest in Indonesia in the negotiations between Proton and VW earlier.

He told The Edge Financial Daily that this was the first time he was hearing about it.

Asked if VW’s Indonesian plant proposal would affect the Proton-VW talks, he replied: “(We are) seeking more information on it.”

Yesterday, an Indonesian government official was quoted as saying in Jakarta that VW planned to build an assembly plant in Indonesia to manufacture a small car.

According to Indonesia’s Investor Daily newspaper, the country’s director-general of Industry Ministry, Budhi Dharmadi, was quoted as saying that the plant would manufacture vehicles with an engine size smaller than 1.5 litres and a van.

Malaysia has been in active talks with VW to seal a partnership deal for the loss-making Proton.

VW is viewed as the frontrunner to partner Proton and has held two rounds of talks with the Malaysian government. A third round could be in the offing but talks with US carmaker General Motors were also under way, the government said last month.

Khazanah Nasional Bhd, which owns 43% of Proton, is in talks with VW and General Motors to sell part of its stake in Proton.

pedang

August 2nd, 2007, 11:19 AM

Proton catat indeks pengguna tertinggi

KUALA LUMPUR 1 Ogos – Kaji selidik yang dijalankan oleh J D Power Asia Pacific mendapati Indeks Kepuasan Pengguna (IKP) Proton Holdings Bhd. (Proton) meningkat sebanyak 36 mata pada tahun ini kepada 713 mata, berbanding 677 mata pada tahun 2006.

Ia merupakan indeks tertinggi di kalangan syarikat automotif di negara ini.

Pengarah Urusannya, Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir berkata, menerusi kaji selidik IKP, pembuat kereta nasional itu menunjukkan peningkatan dalam 24 standard perkhidmatan kepada pelanggannya.

Menurutnya, tindakan Proton perenal langkah berkaitan perkhidmatan yang memenuhi pensijilan 4M sebelum ini telah menyumbang kepada peningkatan kepuasan pelanggan.

cooltemper

August 2nd, 2007, 12:01 PM

jlshyang

August 2nd, 2007, 08:33 PM

pedang

August 3rd, 2007, 11:48 AM

Mixed views on Proton’s Persona
by Gan Yen Kuan
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com

KUALA LUMPUR: Proton Holdings Bhd’s soon-to-be-launched 1.6-litre Wira replacement model (WRM), to be named Persona, has received mixed reviews from analysts following an analyst briefing and preview of two new models by Proton.

Persona is slated to be launched on Aug 15. The other new model is a 1.3-litre sedan to replace Iswara, and will be launched in January 2008, according to analyst reports.

Hwang-DBS Vickers Research is upbeat on the upcoming Persona. It said Persona would be priced at between RM45,000 and RM55,000, and that Proton targeted to sell about 4,000 units per month.

That would translate into RM1.4 billion and RM2.4 billion in revenue in the financial year ending March 31, 2008 (FY08) and FY09, respectively, it said in a research note yesterday.

“This has prompted us to narrow the potential losses for Proton to RM114 million and RM52 million (from RM400 million and RM330 million losses previously) for those years.

“The WRM, built on Gen.2 platform (with jigs and tooling mostly amortised and provisions already made in previous year’s P&L) is expected to rake in high 15% to 20% gross margins,” it said.

The attractive pricing strategy and the right timing, coupled with a possible warranty of up to five years, could help Proton meet its targeted monthly sales of 4,000 units, it added.

It added that Persona was designed based on buyers’ preferences and suggestions, and was moulded after the Gen.2 that was the third best selling model for Proton.

On the Iswara replacement model, Hwang-DBS Vickers said it remained cautious of the success of the model, which would be built on the Savvy platform. “Functionality is the key selling point. If the group can price the car at below RM30,000, then it might be able to tap into the first-time buyer market,” it said.

The research house reiterated its “fully valued call” on Proton with a target price of RM5.50, based on 30% discount to its realised net asset value (RNAV) of RM8.11.

“Despite our lower loss projections, our call takes into consideration the company’s questionable longer term viability and competitive operating landscape,” it said.

Meanwhile, RHB Research Institute said it was “less optimistic” on the Persona’s sales target in view of the public perception on its quality issues.

It said the pessimism also stemmed from the upcoming release of the new Toyota Vios in October to be priced around RM70,000, as well as weak car sales and unfavourable hire purchase credit environment.

“Thus we believe Proton can sell 2,000 to 2,500 Persona per month and will monitor to see if the management’s target of 4,000 per month is achievable and sustainable over the longer term,” it said.

Last month, Proton said it would supply cars to China’s Jinhua Youngman Automobile Manufacturing Co (JYA).

RHB Research said Proton targeted to export 30,000 completely built-ups (CBUs) of Gen.2 cars, which would be rebranded as Europestar for the China market, over a period of 20 months beginning November 2007.

It said Proton was currently in talks with JYA to assemble completely knocked-downs (CKDs) in two JYA’s plants in China.

It said the annual potential earnings Proton expected to realise from the alliance were licensing fee of RM35 million and royalty of RM102 million for every 150,000 units, parts supply revenue of RM3.1 billion and royalty fee of RM78 million for parts localisation, lotus engineering services of RM195 million and trademark usage fees of RM36 million.

“Given the potential teething problem and execution risks, we have refrained from raising our earnings forecast at this point of time,” it added.

RHB Research, noting the drag on the talks between Volkswagen and Proton, has maintained its “trading buy” recommendation on Proton with an indicative fair value of RM8.60.

nazrey

August 3rd, 2007, 01:34 PM

Proton May Return to Profit in 2009 With New Sedan
Updated : 02-08-2007
Media : Bloomberg
Story By : Angus Whitley

Aug. 2 (Bloomberg) -- Proton Holdings Bhd.'s first new car in more than a year, due in showrooms this month, may help the Malaysian automaker return to profit as early as 2009, said Hwang-DBS Vickers Research Sdn.

State-controlled Proton may lose 114 million ringgit ($33 million) in the year ending March 2008, compared with a previous estimate of 400 million ringgit, Chong Lee Len, an analyst at Hwang-DBS, said today after being given a preview of the sedan. The company may be making money 12 months later, she said.

The yet-to-be-named sedan will compete against Toyota Motor Corp.'s Vios model and may carry a five-year warranty, never before offered by Proton, Chong said. Proton has been losing sales and market share to rivals, contributing to its first loss in at least 17 years last fiscal year.

``Management has finally conceded that buyers will not tolerate sub-standard quality cars,'' Chong wrote in a report. ``I actually believe that they can sell this vehicle,'' she said later by phone.

A five-year warranty risks incurring repair costs, though suggests Proton has confidence in the vehicle's quality, Chong said. The sedan, with a 1.6-liter engine, will have an ``attractive'' price of between 45,000 ringgit and 55,000 ringgit, compared with 80,000 ringgit for the 1.5-liter Vios, she said.

Expected Sales

Shah Alam, Malaysia-based Proton in January rolled out variants of the Savvy compact car and Waja sedan, though the company last introduced an all-new model, the Satria Neo hatchback, in June 2006.

The new sedan, designed to replace the 14-year-old Wira, will go on sale Aug. 15. Proton Managing Director Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir expects the company to sell 4,000 of the vehicles a month, he said in an interview this month.

Demand on such a scale would generate sales of 1.4 billion ringgit this fiscal year, and 2.4 billion ringgit in the 12 months ending March 2009, said Hwang-DBS. That's almost half of Proton's 4.92 billion ringgit of revenue for all of last year.

Proton plans to start selling the car in the U.K. and Indonesia before the end of the year, Zainal said in the July 23 interview.

Still, increasing competition and the limited size of the domestic market remain challenges for Proton, said Khoo. The company, set up in 1983 by then-Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, has been seeking an alliance with Volkswagen AG, Europe's biggest carmaker.

``We remain cautious on Proton's viability as an independent car manufacturer, due to the inevitability of trade liberalization, and poor economies of scale on Malaysia's small car market,'' Khoo wrote in a report.

Proton also showed analysts a new low-end, entry-level sedan to be introduced in January next year, and a clay mockup of a larger multi-purpose vehicle, or MPV, due for release in 2009, Khoo said.

pedang

August 6th, 2007, 10:29 AM

Malaysia's Proton eyes Egypt as springboard to Africa

LANGKAWI: Malaysia's national car maker Proton may open assembly facilities in Egypt to help it penetrate Africa and the Middle East, a top company official said Monday.

