Proton Cars on Indian Roads

[jj1308]

Proton announced its plans to enter the Indian market. Proton is planning to market three models in India: the Savvy, the Saga and the Persona. The three Proton models are currently undergoing testing to see how they cope with Indian traffic conditions.

Proton is hoping to start selling cars in India as early as 2009 and announced that it has started negotiations with a Hero Group for manufacturing and marketing purposes.

 

[Crazy cat]

What is the source of this news? The pictures of cars you've mentioned are attached. Only Persona looks good, should compete Manza and Dzire.

 

[jj1308]

What is the source of this news?

I found it n a local news paper.

 

[whackedonce]

Proton is always famous for producing very cheap cars (add to it cheap build quality and cheap looks as well.. except for the Gen2).

They are a huge hit in Malaysia because

1. Its a local company.. the patriotic stuff comes in
2. Lot of service centers, mechanics and easily available spares.
3. They cost less, actually very less compared to other manufacturers (except Perodua.. Long time back i saw an article in a magazine that Perodua Kelisa would be launced in India, but no news after that.Good that it didnt ).

Points 2 and 3 are very important if they want to sell decent numbers in India

I wish they bring in the Gen2.

Gen2 pics

P.S. look at the cars in background! All Protons!

 

[Zinam]

Yes. I saw few spy shots in many magazines last year!

So this is a confirmed news & we will get another competetitor for Maruti soon :)

 

[whackedonce]

So we can call it Maruti of Malasiya

exactly!

So this is a confirmed news & we will get another competetitor for Maruti soon :)

It all depends on their local partner. Can Hero group pull off a Maruthi?

 

[350Z]

Hero In Talks With Proton To Produce Small Car

Hero Group is in talks with Malaysia’s national carmaker Proton to make passenger cars in India, currently the fastest-growing market in the world. The discussions have been going on for the past few months and could lead to a joint venture by the end of the year. While the terms of the proposed partnership are yet to be disclosed, Proton could seek an arrangement similar to the one it has in China.
Proton has already tested their cars on Indian roads last year. They have gone through all these stages, and now, they are entering into final stages before getting into any agreement. Proton has been trying to enter the Indian market for nearly a decade and is likely to introduce its flagship 1.3-litre Saga sedan here. The company has also selected the 1.2-litre 5-door Savvy and the 1.6-litre Persona for the Indian market.

Source: Motorbeam

Drive Safe!
350Z

 

[RSM]

Thats good. All 2 wheeler, first Bajaj now Hero, knows that India will be the biggest market for small car.

 

[Zinam]

Hmm.. Lot of ULC in coming in next few years.

For sure the prices of small car is going to come down!

 

[350Z]

Protons are no way going to be ULC - Ultra Low Cost Car.

Drive Safe!
350Z

 

[Crazy cat]

They may be competing with the likes of Tata, but i too don't expect them to be ultra low cost.

 

[RSM]

Ex-Hyundai boss BVR Subbu moves to Proton.

carwale

A little known company here-Proton has finalized plans to launch two of its cars in Indian in the burgeoning B segment and entry level C segment.

The cars under consideration are:

The Proton Savvy:

Specs:

Engine:1.2L petrol
Gearbox: 5 speed.
No diesel options available.










Proton Saga

Specs:

Engine : 1.3-litre 16V Campro petrol
Power : 70kW @ 6000rpm
Torque : 120Nm @ 4000rpm
0-100 km/h : 13 seconds
Top speed : 160 km/h

 

[cooldhaya]

The Sedan looks better than the Hatch and the rear looks very much similar to the Fiesta but the lack of a diesel engine is bad and the specs are also not very interesting for a performance enthusiast!!

 

[350Z]

Protons Coming To India?

Yet Again, The New about Proton's Entry in India has jumped in but most interesting is that their car will be based on EMAS concept which is designed by Italdesign Giugiario of Italy. Just read it on for more:

_________________
The car maker from Malaysia, Proton, is hitting the Indian roads with its car based on EMAS concept. The car meant for India will be designed by Italdesign Giugiario of Italy and would have 4 seats, five door to be a hatchback in a 3550mm length. The EMAS concept car from Proton was displayed at the Geneva Motor show , and that was a hybrid but the Indian product will be on that platform, meant for India and China, ASEAN and Middle East regions, said the company’s group director. The choice of these markets is for their sizeable automobile industry and potential growth. However, on the side track, the company is exploring the possibilities of a different business strategy by having discussions with original equipment makers and contract-assembly service providers.

The company is not keen on gaining time to enter into the Indian market and the price factor is the key element for the company to concentrate. Savvy is Proton’s compact car for the global market, which has the Renault based 1200cc engine and gearbox. It is possible too that Proton may source Renault for the Indian operations on the basis of Renault’s proposed engine plant in India soon. Renault is in association with Nissan and the project is initiated at an investment of Rs4500 crore. Proton’s attempt to enter into the Indian market is a decade long episode. The earlier negotiations with Hindustan Motors and the Hero group could not materialize. (Source: Vicky.in)
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Drive Safe,
350Z

 

[Umang]

oh so their effort to tie up with HM or HH has not been successful and i dont se the reason why it would be because proton is very new to market like india and already established makers wont try to take any risk. maybe proton can better come alone or tie up with Renault which is now alone already! what say guys?