KUALA LUMPUR: The Campro Charged Fuel Efficiency (CFE) engine Proton has developed is designed to meet all requirements needed in the markets that the carmaker intends to export.

Its director of engineering, Tajul Zahari Abu Bakar, said it took 24 months to develop the engine, the transmission and the car design.

At least 170 vehicles were used for testing, and the project had logged one million kilometres in all-weather tests, he said on the sidelines of Proton's "Power of 1" event here. 

The CFE engine in the Exora MPV.
Tajul said Proton had also deployed teams to the targeted markets to understand their specific needs.

"For example, we sent our people to Indonesia for them to understand what it takes for customers to drive vehicles around Puncak (hilly) areas. We sent people to China, India and Middle East to understand how they drive so we could tune the product to the respective markets.

Technical experts were also despatched to bigger markets to find out their driving patterns, he added.

The Campro CFE engine is a turbocharged variant of the Campro engine. Its torque is similar to that of a 2.0-litre engine.

The downsized engine is compact and can be better packaged withing the engine bay, thereby easing maintenance. 

The CFE engine is also the mill that powers the Exora Bold and the upcoming global car, the P3-21A.

Tajul said the biggest challenge for Proton was to make sure that the product was cost-effective and complied with the required performance level.

Citing P3-21A as an example, he said the model promised not only improvements in speed and fuel economy but also a better ownership experience.

Tajul said Proton engine downsizing was the way forward for Proton.

"Even for countries like Saudi Arabia, people want to drive smaller cars. 

"For most markets, where every dollar and cent counts, fuel efficiency is the key."

-Bernama
There's a lot about Proton Malaysians are not aware of even though it's the national car company. Many think it's just assembling models that have been made by other companies and does not have much in-house capability to develop its own cars. At the Power of 1 showcase now on at the National Stadium carpark in Bukit Jalil, outside Kuala Lumpur, the company shows off its technology and visitors will be surprised at the many facets of its business which may not have been publicised much.

One of the highlights at the event is the new model that will be launched very soon. Its name is still not known and it goes under the project designator of 'P3-21A'. As with the run-up to the launch of the Saga a fgew years ago, Proton is teasing the public by showing bits and pieces of the car as it is assembled each day. There is a complete car on the site but it's inside a box and you can peep through small holes to see some sections. There has also been the occasional appearance of a camouflaged model which gives an idea of the size and profile of the car.

There's something for everyone at the Power of 1 and those who are planning to buy a new car would do well to go there as there are very good deals on offer. Representatives from bansk are present to provide assessment of qualification for H-P loans on the spot so that eliminates one step in the buying process and you don't have to waste time and get disappointed.

There are also lots of prizes to be won including three cars, one of which was won yesterday by 19-year old Sarah Helmy. To try your luck at winning the cars, all you need to do is enter the 'SMS & WIN' contest at the event which ends at 10 pm tomorrow night. To check what activities are on today and tomorrow, visit the event website here.

Proton's in-house capabilities to develop its own models have been increasing since the mid-1990s and the R&D division can now handle all aspects right from the first sketches

For more than 10 years, Proton has been using CAMPRO engines which have been developed in house. The CAMPRO CFE is the latest version which is already in the Exora and will also be in the new model

Proton's suppliers also have interesting displays at the event and one of them is displaying the different instrument panels used by Proton models, showing how they have evolved, and what might be next

This Saga does not need petrol or diesel to run! It's a prototype electric car developed by Proton which is now undergoing real-world trials at Putrajaya 

Lotus is also displaying its models at the event and showing off their famous ride and handling superiority during driving demonstrations. Lotus DNA can also be found in Proton models

Those who want to improve the looks and performance of their Proton can visit the R3 shop for accessories (left) and at the Proton Lifestyle shop, you'll find the latest clothes and other Proton goodies

Alister McRae will be showing off the performance of the S2000 Satria Neo which won Proton and him the 2011 Asia-Pacific Rally Championship

The R3 motorsports unit has also developed a concept model of the Satria Neo and the Artiga lightweight concept (right), using the Satria Neo, is also on display for the second time in Malaysia. It made its first appearance at the Shanghai Motor Show last year.

No, these are not secret prototypes that the R&D boys are working on. They are actually cars which Proton workers have built on their own using a RM5,000 grant and parts which have been discarded.