Proton sells models such as the Gen.2 and Savvy in African countries, including Egypt and South Africa, but assembling cars in Egypt could boost its exports further, Proton Managing Director Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir told reporters.

"From Egypt, we (can) come to use that as a base to enter the African continent and even the Middle East,'' Syed Zainal said.

Countries such as Saudi Arabia and Sudan were attractive markets, he said.

A decision on whether to launch an Egyptian facility is not expected until early next year, Syed Zainal said on the sidelines of a conference of Asian and African government officials and corporate leaders in northern Malaysia.

Proton has been trying to boost exports, cut costs and introduce new models to prop up sales and curb losses.

The company reported a total loss of 591.4 million ringgit (US$169 million, euro123 million) for the year ended March 31. - AP

cooltemper

August 7th, 2007, 07:30 AM

I think Proton should eyes Egypt as a springboard to jump into the RED SEA.

pynshi91

August 7th, 2007, 02:38 PM

Is this the new sedan? Yalah, change the rims la!!

i just really don't understand proton....why can't they produced better and newer models with a better and newer name..????????????from what i notice,,,ever since the launched of the brand new gen2,,,they kept on producing models similar to proton gen2.........no point they name it a new name,,but the design is still the same like gen2.....at first,,,when i saw their advertisement in the papers,,,,i was like,,,wow,,,,,,,,,am so excited proton i going to come out a new model ,,,,and a new name...completely different design from gen2........................................and now,,,,,found out that it's still the gen2.......................seems to me like proton cars getting more and more boring..........sigh..

jlshyang

August 7th, 2007, 08:06 PM

i just really don't understand proton....why can't they produced better and newer models with a better and newer name..????????????from what i notice,,,ever since the launched of the brand new gen2,,,they kept on producing models similar to proton gen2.........no point they name it a new name,,but the design is still the same like gen2.....at first,,,when i saw their advertisement in the papers,,,,i was like,,,wow,,,,,,,,,am so excited proton i going to come out a new model ,,,,and a new name...completely different design from gen2........................................and now,,,,,found out that it's still the gen2.......................seems to me like proton cars getting more and more boring..........sigh..

They really need the partnership with VW to tap into their technology and stuffs. They are not capable of producing different models until at least 3 years? Look at the Proton Saga....til today you can still get a Proton Saga, similar design with the original but better quality. I don't get this either, why can't they come up with more designs? Is it because it is more costly to build a new model with a completely different design?

cooltemper

August 8th, 2007, 07:24 AM

cooltemper

August 8th, 2007, 07:25 AM

Funny parts is, when they talk to VW, they still dream of getting 51% control. With the extra 2%, then they will claimed it as National Car.

If the deal is so favourable to VW, they can close the deal when they had their first meeting in New York. No need to wait until now already talk cock for three times but still failed to close the deal.

Buat apa nak jaga muka, jika tak boleh, ngaku lar tak boleh, then start to learn from your partner.

pynshi91

August 8th, 2007, 09:06 AM

That is why they are desperate to get the partnership, without foreign car manufacturer help, they will keep on coming with a kacuk cars.
Front waja, back gen2, fron wira back satria......

Proton still need people to spoon feed them. Ask those working is DRB Hicom, that design parts for Proton, how proton reduce cost... just ask them!

That is why, i feel that there is nothing to proud of with our own national car where we not even can do the design properly and everything is dependance to foreign car.

yayayayayayayaya...............even the proton gen2 was designed by LOTUS......really failure lar.......i believe there is people ..,,,especially those love drawing and designing cars can help proton.....the question is ,do we?

haze

August 8th, 2007, 01:16 PM

semua kesilapan masa zaman tenku mahalel. tapi skarang managmnt baru tgh berhempas pulas pulihkan balik nama n imej proton.

cooltemper

August 9th, 2007, 02:39 AM

not just re-shine the brand, but also tighten their QC and carefull in Sourcing and improve in design. Put more money to create lab for mechanical testing, failure analysis, material research.

OshHisham

August 9th, 2007, 03:07 AM

[SIZE="5"]
Proton sells models such as the Gen.2 and [B]Savvy in African countries, including Egypt and South Africa, but assembling cars in Egypt could boost its exports further, Proton Managing Director Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir told reporters.

i have a little doubt lah...could the giant african people fit savvy?:happy:

OshHisham

August 9th, 2007, 03:17 AM

i just really don't understand proton....why can't they produced better and newer models with a better and newer name..????????????from what i notice,,,ever since the launched of the brand new gen2,,,they kept on producing models similar to proton gen2.........no point they name it a new name,,but the design is still the same like gen2.....at first,,,when i saw their advertisement in the papers,,,,i was like,,,wow,,,,,,,,,am so excited proton i going to come out a new model ,,,,and a new name...completely different design from gen2........................................and now,,,,,found out that it's still the gen2.......................seems to me like proton cars getting more and more boring..........sigh..

for your information lah(if you really want to know), every car manufacture have their own platforms, components, robots, and moulds. for this Persona model, the platform are from the Gen2 platform...so the design are much similar. compare to Satria NEO, even though the platform used are different, but the components and moulds using from what proton already has.

in fact every car brand also same like this...

as you can see Mazda 3, 5 or 6 has similar looks....Honda city, vios and civic also similar....

so, to know the truth, ask those who knows lah....if you ask some filthy scam in this forum, what you got is scam also lor...

OshHisham

August 9th, 2007, 03:22 AM

not just re-shine the brand, but also tighten their QC and carefull in Sourcing and improve in design. Put more money to create lab for mechanical testing, failure analysis, material research.

proton already has RnD facilities....the RnD division was set up then without informing Mitsubishi(during proton was still under mitsubishi). and mitsubishi objects those move....as what they want proton to be like perodua(just a car assembler)

i really want to give a suggestion to you, talk only if you know what you are talking about....

Arkdriver

August 9th, 2007, 04:28 AM

finally cooltemper came out with something constructive. Good progress.

As for Persona that looks much like Gen 2, i agree with Osh, It's built on the same Gen 2 platform. Developing a platform is not cheap. That's why a platform usually can accomodate more than 2 models. And FYI, because the cost of developing platform is so expensive, Porsche and VW share the cost for their Touareg and Cayyenne model. Both using the same platform.

What proton need now is more make up to the car. But if you look at Persona cost of development, it's something only half the fraction of original cost of developing Gen 2. They share similarities in many parts. But that does not mean it will be problematic as Gen 2. Well, at least that's what they claim. We can wait for customer's response when they actually test drive the car.

OshHisham

August 9th, 2007, 04:45 AM

since savvy models, we less heard about problems of savvy and neo...it shows proton really improved...at least under new management...

cooltemper

August 9th, 2007, 07:26 AM

cooltemper

August 9th, 2007, 07:27 AM

proton already has RnD facilities....the RnD division was set up then without informing Mitsubishi(during proton was still under mitsubishi). and mitsubishi objects those move....as what they want proton to be like perodua(just a car assembler)

i really want to give a suggestion to you, talk only if you know what you are talking about....

Thanks for the suggestion.
Dude, didn't response to those gay thread already ah? Hundreds of guns are aiming at you. :lol:

OshHisham

August 9th, 2007, 08:23 AM

Thanks for the suggestion.
Dude, didn't response to those gay thread already ah? Hundreds of guns are aiming at you. :lol:

hundreds of waterguns...
when we having a discussion in any threads, doesn't mean you have to said whatever thing just to make sure you win...it is not the manner...

the important thing...your message has been expressed...

this is something you cannot understand, that's why you talk...just talk like an *****

cooltemper

August 9th, 2007, 11:36 AM

Ya, i admit i don't know about platform, design of car, marketing strategy, Proton management team...

But from the bottom of my heart, i feel that this car is no good, cheat our own Malaysian, sell expensive here but sell cheap in europe, lousy quality.....

You know everything, but you can't change Proton also, cause your very "constructive" comments will not be bother by the management of Proton.

Who want to win here, there is always rooms for people to talk especially in Internet. I don't like Proton, then i showed my true feeling here, cannot kah?

You cannot changed other thinking from hate to love. Just like you cannot change those who fired you in the gay marriage thread.

cooltemper

August 10th, 2007, 08:48 AM

2007 Proton Savvy First Steer - what do you get for $13,990?

When Proton announced a significant price cut for the struggling Proton Savvy, I simply had to go drive this car. In case you’re not aware, I am not a fan of cheap and nasty cars. I have taken most of my anger out on the Holden Barina so far this year but something tells me I have a new target, the Proton Savvy.

