Proton, a Malaysian car manufacturer is currently finalising talks with Hindustan Motors for a contract manufacturing agreement to assemble their cars for the Indian market.

Both companies will announce the final decision by the end of February. Proton is in talk for using HM’s Chennai plant to assemble its MPV Exora where it is building Mitsubishi Lancer. If all works well, the company might extend its arrangement to other plants belonging to HM including the long-ailing ones in Uttapara and Indore.

Proton’s top executives have been visiting Chennai plant several times in the last three months. The current discussions between the two companies have focused to Exora to begin with but Proton is even more interested at a bigger level.

Hyundai president BVR Subbu, currently a director on the Proton board, said: “its true Proton has been speaking to some Indian manufacturers but I would not like to comment on the matter.” Hindustan Motors’ MD Manoj Jha, however, denied the talks with Proton, saying: “In the automobile business, there are all kinds of discussions with all sorts of companies at all points of time but the discussions with Proton that you are talking about is not taking place.”

Proton’s group MD Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir saying that his company will launch the Saga, Persona, Exora and Emas Hybrid models in India. He also said that “Proton would tap the experience of a local Indian company that already had its own plant for assembling vehicles and that the final announcement would be made this quarter.”

Proton’s global MD has also disclosed plans of tying up with a European car maker for diesel engines. Malaysian reports have speculated that talks could be on with Renault. Diesel vehicles are in big demand in the Indian market as well.

Source: ET

Hero Group And Proton Are In Talks For Small Car In India2011: Proton India Debut with Savvy, Saga, and ExoraWill Proton Enter Indian Market?Renault Sandero Will Be In India Soon & Proton Might Bring Small Car In IndiaNissan To Launch Cars From Chennai PlantTags: proton, proton emas, Proton Exora India, proton hindustan motors, proton india, Proton Saga India

View the original article here

After what looks like some serious consideration Malaysian auto major, Proton has finally decided to dive into Indian waters, or should we say drive onto Indian soil. The company will foray into the country as a standalone subsidiary of Proton Holdings, rather than partnering with an Indian manufacturer. Initial assembly of its cars will take place under contract with Argentum Motors,  Surajpur Plant. The company also plans to source a diesel engine for its Indian products. Proton has zeroed in on three offerings for India.

Hatchback- Proton Savvy:  The 1.2 liter petrol unit pumps 74 BHP, comes embodied in 3710 mm of length. The car is fuel efficient and makes for a good manual and automatic drive. Its a good thing it will be available in both, at least in certain markets. However, even better news is the excise duty cut, which means pricing won’t be as expected from a foreign car.

Sedan- Proton Saga: The Saga Sedan is based on the bodywork of  Proton Savvy. Powered by a 1.3 liter petrol engine, the car produces 95 BHP and 120 NM of torque. The car is available in Malaysia & Singapore. Also available is a 114 BHP 1.6 liter petrol engine. The car is 4,257 mm long with a wheelbase of 2465 mm and boot space of 400 + liters. Priced right, the car could be up against the likes of  Manza, Dzire & Etios. Notice the rear three-quarter angle – it’s close to the Ford Fiesta.

MUV- Proton Exora: This newbie is powered by a 1.6 liter 125 BHP petrol unit and comes equipped with three rows of seating and wheelbase of 2730 mm. A diesel MUV is a must for the Indian markets, and Proton is working on that front as we speak.

Proton is currently in the process of re-engineering all three offerings cars to suite Indian tastes.

Expect BYF to shadow  all ‘Proton-ic’ activities!

Proton EMAS For India?Hero Group And Proton Are In Talks For Small Car In IndiaWill Proton Enter Indian Market?Renault Sandero Will Be In India Soon & Proton Might Bring Small Car In IndiaHonda Brio’s India Debut in 2011Tags: Proton Exora India, proton india, Proton Saga India, Proton Savvy India

View the original article here

Proton, Malaysia’s car manufacturer is very keen to enter the Indian shores as it sees India is huge and competitive auto market, and is scouting for a partner.

“The Indian market is huge but very competitive as there are many cheap home-grown brands produced in the country. If Proton can penetrate India, then it will be able to succeed anywhere,” Malaysia’s International Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Mukhriz Dr Mahathir was quoted as saying by Bernama.

Proton can attempt to enter India initially with small numberof cars. “”This is a challenge for Proton and we hope it can partner a company which is willing to invest and provide maintenance services.

“This is an important factor as it will have a significant impact in the Indian market,” the minister said.

Proton’s new venture in India could be facilitated with the signing of the free trade agreement by both countries next year.

Proton already exporting cars to UK, South Africa and Australia, It is also aggressively marketing its cars in several other countries including the West Asia.

View the Original article