Great deals if you're looking for a new car! And there's also a counter where you can find out more about the AMP range of after-market Proton parts

Each day, a model of the new Proton sedan has been assembled on the site and certain features have been highlighted. But the event ends before the car can be completed! There is a complete car inside a box and if you peep though the holes, you'll see some parts like the headlight (right). If you're lucky, Proton might also show a camouflaged car occasionally as a surprise...

There will also be a driving demonstration of the latest Lotus F1 racing car which will be at the F1 GP in Sepang later this month

Proton welcomes Malaysians to join its company and if you're excited about working there after seeing the R&D activities, there's a stand where you can make enquiries about job opportunities

These are the future customers of Proton whom the company wants to develop world-class cars for

For more information on the latest Proton models or to register your interest 
in the new Proton model to be launched soon, visit www.proton-edar.com.my

The rework on the fourth Proton VIP Makeover vehicle has been completed, and Hafiz Mohd Hashim’s Satria GTI was handed back to him at the Power of 1 event at Bukit Jalil yesterday.

The 2001 model year hatch has been repainted in a Lotus Racing Green shade, and besides the usual reupholstering of the interior, the R3 boys have added in some extra bits.

On the engine front, the engine now features retuned cam timing, and the R3 lads have ported the cylinder head. The ECU has also been remapped, and other mechanicals include the addition of a new carbon-fibre air intake box, a new exhaust system and a coilover suspension system from Hot Bits, built to R3′s Stage 3 specification.

The car also gets new slotted and grooved brake rotors right through, replete with performance brake pads, with Momo steering wheel and R3 wheels wrapped with Bridgestone RE002 rubbers completing the job sheet.

Hafiz officially received his car back from Datuk Seri Syed Zainal Abidin at the event. We caught up him later in the evening, and he was pretty chuffed by the rework, to say the least.

His Satria GTI now joins a 1992 Saga, a 1994 Wira and a 1996 Iswara Aeroback as the makeover specials. click

-Paultan
Labels:
KUALA LUMPUR: Proton's highly-anticipated model - codenamed P3-21A - is the star at the group's "Power Of 1" showcase, with advanced bookings received almost immediately after the event started at 10am on Wednesday.

Group managing director Datuk Seri Syed Zainal Abidin said the indicative price for the global model was between RM62,000 and RM75,000, with the actual price to be announced later.

There are three variants and the booking fee is RM500. The car is also open for booking today at any Proton showrooms.

As at 5pm, 44 bookings for P3-21A have been recorded nationwide.

A member of the public taking a peek at Proton's first
global car hidden inside a container on Wednesday.
Below is the camouflaged P3-21A performing a 
demonstrationfor the public.
Earlier, Proton held a demonstration of the P3-21A, which was pitted against a Persona. 

Its wheels screeched as it manoeuvred its way around the course at the stadium, thrilling members of the public who had gathered to see it.

To create an air of mystery, the car was “camouflaged” in a black-and-white psychedelic patterned sheet. 

There was also a “sneak-a-peek” box in which the vehicle was placed so the public could have a peep at the car.

Speaking to reporters at the Power of 1 Media Day at Bukit Jalil National Stadium Wednesday, Syed Zainal said Proton would showcase P3-21A's handling ability and show teaser videos of parts of the car being put together at the five-day event from today to March 18.

He said the Power of 1 showcase was for all to come and learn about Proton cars.

“We believe people don't really understand truly how much we've grown and hope people will come to see what Proton is all about,” he said.

Meanwhile, it was love prior to first sight for Mohd Radzi Abdul Hamid, 51, who became the first customer to book the P3-21A without even knowing how the vehicle looked like.

“My first car in 1989 was a Proton and it served me well for six years,” he said, adding that he had full confidence in the national brand.

Other Proton cars, including the Exora Bold, Persona, Saga FLX, Gen 2 and Savvy, would be on special offer with discounts from RM500 to RM15,000. The event is on until Sunday from 10am to 10pm. Admission is free.

In a related development, DRB-Hicom Bhd would announce a new management team for Proton in two weeks' time.

"There will be improvements to the management. There can be new faces, I will not discount the fact, and there can be old faces," said group managing director Datuk Seri Mohd Khamil Jamil on Wednesday.

"There is always a blend of old and new (faces) for continuity as well as for providing new ideas and talents," he told reporters after DRB-Hicom's extraordinary general meeting to get shareholders' approval for its 42.74% stake purchase in Proton.