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/7731/protonsavvy1thumbnailim7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Test Model: 2007 Proton Savvy 1.2-litre Manual

CarAdvice rating:

Options Fitted: None

Starting at just $13,990 driveaway for the manual, it almost seems like the bargain of the century, even more so when you consider the features.

With a Renault sourced 1.2-litre engine that produces 55kW of power (5.7 litres/100km fuel consumption), a five-speed manual transmission, ABS, dual front airbags, 15 inch alloys, rear parking sensors and keyless entry, I couldn’t fault the car on paper… so I went for a drive.

I am delighted to say that as far as this Proton goes, you really get what you pay for. With an interior resembling a 1990s Hyundai Excel, a gear stick that vibrates in 3rd and 4th gear and an engine which can deafen you in less than 5 minutes, I couldn’t run away fast enough.

Let’s start with the looks, although styling is subjective - this is an ugly, ugly car. It’s not like other small cars where it can be ugly but still cute, this car is just ugly! The front is barely passable, but from the back, the sagging rear lights resemble a baby rat stuck in a mouse trap

http://img355.imageshack.us/img355/4765/protonsavvyrearthumbnaiyx7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Proton obviously doesnt’t have focus groups in Malaysia to seek public reaction before designing a car. I can’t imagine any young driver walking out of a Proton dealership thinking “damn, that savvy is hot”.

If you buy this car, what you will end up doing is approaching it with your eyes closed as much as possible, just so you don’t have to look at it too much. But the real horror starts inside.

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/6961/protonsavvyinteriorthumif5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

With uneven and unfinished edges as well as plastic sharp enough to cut your skin, the Savvy gives a hint of what we should expect from other developing manufacturing nations (such as China) in the next few years.

My biggest problem with the car is engine noise. There is next to no sound proofing and given the 1.2-litre powerplant struggles, you really have to redline on every gear change if you intend to keep up with traffic.

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/6610/protonsavvythumbnailuf5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

As I attempted to join the highway, my ear drums were ready to explode from the screaming whine of the engine - this can scare you at first since no engine should sound like Avril Lavign on drugs, but no - its just part of the fun! If you intend to go past 5,000 RPM, make sure you bring some industrial strength ear muffs because you’ll need it!

But wait, there is more, cruise along in 3rd of 4th gear and the second you lift your foot of the accelerator the gear stick vibrates like a race dog trying to shag your leg. So along with unbearable engine noise and the vibrating gear stick, the Proton is not exactly a fun car to drive.

Surely I had a broken car? Nothing can be this bad! I took the car back and kindly informed the lovely gentlemen (who was keen to tell me the Savvy is Lotus inspired) that he owes me a set of new eardrums and a new Savvy.

He decided to come with me so I can point out the problems, he informed me the engine noise is normal, at least for a Malaysian car and as for the vibrating gearstick, “oh yeah that happens in the Gen.2s as well sometimes, it goes away after a while… I wouldn’t worry about it” uha… a car with 150kms on the clock should not have vibrating issues!

In fairness, it’s not ALL bad, the Savvy does have some Lotus blood in it after all. As far as handling goes, it would run circles around the competition (once it gets to speed). Comparing this to the Rio, Swift and Colt, the Savvy is easily the best handling small car. But that’s a small victory in war Proton have already lost.

The stereo is also rather impressive for a $13,990 car. Using a Clarion headunit and worthy speakers, Proton have supplied a very reasonable stereo so that you can overcome the unbearable engine noise.

Why on earth have Proton stuck rear parking sensors to this thing? If you can’t park this, you shouldn’t drive. Rear visibility is very clear and as far as dimensions go, it’s comparable to a micro car! Sure it’s free and yes, why not, but don’t let it persuade you, rear parking sensors in a car this small are pointless!

My friends, do yourself a big favour and give this (and the Barina) a miss - don’t be fooled by the $13,990 price tag - think of it this way, if you value your hearing and sanity - its not worth the $2,000 saving!

If you’re after a small car, have a look at the Mitsubishi Colt or the Kia Rio, or better yet, save a few more dollars and buy a Suzuki Swift

OshHisham

August 10th, 2007, 10:18 AM

If you’re after a small car, have a look at the Mitsubishi Colt or the Kia Rio, or better yet, save a few more dollars and buy a Suzuki Swift

he's not talking to malaysian, right...?:lol:

btw, the way the writer wrote...it likes something comes from Clarkson...especially when he says..."I am not a fan of cheap and nasty cars"

triple-j

August 10th, 2007, 05:45 PM

i think he loves proton very much....

just the way he shows his affection might be different from the rest...

haze

August 11th, 2007, 01:27 PM

'Cheap to operate' Proton Jumbuck is value for money

August 11 2007

MELBOURNE: Proton's Jumbuck half tonne ute is the lowest cost commercial vehicle to operate in Australia, according to calculations on motoring organisations by Sydney-based NRMA's Business Wise website.
The website shows that the Proton Jumbuck ute costs just A$155.05 (RM455.85) a week to own and run, calculated on an average usage of 25,000km a year over a three-year business use.

The figures indicate that the Jumbuck is up to A$400 (RM1,176) a week less expensive to run than one of the most popular diesel four-wheel utes and significantly less expensive than larger six-cylinder utes, whether they are run on LPG or petrol.

The figures indicate that the higher purchase prices of diesel powered vehicles actually negate any fuel efficiency advantages they might offer over a three-year period, flying in the face of conventional wisdom which usually suggests that diesels are cheaper to run.

The NRMA website, a subscription-only site, features a running costs calculator which factors in 14 basic requirements including purchase price, insurance rates, price of fuel, interest rates on finance and the number of days the vehicle is used privately, to come up with an average operating cost for any commercial vehicle.

Based on fuel costs alone the Jumbuck will cost as little as A$2,307 (RM6,782.58) to fill with fuel over a 12-month period, factoring in its combined average fuel economy of about 7.1 litres per 100km covering 25,000km at an average fuel price of A$1.30 (RM3.82) a litre.

Compared with a large six-cylinder petrol ute a Jumbuck owner could save about A$1,600 (RM4,704) a year in fuel costs alone, not to mention lower purchase price, insurance and strong resale value.

This is based on official fuel economy figures listed on the Australian Government's Green Vehicle Guide website.

Proton Cars Australia managing director John Startari said the figures served to underline just how economical and efficient the Jumbuck was and showed how well suited it was for businesses looking to reduce their vehicle operating costs.

"Jumbuck proves a commercial vehicle doesn't have to be expensive to purchase or operate and is clearly capable of delivering some major savings for businesses and private operators as well," Startari told Bernama.

"When an independent organisation calculates that the Jumbuck is so inexpensive to run it backs up what we have been saying about it for the past three years and vindicates the many happy buyers who have purchased Jumbucks in Australia in that time," he said. -Bernama

HangPC2

August 15th, 2007, 05:50 AM

2007 Proton Satria NEO R3

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/5373/dscn11982007satrianeor3sk9.jpg

Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2sWg7K85JU

cooltemper

August 15th, 2007, 06:32 AM

This car look "garang".
Did Proton going to sell here?

Maybe Proton can be saved. but also depend how much they plan to sell. If again sell at RM70K. i think forget about it. The price should around RM40K to 45K

OshHisham

August 15th, 2007, 07:05 AM

Proton To Export New Persona To Reap Economies Of Scale

SHAH ALAM, Aug 15 (Bernama) -- Proton Holdings Bhd, which launched its latest Proton Persona sedan Wednesday, plans to export the 1,600cc car to Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, the United Kingdom and Australia to reap economies of scale as the domestic market is limited.

"You cannot concentrate on the domestic market alone as it is getting smaller and smaller. That's why export is going to be the approach," said managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir.

"As for today, Proton does not enjoy economies of scale," he said, adding that the company was pushing for export to gain lower production cost and better margins.

"We can still work alone and be profitable, but we want to grow big in a much more rapid manner," he told reporters recently at a media test drive of the new Persona.

Asked about his expectation on exports, Syed Zainal said though it is too early to tell, he expects the demand to be good.

"Persona" means "vision of beauty", and the new model is designed to replace the 14-year-old Proton Wira. It is expected to push up Proton's sales, positioning itself in competition with models in the sub-B and B segments category.

"We are confident of selling more than 4,000 units a month as the entire packaging of the car is very attractive," Syed Zainal said.

