Proton Finalise Plans for India
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Wednesday, 18 June 2008 |
Proton of Malaysia has finalised its India plans and is all set to enter the
1.5-million Indian passenger vehicle market. The company has selected
the 1.2-litre 5-door mini car Savvy, the 1.3-litre entry-level sedan
Saga and the 1.6-litre second generation mid-size car Persona for the
Indian market.
The three models are currently undergoing field trials and technical
evaluation at various locations in India. Protons’s two-day technical
clinic on these cars concluded at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. These
models will be introduced in phases, and are expected to hit the market
early next year.
According to automobile industry sources, Proton is scouting for a
joint-venture partner in India to manufacture and market its cars after
hectic negotiations with utility vehicle major Mahindra & Mahindra
(M&M) fell through.
“We were close to striking a deal with M&M, but they have preferred
to distance themselves from the car market after the Logan sedan’s not
too successful run. We are now looking for a possible joint venture
with other Indian automobile companies, particularly with a strong
focus on marketing,” said a senior executive of Proton Motors Ltd, who
is overseeing the technical trials.
Proton, a manufacturer of small and mid-size cars, is looking at high
fuel efficiency and alternative fuels like compressed natural gas (CNG)
as its main plank in India. “Our cars are CNG compatible, which is
widely accepted and used in India. We may bring CNG and develop other
fuel options through our engineering subsidiary, Lotus, depending upon
the results of the current feasibility study,” the Proton executive
said.
Proton, which has presence in China, Iran, Pakistan, UK and Australia,
is eyeing the world’s second fastest growing Indian passenger car
market after facing saturation in the 4.42-lakh a-year Malaysian
market. Proton has been facing tough competition in its domestic market
and has seen its marketshare shrink.
PetrolWorld 170608
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