Mohd Khamil said DRB-Hicom has several processes such as a nomination committee and a remuneration committee for these appointments.

"At the moment, I've not put forward to the DRB-Hicom board of directors the candidates who will or may helm or assist in helming Proton. I was waiting for this EGM to be completed."

"I was not sure whether the shareholders will approve the resolution (for Proton stake acquisition). Now that the shareholders have agreed with our plan and they have approved Proton's acquisition, I've got an idea of who to go there.

"I've to look into the expertise, into the talent and into the areas in which an individual or a group of individuals who are going to go there.

DRB-Hicom chairman Datuk Syed Mohamad Syed Murtaza said the company was in the midst of looking who should be appointed to manage Proton.

"We'll make the announcement after a serious consideration. We'll come back at the right time," he said, according to Bernama.

Syed Mohamad said the company obtained the approval Wednesday for the acquisition of a 42.74% stake in Proton from Khazanah Nasional Bhd, the Government's investment arm, with 99% shareholers voting for the resolution. 

On the fate of Lotus, Mohd Khamil said DRB-HICOM Bhd would review its operations before making any decision.

"After this, we will be in a position to evaluate the situation in Lotus to take a further step - whether it will remain in the stable or be disposed of." click


-Star-motoring
t’s all heading towards the much-awaited launch of Proton’s P3-21A sedan – according to Proton MD Datuk Seri Syed Zainal Abidin, the car will be launched by the end of this month.

Of course, that means that there’s still time to tease the vehicle, and the latest run is via video, with the car being featured in a TV3 Buletin Utama snippet. The clip does the beguile bit via the usual silhouette play, but there are glimpses of details, like with the engine start/stop button, paddle shifters, steering wheel-mounted function controls as well as a distinct framing of the front and rear light assemblies.


Bookings for the car are set to begin nationwide from March 14, which is also the day that the company kicks off its five-day POWER OF 1 event at Bukit Jalil. Reports elsewhere say the model is expected to be launched in Indonesia and Thailand by this year and in Australia next year.

-Paultan
SUBANG JAYA: National car manufacturer PROTON Holdings Berhad today announced the “POWER OF 1”, a five-day mega event at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur, to commemorate its technology advancements, engineering achievements, innovation and motorsports success.

To be held from 14 to 18 March 2012, the POWER OF 1 is the Company’s largest outdoor showcase ever organised to date. The event is spread over an area of 35,000sqm at the stadium’s Car Park A, B and C which has been transformed to accommodate a technology exhibition, sales and promotion area, as well as a mini circuit, inviting visitors to experience the many different facets of PROTON, its progress and development over the last 27 years.

To add to the excitement, bookings for PROTON’s highly anticipated new model, codenamed P3-21A will open from 14 March onwards nationwide, and visitors can catch a glimpse of the car at the POWER OF 1 event.

“Over the five-day period, people will be able to watch teasers of parts of the car being put together in front their very eyes. This will give the general public a much greater insight of how we work, and they will better understand the processes a car goes through before it is ready,” said PROTON’s Group Managing Director Dato’ Sri Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir.

“This event promises to be both exciting and enlightening, and is a way for us to bring the brand closer to the people - to give Malaysians the chance to interact and experience the PROTON brand in a new and unique way as we push forward with efforts to build the brand globally,” he added.

Catered for visitors from all walks of life, especially families – there is something for everyone to enjoy at POWER OF 1 this school holidays – from those shopping for a new car, to car enthusiasts, to even fresh graduates looking for a new job as the Company will also be running a recruitment drive during the event. There are also plenty of activities planned for children during the event.

“POWER OF 1 is a tangible expression and experience of PROTON’s ‘Committed to be Better’ brand promise. This event is a way of saying thank you to Proton car owners, customers, and most importantly - all Malaysians who are our most important stakeholders. We have come a long way since our inception, and would not be where we are today without the support of the public, whose continued encouragement had been instrumental to the success of the national car project.”

“This is something that we are proud to share with Malaysians, and it is our hope that after visiting the POWER OF 1, everyone will leave with a better understanding of everything that is PROTON - how far we’ve come, and the journey that awaits us from now on.”

Those interested in purchasing existing Proton and Lotus cars can also enjoy the best deals ever during the POWER OF 1, added Dato’ Sri Haji Syed Zainal Abidin. “We have great deals on selected models, and the offers will only be valid throughout the duration of the event.”