Also, attractive pricing strategy and right timing could help Proton to meet its targeted monthly sales, he said.

Available in both manual and auto versions, the Persona is considered the most competitively priced 1,600cc car as its indicative price ranges from RM44,999 to RM55,000.

The car is designed to fulfil key criteria like style, safety, spaciousness, practicality, quality, comfort and performance.

It comes in iridescent white, metal gray, tranquillity black, solid white, solid red, light gold and blueberry tea.

Proton's pride and joy, Persona, was unveiled today by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin.

Syed Zainal said the new sedan has already received bookings for 2,000 units and 350 cars will be delivered to customers after the launch.

On Proton's plant in Tanjung Malim, Perak, he said the company has carried out a lot of training, re-educate the staff and review the manufacturing processes and other activities.

"All these have been based on lessons learned from the past and how to improve, and we are happy in terms of optimising our investment," he added.

Asked whether the new Persona will affect Proton Waja's sales, Syed Zainal said the Waja is already seven to eight years old car and due to change.

"It is not something that we going to be concerned about as we are also pushing 5,000 units of the Waja for the Iran market. The production will start October," he said.

-- BERNAMA

OshHisham

August 15th, 2007, 07:11 AM

http://images.paultan.org/images/Proton_New_Sedan/Proton_Persona_17.jpg
http://images.paultan.org/images/Proton_New_Sedan/Proton_Persona_16.jpg
http://images.paultan.org/images/Proton_New_Sedan/Proton_Persona_15.jpg
http://images.paultan.org/images/Proton_New_Sedan/Proton_Persona_13.jpg
http://images.paultan.org/images/Proton_New_Sedan/Proton_Persona_14.jpg
http://images.paultan.org/images/Proton_New_Sedan/Proton_Persona_12.jpg
http://images.paultan.org/images/Proton_New_Sedan/Proton_Persona_11.jpg

cooltemper

August 15th, 2007, 07:15 AM

Nothing change except longer lo.

OshHisham

August 15th, 2007, 07:17 AM

http://images.paultan.org/images/Proton_New_Sedan/Proton_Persona_10.jpg
http://images.paultan.org/images/Proton_New_Sedan/Proton_Persona_8.jpg
http://images.paultan.org/images/Proton_New_Sedan/Proton_Persona_6.jpg
http://images.paultan.org/images/Proton_New_Sedan/Proton_Persona_9.jpg
http://images.paultan.org/images/Proton_New_Sedan/Proton_Persona_7.jpg
http://images.paultan.org/images/Proton_New_Sedan/Proton_Persona_gear_left.jpg
http://images.paultan.org/images/Proton_New_Sedan/Proton_Persona_5.jpg

OshHisham

August 15th, 2007, 07:20 AM

http://images.paultan.org/images/Proton_New_Sedan/Proton_Persona_4.jpg
http://images.paultan.org/images/Proton_New_Sedan/Proton_Persona_3.jpg
http://images.paultan.org/images/Proton_New_Sedan/Proton_Persona_2.jpg
http://images.paultan.org/images/Proton_New_Sedan/Proton_Persona_1.jpg

OshHisham

August 15th, 2007, 07:28 AM

I guess today is the day that most of you have been waiting for – the day that the car that promises to set off a snowball effect of recovery at Proton. First sightings of the new Proton sedan were early this year in April, but we actually got to see 3D renderings of it in March. Little did we know that it was a real car to be put into production.

As most of you have known by now thanks to a tip off by The Edge, the new Proton sedan is called the Proton Persona. The name is not unfamiliar as it has been used before for the UK market Proton Wira. This makes the name somewhat apt, as it is finally the car that will replace the Wira, something the GEN2 did not do when it was introduced a few years ago.

Proton has taken steps to ensure the Proton Persona is what the customer wants, not what the management wants. Many models clinics and surveys have been conducted to ensure market acceptance. After my first impression of the car at the media preview earlier this week, I must say that Proton has done a relatively good job with this car!

Most of you have an idea of what the exterior looks like already. It’s basically a GEN2 with a boot. Other than the tail lamps, the entire car from the B-pillar onwards has been reworked. The new car is 167mm longer than the Proton GEN2, and 12mm longer than the Proton Waja. The boot is a respectable 430 liters in size, which is larger than the Toyota Vios at 400 liters. It also features a lock, something that was missing on the Proton GEN2. A 60:40 split rear bench folds flat in case you need more space.

Rear headroom has been improved by 43mm over the GEN2 thanks to a redesigned roof curve at the rear. It now measures at 980mm, compared to 950mm in the Vios and 970mm in the City! It only loses out to the Myvi which has a pretty tall roof at 995mm.

The interior has been thoroughly reworked and I can tell you this – the interior plastics aren’t the best that I’ve seen but it is better than some C-segment Japanese sedans I’ve driven recently! The dashboard is based on the one from the GEN2 but it has had its quirkiness removed. Normal is the new black, I say. I think the public is fed up of Proton’s previous attempts to be all “sporty minimalist Lotus”.

Other than the twin-pod meter panel (which now features fully black meter faces instead of the black and white one on the GEN2), the GEN2’s interior felt like the Wira replacement it should be. One qualm I have is that the buttons in the center of the dash still feel very cheap, and they do not really have any switched on or switched off feel when you press them.

The door panels have been completely redesigned. The power window switches are now on the armrest which is the preferred location for many. There is some decent cloth trim on the panels – I don’t know about you but I prefer my elbow touching some nice cloth or leather instead of bare plastic. The seats have a new design and now the front seats are more conventionally shaped and feature a headrest.

The little analog clock which no one could read has also been removed, so the dash lines flow a bit better now. But the best part of all would be a glovebox, although it is not a particularly cavernous one. With just a few minor changes, the functionality of the Proton Persona’s GEN2-based interior has improved. I hope this new dash carries on to the new GEN2 facelift as well.

There is central locking and 4 power windows on all of the Proton Persona models from the base line to the high line. You can control the central locking either from a button near the power window button cluster or a button on the dashboard which the passenger can use in case of an emergency. The dash button also doubles up as the alarm deactivation button in case you mistakenly trigger the alarm system. The doors automatically lock themselves once the system detects all doors are closed, the handbrake is released, and the brake pedal is pressed.

Rear legroom was not too bad, a testament to how the increased legroom measurements translate into real life application. That said, once someone tall sits in the driver’s seat, the rear passenger behind him will start to suffer a little, but it is typical of a sedan car in the B-segment size.

Now on to how it drives. Proton allowed members of the media to drive the car around its test track in Shah Alam. At first impression, the Proton Persona feels like it has a more comfort oriented setup unlike the GEN2, and this contributed more to body roll - you cannot have everything of course.

Proton included a 9-point Vehicle Dynamics Chart in the press kit and it showed that the Persona outperforms the GEN2 in terms of Ride Comfort and Roll Control but the GEN2 beats it in terms of lane change stability and cornering stability. The car generally understeers a lot under pressure but most of the time it is recoverable via throttle lift off.

If you want to toss the car around, it can be quite lively but the supplied Silverstone Kruizer 1 tyres are not exactly performance oriented. I would say it’s a case of the Satria Neo 1.3 with Sime tyres all over again – do change them if you want to have some fun with the car and have the budget. But I am sure Proton has reasons for the Silverstone Kruizer 1 choice – they are generally known to be one of the quietest tyres around within their price range and by far the best tyres to come out of the Silverstone labs to date.

I can see what Proton is trying to do with the new Proton Persona sedan. Families want refinement and general quietness in their drive. They don’t want anything trashy or noisy. That explains the choice of tyres. The NVH is also significantly improved over the Satria Neo especially - and better than the GEN2 of course. There is minimal loud and boomy engine noise towards the redline. It sounds rather refined really. The Campro engine had an appealing sound in the manual transmission car. It had a pleasant growl that was not overpowered by vibration or metallic notes, and despite going way over the 6,500rpm redline it felt like it could still go – rev cut off was a little more than 7,000rpm.

We drove two automatic transmission cars, and one of it had a little irritating zingy noise towards the redline, while the other was as aurally smooth as the manual. Upon checking with Proton later, they took note of it and said the noise could be coming from the heat shield – so if you buy this car and get this problem, you can give the service center guys a hint on where to look for the source.

As for the Campro engine, it is pretty much the same as previous units. Still the same 110 (82kW) horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 148Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. There is still a general lethargy with the throttle at low to mid engine speeds, but the engine shines at high revs. This engine still does not have the Bosch Variable Intake Manifold system yet, but the automatic model does have an improved TCU. The improved TCU or Transmission Control Unit seems more intelligent now, making up for the Campro’s unfortunately torque curve shape by having no qualms about downshifting when needed with reduced delay, and the shifts are rather smooth.

There is nothing new about the Campro engine in this car really in terms of performance; it’s just that improved sound dampening have managed to make the car in a whole appear more refined. But there are some design enhancements over the original GEN2 Campro engines that have served to make the engine more reliable.

For one, the oil pan has been redesigned to be more crack-resistant. The
drain plug has been moved to the side, and large ribs have been added on the bottom. The oil pan in general has been moved higher up in the engine bay, but the volume remains the same.

Now on to some specs. The base-line model will have 15 inch steel wheels
and wheel covers with 195/60/R15 tyres, central locking, 4 power windows, alarm with immobilizer, front disc and rear drum brakes, reverse sensors, fixed rear seats, and a normal CD player with 2 speakers.

The medium-line model is further enhanced with alloy sports rims and 195/60/R15 tyres, a driver’s SRS airbag, a foldable split rear seat bench,
steering wheel audio controls, an MP3-capable CD player with 4 speakers, electrically adjustable wing mirrors, and foglamps.

The top of the range high-line model gains additional features over the medium-line model - antilock brakes and electronic brakeforce distribution,
disc brakes on all four wheels, both driver and passenger airbags, and remote trunk opening.

Now for prices:

Proton Persona 1.6AT H-Line Metallic – RM55,800
Proton Persona 1.6AT M-Line Metallic – RM52,800
Proton Persona 1.6MT M-Line Metallic – RM49,800
Proton Persona 1.6AT B-Line Metallic – RM48,449
Proton Persona 1.6AT B-Line Solid – RM47,999
Proton Persona 1.6MT B-Line Metallic – RM45,449
Proton Persona 1.6MT B-Line Solid – RM44,999

All prices are on the road with insurance for Peninsular Malaysia. The prices have changed slightly since the teaser prices were announced last month – the Base-Line models are now slightly cheaper. While it won’t really reflect much in your monthly installment amount, breaching the RM45,000 barrier by RM1 ringgit serves as a psychological encouragement to buy the car.

At first impression, the Proton Persona is a worthy successor to the Proton Wira. It is improved in almost all areas compared to the Wira and even the GEN2. However there were still some build issues here and there, for example some wiring was left exposed, like the lock for the rear boot as well as some wiring in the footwells of the dashboard. But the true test of whether Proton has changed or not will be the test of time, and whether it’s service networks have been improved or not. It will be up to early adopters of this car to tell us of their experiences.

nazrey

August 15th, 2007, 07:50 AM

Proton launches Persona sedan
Wednesday August 15, 2007
TheStar

PETALING JAYA: Proton has launched its long awaited 1.6-litre Persona sedan at prices rivalling those of 1.3-litre cars.

The Persona will replace the Proton Wira - one of Proton’s highest volume sellers since 1993.

Persona prices range from RM44,999, for the Base Line variant with five-speed manual gear box up, to RM55,800, for the High Line version with four-speed automatic transmission.

pedang

August 15th, 2007, 07:53 AM

not bad la :)
nampak ok if compare to the current gen. 2

pedang

August 15th, 2007, 07:57 AM

more in 3d

http://images.paultan.org/uploads/2007/03/proton_gen2_sedan_3.jpg

http://images.paultan.org/uploads/2007/03/proton_gen2_sedan_2.jpg

http://images.paultan.org/uploads/2007/03/proton_gen2_sedan_4.jpg

pedang

August 15th, 2007, 08:04 AM

aiseyman 56k already dapat kereta with ebd,airbag,abs… erm i want to change my car :D

TWK90

August 15th, 2007, 10:14 AM

Looks tempting and i would say this car looks best in 'Blueberry Tea' colour :)

alsen

August 15th, 2007, 10:18 AM

Looks tempting and i would say this car looks best in 'Blueberry Tea' colour :)

setuju. :cheers:

pedang

August 15th, 2007, 10:46 AM

Proton to export new Persona

August 14 2007

PROTON Holdings Bhd, which launched its latest Proton Persona sedan today, plans to export the 1,600cc car to Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, the UK and Australia to reap economies of scale as the domestic market is limited.

“You cannot concentrate on the domestic market alone as it is getting smaller and smaller. That’s why export is going to be the approach,” said managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir.

“As for today, Proton does not enjoy economies of scale,” he said, adding that the company is pushing for export to gain lower production cost and better margins.

“We can still work alone and be profitable, but we want to grow big in a much more rapid manner,” he told reporters recently at a media test drive of the new Persona.

Asked about his expectation on exports, Syed Zainal said though it is too early to tell, he expects the demand to be good.

“Persona” means “vision of beauty”, and the new model is designed to replace the 14-year-old Proton Wira. It is expected to push up Proton’s sales, positioning itself in competition with models in the sub-B and B segments category.

“We are confident of selling more than 4,000 units a month as the entire packaging of the car is very attractive,” Syed Zainal said.

Also, attractive pricing strategy and right timing could help Proton to meet its targeted monthly sales, he said.

Available in both manual and auto versions, the Persona is considered the most competitively priced 1,600cc car as its indicative price ranges from RM44,999 to RM55,000.

The car is designed to fulfill key criteria like style, safety, spaciousness, practicality, quality, comfort and performance.

It comes in iridescent white, metal gray, tranquility black, solid white, solid red, light gold and blueberry tea.

Proton’s pride and joy, Persona, was unveiled today by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin.

Syed Zainal said the new sedan has already received bookings for 2,000 units and 350 cars will be delivered to customers after the launch.

On Proton’s plant in Tanjung Malim, Perak, he said the company has carried out a lot of training, reeducate the staff and review the manufacturing processes and other activities.

“All these have been based on lessons learned from the past and how to improve, and we are happy in terms of optimising our investment,” he added.

On whether the new Persona will affect Proton Waja’s sales, Syed Zainal said the Waja is already seven to eight years old car and due to change.

“It is not something that we going to be concerned about as we are also pushing 5,000 units of the Waja for the Iran market. The production will start October,” he said. — Bernama

OshHisham

August 15th, 2007, 11:01 AM

^^hey...i dah post awal2 lagi dah news ni...! tgk balik...

forrestcat

August 15th, 2007, 11:42 AM

Well done.Proton have improved the interiors too :) .

triple-j

August 15th, 2007, 11:47 AM

they certainly put up more effort to improve and refine the car. I've read the Paul Tan's review and all the forumers' comments over there.

They did more than just give it an ass. Not a perfect car but I could see some commitment from the management in listening to the customers. Not everyone will like it. Proton bashers will be continue bashing with or without fact but in the end, we'll see the results in terms of sales and maybe at least some positive reviews and feedbacks.

Anyone have tried to test drive it? Hmm I certainly want to give it a go. Maybe I could sell my bujang car, Myvi if the Proton Persona impresses me. Not gonna be bujang for a long time, this should be nice for a family..he he :)

fairul

August 15th, 2007, 03:43 PM

looks nice from side view..but back and front view still look GEN2 to me...hhm..wont trade my Rafa for this...

forrestcat

August 15th, 2007, 03:53 PM

After this, Proton will have Campro CPS in Waja, which makes the Waja at least distinct to the Persona.

I hope newer batch Gen2 hatchback will have the interiors as the Persona :) .