PROTON’s engineering and technology showcase at the POWER OF 1 will feature a number of interesting exhibits on the various technologies utilised to develop the safety, performance, styling and comfort of a Proton car.

Some of the highlights here include an engine “strip show” where engineers will take apart and put back together an engine in 10 minutes and a car configurator visitors can experiment with, which enables them to design the car of their dreams. Powering ahead with the development of green technology vehicles, visitors will also be able to take a closer look at the award-winning Exora Range Extender Electric Vehicle, which won two awards at the Brighton to London Future Car Challenge last November.

“We also have a specially-constructed mini circuit at the heart of the event site, meanwhile, where the public can catch PROTON’s Alister McRae demonstrating the power and performance of the Satria Neo S2000 rally car which lifted him to winning the 2011 Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) Driver’s title and Manufacturer’s title for PROTON. He will be joined by our very own drift king, Tengku Djan from R3 and Faidzil Alang, winner of the Malaysian Super Series Championship last year,” added Dato’ Sri Haji Syed Zainal.

For motorsports enthusiasts, there will be stunt driving and demonstrations by Lotus Cars Malaysia, and R3 which is PROTON’s performance arm. Also scheduled to make a track appearance is the Lotus F1 car which will be in town for the 14th running of the Petronas Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix. PROTON will also be organising an autocross and time attack using Proton and Lotus cars with the final race to be run on 18 March 2012.

Meanwhile, an estimated one out every ten visitors to the POWER OF 1 will stand to win a list of prizes in the ‘SMS and Win’ contest, including three Proton cars as grand prizes. Other attractive prizes include complementary tickets to the upcoming Petronas Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit, PROTON merchandise and vouchers, and a Lotus track day experience.

In conjunction with the event, PROTON will also be running an exclusive ‘Buy and Win’ contest, with the grand prizes of two I-Race Day tickets, which entitles the holders to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be an F1 driver for a day, under the Lotus F1 I-race programme.

The POWER OF 1 runs from 14 to 18 March 2012. Doors open daily from 10am to 10pm, and admission is Free.

-Proton
SUBANG JAYA: National car manufacturer PROTON Holdings Berhad on Friday announced its  “POWER OF 1” five-day mega event at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur.

The event aims to commemorate its technology advancements, engineering achievements,innovation and motorsports success.

 To be held from Mar 14 to 18 , the POWER OF 1 is the company’s largest outdoor showcase ever organised.

The event is spread over an area of 35,000sqm at the stadium’s CarPark A, B and C which has been transformed to accommodate a technology exhibition, sales and promotion area, as well as a mini circuit, inviting visitors to experience the many different facets of PROTON, its progress and development over the last 27 years.

 To add to the excitement, bookings forPROTON’s highly anticipated new model, codenamed P3-21A will open from Mar 14 nationwide and visitors can catch a glimpse of the car at the POWER OF 1 event.

 “Over the five-day period, people will be able to watch teasers of parts of the car being put together in front their very eyes. 

"This will give the general public a much greater insight into how we work, and they will better understand the processes a car goes through before it is ready,” said PROTON’s Group Managing Director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir.

 “This event promises to be both exciting and enlightening, and is a way for us to bring the brand closer to the people - to give Malaysians the chance to interact and experience the PROTON brand in a new and unique way as we push forward with efforts to build the brand globally,” he added.

 Catering to visitors from all walks of life, especially families – there is something for everyone to enjoy at POWEROF 1 this school holidays – from those shopping for a new car, to car enthusiasts, even to fresh graduates looking for a new job as the Company will also be running a recruitment drive during the event.

There are also plenty of activities planned for children during the event.

 “POWER OF 1 is a tangible expression and experience of PROTON’s ‘Committed to be Better’ brandpromise. 

"This event is a way of saying thank you to Proton car owners,customers, and most importantly - all Malaysians who are our most importantstakeholders.

"We have come along way since our inception, and would not be where we are today without the support of the public, whose continued encouragement had been instrumental to the success of the national car project.”

Those interested in purchasing existing Proton and Lotus cars can also enjoy the best deals ever during the POWER OF 1,added Syed Zainal Abidin. 

“We have great deals on selected models, and the offers will only be valid throughout the duration ofthe event.”