After this, Proton BLM and MPV by 2009:banana: .

patchay

August 16th, 2007, 12:09 AM

http://star-motoring.com/archives/2007/8/15/motornews/Proton%20Persona%201.jpg

http://star-motoring.com/archives/2007/8/15/motornews/Proton%20Persona%20rear%20up.jpg

http://star-motoring.com/archives/2007/8/15/motornews/Proton%20Persona%20tail.jpg

http://star-motoring.com/archives/2007/8/15/motornews/Proton%20Persona%20front%203a.jpg

http://star-motoring.com/archives/2007/8/15/motornews/Proton%20Persona%20cabin.jpg

http://star-motoring.com/archives/2007/8/15/motornews/Proton%20Persona%20engine.jpg

http://star-motoring.com/archives/2007/8/15/motornews/Proton%20Persona%20badge.jpg

YeahWho

August 16th, 2007, 04:26 AM

Why don't they still name it Wira? To me, it is damn stupid to keep replacing the name for every new design. Nobody outside M'sia will ever recognize you if you keep using a different name every few years. Have Toyota or Honda or even Hyundai ever named their Corolla/Camry, Civic/Accord, and Elantra/Sonata differently every time they redesign them? Proton should call their compact, mid-size and full size sedan differently and stick to whatever name they chose for every replacement model after that. Only then they can probably gain recognision world-wide, but offcourse with good design.

forrestcat

August 16th, 2007, 05:55 AM

^^ Persona is name of Wira in UK what.I think they may have had a hard choice whether to use Wira or Persona, perhaps they use Persona since they expect to export more of this car overseas, where people know the Wira as Persona.

nazrey

August 16th, 2007, 06:40 AM

Malaysian PM confident of Proton-VW deal
Updated : 16-08-2007
Media : AFP

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) - German auto firm Volkswagen is studying Malaysia's car maker Proton for a possible strategic alliance, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi confirmed for the first time.

He told AFP late Wednesday it was important for Proton to be "comfortable" with its potential partner.

"And as soon as that is confirmed, then I believe we must tie up the deal as quickly as possible," he added, in the first official confirmation that talks between the Asian and European car makers were going on.

He gave no other details of the possible tie-up.

If the alliance is pushed through, it is expected to give Proton a boost in efforts to reclaim its top spot in the local car market as well as help it get a foothold in the lucrative European market.

Abdullah said Proton's launch Wednesday of its flagship sedan, the Persona, had "nothing to do" with the timing of Volkswagen's "due diligence" study.

"But it does prove to everyone in the world that Proton is still capable of coming with an excellent and superb product," he said on the sidelines of an awards ceremony.

"We are confident that Persona is the product that will put Proton back in the map and as the leader in the Malaysian market."

"In that sense, if the launching of Persona can help Proton's cause in the due diligence study, then so be it and we will see what transpires from it," Abdullah added.

Persona replaced the 14-year-old Wira model, whose sales have fallen. The sleek 1,600 cc Persona sedan is aimed at helping Proton recover its formerly dominant position in the local car market, now held by rival Perodua.

Proton recently reported bigger-than-expected net losses of 591.36 million ringgit (172.4 million dollars) for the year to March 2007.

State investment arm Khazanah Nasional, which owns 42.74 percent of Proton, is the controlling shareholder, while the State pension fund EPF and national oil firm Petronas own 12.07 percent and 8.84 percent respectively.

Trade Minister Rafidah Aziz said the government would ensure Persona was marketed well in the region and Europe.

"We are very happy with the blueprint programme on Persona and we are confident this car can make it in the international market.

"In fact, the government has already set aside 50 million ringgit in order to help Proton in implementing their marketing programme in the region and also Europe," she said.

Proton expects Persona sales to reach from 30,000 to 40,000 units in the next 12 months.

"Already 2,200 bookings have been made so far, and these bookings have been made by customers who have not even seen the actual car," chairman Mohammed Azlan Hashim said, adding that new models were on the drawing board.

Proton also plans to export the model to Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia and Britain.

It recently won a contract from China's Youngman Automobile Group to export 30,000 fully-assembled cars to Youngman over the next 20 months, and 150,000 kit units over the next six years.

The cars will be sold in China under the Europestar brand with a price range of between 125,000 and 130,000 yuan.

Earlier this month, Proton said it was also exploring the possibility of setting up a plant in Egypt next year in a bid to enter the African and West Asian market.

cooltemper

August 16th, 2007, 07:37 AM

I go to the Proton show room just.
I must admit that with that kind of price, it is OK.

Hope Proton will gain back people confident.

5304 PROTON 5.100 5.050 4.800 4.960 -0.140 1847 Closing at RM4.96 16-8-2007 12:30pm.

cooltemper

August 16th, 2007, 07:39 AM

But i saw the Waja Campro Hi-Line with all leather seats, manual is only
RM56K, this one more impressed.

XNeo

August 16th, 2007, 08:28 AM

tak terpesona pun..front lamp boring..

front side look smaller with that kinda lamp design.

waiting for totally new design model.

anyway good luck to proton...

:sleepy:

pedang

August 16th, 2007, 10:12 AM

Proton perkenal lebih banyak model baru

Oleh AINUL ASNIERA AHSAN

Mohammed Azlan Hashim.

KUALA LUMPUR 15 Ogos – Proton Holdings Bhd. (Proton) dijangka melancarkan lebih banyak model terbaru, selepas Persona dalam tempoh 12 bulan ini.

Pengerusinya, Datuk Mohammed Azlan Hashim berkata, pelancaran model-model baru Proton itu bakal mempercepatkan pemulihan jenama tersebut dan keupayaannya untuk bersaing dalam industri automotif tempatan dan antarabangsa.

‘‘Langkah ini adalah pendekatan pengurusan baru Proton dalam membangunkan Proton dengan model-model baru,’’ katanya ketika berucap pada pelancaran model sedan terbaru Proton, Persona, di sini hari ini.

Model baru itu, dilancarkan oleh Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin.

Sebelum ini, Proton dilaporkan bakal melancarkan satu lagi model baru yang diberi nama kod ‘BLM’ pada Januari tahun depan dan kenderaan pelbagai guna (MPV) pada 2009.

Persona yang dilancarkan pada hari ini akan dijadikan titik kelahiran semula pembuat kereta nasional itu bagi meletakkannya kembali di hati rakyat Malaysia.

Model BLM itu disasarkan untuk dijual pada harga yang sangat kompetitif, yang bakal membuktikan kesungguhan Proton berpegang kepada matlamat asal penubuhannya iaitu menyediakan kereta yang mampu dimiliki oleh semua orang.

Sementara itu, Pengarah Urusan Proton, Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir dalam kenyataannya di sini hari ini berkata, Proton sedang meninjau peluang untuk mengeksport kereta jenama itu di Singapura, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia dan Britain.

‘‘Kita tidak boleh bergantung kepada pasaran domestik semata-mata kerana ia semakin kecil dan Proton tidak lagi menikmati skala ekonomi. Oleh sebab, kami pula melihat pendekatan eksport,’’ katanya.

Mohammed Azlan berkata, Proton telah memberi tumpuan dalam aspek kritikal termasuk kakitangan, jentera dan pengurusan serta dalam pakatan perniagaan untuk memastikan model-model terbaru Proton menepati jangkaan pembeli.

Beliau juga melahirkan harapan pelancaran Persona bakal dijadikan penanda aras dalam pengeluaran model-model baru Proton pada masa depan.

‘‘Proton bukan setakat membuat dan penjual kereta sebaliknya ia adalah tanggungjawab kepada agenda nasional,’’ katanya.

OshHisham

August 16th, 2007, 10:36 AM

tak terpesona pun..front lamp boring..

front side look smaller with that kinda lamp design.

waiting for totally new design model.

anyway good luck to proton...

:sleepy:

typical kampung mind...
if any proton product came out...their comments are like....:lampu tak cantik, warna tak menarik, tepi tak lawa, bontot kereta conget, kusyen tak empuk, button dashboard tak nampak moden....:ohno:

alsen

August 16th, 2007, 10:39 AM

http://star-motoring.com/archives/2007/8/15/motornews/Proton%20Persona%20tail.jpg

http://star-motoring.com/archives/2007/8/15/motornews/Proton%20Persona%20front%203a.jpg

http://star-motoring.com/archives/2007/8/15/motornews/Proton%20Persona%20cabin.jpg

thanks patchay. i personally like this colour and nice name too. :okay:

TWK90

August 16th, 2007, 11:24 AM

Saw this car yesterday displayed in the entrance of Cineleisure, first impression for me is that, the build quality has taken a leap forward compared to the past Protons...compared to the Gen2, interior quality is a step up and rear headroom is roomier...the door shut sound has a nice "thud" sound too....

Good luck for them on this model :okay:

White_soX

August 16th, 2007, 02:17 PM

the wing at the back look like chrysler and nth much new from Gen2, poor that they gamble this product out there.

hetfield85

August 16th, 2007, 02:29 PM

nothing more than longer version of Gen2

pedang

August 17th, 2007, 05:05 AM

August 16, 2007 23:28 PM

Proton-VW Talks Show Positive Signs - PM

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 16 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the talks on a strategic partnership between Proton Holdings Bhd and Germany's Volkswagen AG have shown positive signs.

"The talks are ongoing but both parties need to have further negotiations," he told reporters after attending a briefing here by Pemudah, the special task force to advise on how the government can further facilitate business activities.

Yesterday, Abdullah was reported to have said that Volkswagen is conducting due diligence on Proton as part of the negotiations.

He had said that it is important for Proton to be "comfortable" with its potential partner.

"And as soon as that (due diligence) is confirmed, then I believe we must tie up the deal as quickly as possible," he was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, the prime minister today denied a report that the launch of Proton's newest model, Persona, yesterday will influence the Proton-VW talks.

He stressed that the discussions between the two carmakers have nothing to do with the Persona launch - "Whether it's the Persona or any other car, we are talking only about cooperation between the two parties."

-- BERNAMA

XNeo

August 17th, 2007, 06:27 AM

typical kampung mind...
if any proton product came out...their comments are like....:lampu tak cantik, warna tak menarik, tepi tak lawa, bontot kereta conget, kusyen tak empuk, button dashboard tak nampak moden....:ohno:

maybe i'm typical kampung mind...i admit i org kg.tapi i org kg yg ada citarasa...ada taste kerana
'org kg' mcm i la yg banyak beli kete proton yg murah ni.

kete dulu2 tak pentingkan design or stlye sebab tak ramai yg mampu pakai..tapi sekarang ramai org mampu beli dan BYK PILIHAN. Mereka nak kete yg nice design, ada style..

this 'Gen2 sedan' sepatutnya launch 6 month after Gen2 hatchback.
I tak rasa excited..tak terasa teruja dgn Persona ni koz belakang je pjg sket...yg lain2 tu - tai jor loo (sudah tengukkk).

Cuba lihat Proton Lotus APX ni, compare la dgn gen2 n waja.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/fdzy/apx.jpg

Kalau kete mcm ni yg Proton launch sempena merdeka ke-50...its a good start for Proton.

finally,

kenapa proton tukar belakang savvy yg ini :

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/fdzy/thumb-a1savvy_5.jpg

kepada yg ini ?

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/fdzy/new_back.jpg

mungkin 'typical kampung mind' yg komen?...dari ada kepada takde..design failure? :nuts:

OshHisham

August 17th, 2007, 06:44 AM

...the door shut sound has a nice "thud" sound too....

yup... i love that 'thud' sound...it has 'Camry' aura on it...:lol

OshHisham

August 17th, 2007, 07:06 AM

this 'Gen2 sedan' sepatutnya launch 6 month after Gen2 hatchback.
I tak rasa excited..tak terasa teruja dgn Persona ni koz belakang je pjg sket...yg lain2 tu - tai jor loo (sudah tengukkk).

don't you aware about quality issues during Tg Mahaleel time? and don't you know there's a lot of quality issues on Gen 2?yes, it should be launched lo0o0ng ago, if proton's management wants. but since the management was fully shifted, the current one wants to tackle all those build, components, materials quality issues once and for all. that's why they come out with this Persona and say...'our new pride and joy'. so, this is a proton that people's want...not management's want

finally,

kenapa proton tukar belakang savvy yg ini :

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/fdzy/thumb-a1savvy_5.jpg

kepada yg ini ?

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/fdzy/new_back.jpg

mungkin 'typical kampung mind' yg komen?...dari ada kepada takde..design failure? :nuts:

yg ni pun nak tanya kenapa..?i guess you have no ideas on marketing lah. any 'facelift' by any manufactures(honda/toyota/bmw) are not because of failure design lah! siapa yg kasik tau you ni? it is to boost the model's market lah..!!

cooltemper

August 17th, 2007, 07:32 AM

maybe i'm typical kampung mind...i admit i org kg.tapi i org kg yg ada citarasa...ada taste kerana
'org kg' mcm i la yg banyak beli kete proton yg murah ni.

kete dulu2 tak pentingkan design or stlye sebab tak ramai yg mampu pakai..tapi sekarang ramai org mampu beli dan BYK PILIHAN. Mereka nak kete yg nice design, ada style..

this 'Gen2 sedan' sepatutnya launch 6 month after Gen2 hatchback.
I tak rasa excited..tak terasa teruja dgn Persona ni koz belakang je pjg sket...yg lain2 tu - tai jor loo (sudah tengukkk).

Cuba lihat Proton Lotus APX ni, compare la dgn gen2 n waja.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/fdzy/apx.jpg

Kalau kete mcm ni yg Proton launch sempena merdeka ke-50...its a good start for Proton.

finally,

kenapa proton tukar belakang savvy yg ini :

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/fdzy/thumb-a1savvy_5.jpg

kepada yg ini ?

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/fdzy/new_back.jpg

mungkin 'typical kampung mind' yg komen?...dari ada kepada takde..design failure? :nuts:

:applause:

cooltemper

August 17th, 2007, 07:37 AM

After go back and think for one night, I still feel that the full spec of Proton Persona should sell at only RM45K instead of RM54K.

I think since Mr Ox always said that Proton has changed management....i think the "new" management (i hope is really new management, not just remove the stupid chief only) should realise what have they did previously to SUCK the blood from Rakyat Malaysia for so many years. And now since we are celebrating 50th Merdeka, they should reward us back by provide a cheap and good quality car.

But in actual fact if the Persona full spec selling for RM45K, i don't mind the problem like handle broken, power window failure, the 'thud" sound gone missing after just one month, etc... :lol:

cooltemper

August 17th, 2007, 07:40 AM

nothing more than longer version of Gen2

Ya lar, actually you are right, even the interior features also about the same.
quite dissapointed to know the the R&D inside the Proton need one and half year just to lengthen the back of GEN2.

cooltemper

August 17th, 2007, 07:41 AM

the wing at the back look like chrysler and nth much new from Gen2, poor that they gamble this product out there.

Plotong said that they bag on this model to bring them into profit for the next quarter.

cooltemper

August 17th, 2007, 07:43 AM

cooltemper

August 17th, 2007, 07:46 AM

patchay

August 17th, 2007, 07:58 AM

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/fdzy/apx.jpg

Guys imagine this is Proton's latest mini car, instead of that cheap looking Savvy.

When they can ...DARE to make COOL cars... then they will be SUCCESSFUL.

For now, let us wait till some kind hearted International Abang Besar teach them how to do more Latihan. lol

OshHisham

August 17th, 2007, 08:21 AM

OshHisham

August 17th, 2007, 08:36 AM

the wing at the back look like chrysler and nth much new from Gen2, poor that they gamble this product out there.

Holden Commodore also 99% same like Holden Calais what...? hey, go and comment your 'national' car first lah....

just wanna add....Volvo S40, S60, S80....can you tell me the differences on their design..?

XNeo

August 17th, 2007, 09:06 AM

^^the above car is VW's Golf-class segment lah....how come you say it is savvy-class car? you think honda jazz is really really really really really good ah? and you want that concept car to rival small car segment..?

apa salahnya proton buat design mcm tu utk segmen kete savvy atau wira or waja.design sekarang ni pun salesnya tak booming mcm myvi tue.

ini lah baru 'our new pride and joy' :banana: .

XNeo

August 17th, 2007, 09:10 AM

Guys imagine this is Proton's latest mini car, instead of that cheap looking Savvy.

When they can ...DARE to make COOL cars... then they will be SUCCESSFUL.

For now, let us wait till some kind hearted International Abang Besar teach them how to do more Latihan. lol

u r right.

i blum mampu beli honda jazz..or suzuki swift..but i definitly buy this model
kalau proton jual below 60k.

berangan je la. :)

OshHisham

August 17th, 2007, 09:35 AM

some forumers knows nothing about car...but still want to talk...shameful :ohno:

triple-j

August 17th, 2007, 09:54 AM

you are really good in killing off happy non-threatening conversation.....

cooltemper

August 17th, 2007, 10:37 AM

If can, Mr Ox will killed all of us and continue to protect the Pride of himself.

I start to suspect he must be buy a lots of share in Proton.
Talk about share... this is the market value of Proton now.
PROTON 4.900 5.100 4.580 4.760 -0.140 4693

close at RM4.76

cooltemper

August 17th, 2007, 10:38 AM

some forumers knows nothing about car...but still want to talk...shameful :ohno:

You thought you know everything ah,
You also only talk cock lar.

Know some automobile technical words, then pretend like work in R&D already.
You thought you graduated from MIT ah.

White_soX

August 17th, 2007, 11:28 AM

why he attacks me while im just saying what I saw and what I think...........what kind of brain he has?

OshHisham

August 17th, 2007, 11:39 AM

i did not 'attack' you...i just want to 'counter-ask' you..that's it. you still didn't reply me about HOLDEN

XNeo

August 17th, 2007, 11:43 AM

some forumers knows nothing about car...but still want to talk...shameful :ohno:

actually it is more shameful to see many proton cars unsold dear.:)

OshHisham

August 17th, 2007, 11:49 AM

ok, i know about your concern..i feel the same too about 'lambakan' proton macam yg dalam Butetin Utama tu...tp mesti ada some reason behind that which we don't know..

OshHisham

August 17th, 2007, 11:50 AM

why he attacks me while im just saying what I saw and what I think...........what kind of brain he has?

much worse for those who love judging base on nothing....

White_soX

August 17th, 2007, 02:05 PM

first of all, why reply one messag twice??? What about Holden? Love judging base from nth? what are you blind that Persona is not stretch of Gen 2?

BTW, why a stupid idiot wanna know about Holden from me? It's Australian car, what do I have anything to do with them? UNless if you ask about Lamboghoni or Ferarri..........

forrestcat

August 17th, 2007, 02:47 PM

August 17, 2007 19:29 PM

Bookings For Proton Persona Continue To Go Up

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- National carmaker Proton Holdings Bhd (Proton) received over 500 bookings for its latest model, Persona, yesterday, the first day after its official launch.

The bookings have increased to 2,700 units from the pre-launch number of 2,200 units, said its managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamad Tahir.

He said the Persona is attracting a good cross section of customers, reflecting a return of customer confidence in the national car.

"We are very encouraged by the response to this fifth model that is fully built by Proton after the Waja in 2000, the Gen.2 in 2004, the Savvy in 2005 and the Satria Neo in 2006," he said in a statement.

The competitively-priced Persona ranges from RM44,999 to about RM55,800 in price.

It is available in five variants - the 1.6 base line automatic and manual; 1.6 medium line, automatic and manual; and 1.6 high line, automatic only.

The model currently comes in six colours namely iridescent white, metal gray, tranquility black, solid red, light gold and blueberry tea. A seventh colour for the model, solid white, is expected to come out in September.

A nationwide marketing of the car is expected to take off with the cars paraded at dealers' showrooms in the northern, southern and east coast region.

Powered by the improved 1.6 Campro engine, the Persona promises a smooth and comfortable drive, Proton said in the statement.

It also boasts of fuel economy that is very competitive in the 1600 cc segment.

-- BERNAMA

haze

August 17th, 2007, 03:23 PM

udah la oi.. mcm budak2 aje.

patchay

August 17th, 2007, 03:58 PM

^^the above car is VW's Golf-class segment lah....how come you say it is savvy-class car? you think honda jazz is really really really really really good ah? and you want that concept car to rival small car segment..?

I'm talking about the design thigy lah... why not use that kinda COOL design for Savvy segment of Cars...

I'm not comparing Savvy specs versus Golf specs or Savvy price versus Golf price.

Also, in Aussie... the Savvy segment of cars will never survive at all... very minimum for compact car need to have a physical size, physical dimension something like maybe Honda Jazz or in fact VW Golf segment or higher.

Also quite memalukan if an Aussie buy Savvy then realise it is using some outdated Renault engine.

Remember Brisbane here is a very good testing ground for Proton if they want to market their car overseas. It has the biggest Proton market in Australia.

Another thing...why Proton is soo happy of getting a sales into China??? Most international car companies already got good presence there lah.

Then again, Proton think they can do well in China because of lower prices compare to others?? Wait till you have to compete with China branded cars, they can just kick your ass out of their country haha. China market is very different, one thing I won't elaborate here. A good example to illustrate this is the potential of local Chinese hand phone brands versus foreign brands, exception if you're such a BIG company that can Advertise, in an Asian context, like nobody's business such as Samsung.

Maybe Proton should concentrate more on Indonesia, maybe even Philippines or India. Maybe try helping modernize some small Indian car companies.

Proton definitely need to get a partner before end of 2007. That is what most Malaysians want to hear from them after such a long delay. After 2007, when Korean, Jap, etc watever car makers gonna introduce whole set of technology, new trade policies in many neighbouring countries watever, then it's gonna be very DIFFICULT for Proton.

hypermount

August 19th, 2007, 09:36 PM

I'm talking about the design thigy lah... why not use that kinda COOL design for Savvy segment of Cars...

I'm not comparing Savvy specs versus Golf specs or Savvy price versus Golf price.

Also, in Aussie... the Savvy segment of cars will never survive at all... very minimum for compact car need to have a physical size, physical dimension something like maybe Honda Jazz or in fact VW Golf segment or higher.

Also quite memalukan if an Aussie buy Savvy then realise it is using some outdated Renault engine.

Remember Brisbane here is a very good testing ground for Proton if they want to market their car overseas. It has the biggest Proton market in Australia.

Another thing...why Proton is soo happy of getting a sales into China??? Most international car companies already got good presence there lah.

Then again, Proton think they can do well in China because of lower prices compare to others?? Wait till you have to compete with China branded cars, they can just kick your ass out of their country haha. China market is very different, one thing I won't elaborate here. A good example to illustrate this is the potential of local Chinese hand phone brands versus foreign brands, exception if you're such a BIG company that can Advertise, in an Asian context, like nobody's business such as Samsung.

Maybe Proton should concentrate more on Indonesia, maybe even Philippines or India. Maybe try helping modernize some small Indian car companies.

Proton definitely need to get a partner before end of 2007. That is what most Malaysians want to hear from them after such a long delay. After 2007, when Korean, Jap, etc watever car makers gonna introduce whole set of technology, new trade policies in many neighbouring countries watever, then it's gonna be very DIFFICULT for Proton.

Latest Renault's savvy class engine used in the latest Twingo, TCE100 turbocharged engine is still based on Savvy's D4F. The D4F was first introduced in 2002 and you call that engine is outdated?

Don't be like that asshole clerk who only gets like RM800 per month, fucking loser with a loud mouth who complain a lot.

Get you facts right before comment..City is based on extended Jazz. Vios on yaris, jetta on golf..why don't you fuck complain before. It's not just mere cut and paste, much time and effort had been spent to calculate the chassis torsional rigidity, points of impacts etc. Fucking hypocrites. Better feel my wrath assholes.

hypermount

August 19th, 2007, 09:51 PM

Fuck losers sure don't know how to appreciate or know what is a good design.

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/post.php?sid=910
Badge snobbery at its worst

Snarled up in traffic trying to get into Chichester last Saturday morning, I spotted the rear of a snappy-looking supermini in the queue ahead that, for a few seconds, I couldn't put a name to. I’d seen a press release about it, but just couldn’t place it.

I liked what I saw, though. Flared arches, clamshell bonnet, tidy lights, stepped glasshouse, central exhaust pipe. All very distinctive. But then I glimpsed the badge. It was a Proton Savvy. Almost immediately I caught myself thinking, 'Oh God, it's a Proton. It’ll be a right spudder'. Like a first-class badge snob, I’d junked my positive first opinion the moment I saw the car’s badge. So much for an impartial, experienced and unbiased journalist.

Unfortunately, the Savvy conforms to the norm and is decidedly average to drive. It will remain a small seller and deservedly so. But I walked right into its visual snare. It's easily done though, isn't it? It's simple to write off a car because its badge isn't up to scratch, no matter how good it looks. And for a long time now - too long, perhaps - the good old badge-ometer was a pretty accurate measure of a car's worth. Premium car makers made good-looking cars and, by and large, the mainstream manufacturers produced dross.

Now we have a market turned on its head by cool-looking Kia Cee'ds, funky Skoda Roomsters, slick Ford Mondeos and edgy Vauxhall Astras taking on drab-looking BMW 325is, stomach-churningly ugly Porsche Cayennes, breeze-block Audi Q7s and Ferraris 612s best viewed in dark metallics at night. So the question is this: on a pure design level, would you rather drive a sharp-suited model with a common-as-muck badge, or a visual dullard with a pay-through-your-nose logo?

Yes, of course, style and design are hugely personal choices, and plenty of you reading this will disagree with my shortlist of uglies and beauties. But am I wrong to think that exclusive and expensive no longer have the monopoly on motorway eye candy? The next time you’re drawn in by a car’s looks – for the right or wrong reasons – look first, decide second and then badge spot last. Don't repeat my schoolboy error.