PROTON’s engineering and technology showcase at the POWER OF 1 will feature a number of interesting exhibits on the various technologies utilised to develop the safety, performance, styling and comfort of a Proton car.

Some of the highlights here include an engine “strip show” where engineers will take apart and put back together an engine in 10 minutes and a car configurator which wil allow visitors to design the car of their dreams.

Powering ahead with the development of green technology vehicles, visitors will also be able to take a closer look at the award-winning Exora Range Extender Electric Vehicle, which won two awards at the Brighton to LondonFuture Car Challenge last November.

 “We also have a specially-constructed mini circuit at the heart of the event site, meanwhile, where the public can catch PROTON’s Alister McRae demonstrating the power and performance ofthe Satria Neo S2000 rally car which lifted him to winning the 2011 AsiaPacific Rally Championship (APRC) Driver’s title and Manufacturer’stitle for PROTON.

"He will be joined by our very own drift king, Tengku Djanfrom R3 and Faidzil Alang, winner of the Malaysian Super Series Championship last year,” added Syed Zainal.

For motorsports enthusiasts, there will be stunt driving and demonstrations by Lotus Cars Malaysia, and R3 which isPROTON’s performance arm.

Also scheduled to make a track appearance is the Lotus F1 car which will be in town for the 14th running of the Petronas Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix. 

PROTON will also be organising an autocross and time attack using Proton and Lotus cars with the final race to be run on 18March 2012.

Meanwhile, an estimated one out every ten visitors to the POWER OF 1 will stand to win a list of prizes in the ‘SMSand Win’ contest, including three Proton cars as grand prizes. 

Other attractive prizes include complementary tickets to the upcoming Petronas Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit, PROTONmerchandise and vouchers, and a Lotus track day experience.

In conjunction with the event, PROTON will also be running an exclusive ‘Buy and Win’ contest, with the grandprizes of two I-Race Day tickets, which entitles the holders to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be an F1 driver for a day, under the Lotus F1 I-race programme.

The POWER OF 1 runs from 14to 18 March 2012. Doors open daily from 10am to 10pm, and admission is Free.

-Star-motoring
Proton has begun preliminary talks with a Turkish automotive company to assemble Proton vehicles in Turkey and, at some point in the future, is set to initiate a joint venture with the firm to develop a Turkish car, according to Bernama.

The report quotes former PM Tun Dr Mahathir, who is Proton’s advisor, as saying that the two parties are already talking to each other. “The idea is initially of course to probably assemble Proton cars there and eventually develop a Turkish car through the collaboration,” he told the national news agency.

“When we get a good partner other than the said collaboration, Malaysia should also be able to export more Proton cars to Turkey,” he said, adding that Protons had in the past been exported to Turkey, but these exports had to stop due to certain circumstances.

The Turkish automotive industry has a number of automakers, including Tofas (Turk Otomobil Fabrikasi Anonim Sirketi), which builds Fiat models as well as some locally-designed vehicles, and Oyak Renault Otomobil Fabrikalari. The country is the sixth largest automobile producer in Europe and 15th largest in the world.

-Paultan
KUALA LUMPUR: DRB-Hicom Bhd has been urged to transform Proton and look at ways to stem the financial losses.

In making the call, former premier and adviser to the national auto maker Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the new management after the takeover, scheduled to be completed this month, has to bring the national automotive company to its old glory.

"Obviously, you (DRB-Hicom) need to beef up the organisation, examine all the losses to see how you can reimburse the losses.

"Generally, the new company will have to look at all aspects of management of Proton as it is weak in all angles," Dr Mahathir said in an interview.

The national car maker's pre-tax loss widened to RM84.054 million for the third quarter ended Dec 31, 2011 compared to a pre-tax loss of RM51.535 million in the same period in 2010.

Revenue for the period also decreased to RM1.432 billion from RM1.833 billion previously.

Turnover for the first nine months also dipped to RM5.92 billion from RM6.36 billion on the back of a RM36.530 million loss before taxation against a pre-tax profit of RM134.3 million recorded in the corresponding period in the preceding financial year.

On the new Proton chief, Dr Mahathir said it is up to DRB-Hicom whether to name a new successor or to retain the old management.

Asked whether Proton can regain its glory with the old management under a new parent, Dr Mahathir said: "Obviously, there might be some new inputs from DRB-Hicom. For sure it is not just going to buy Proton and leave it as it is."

He said the current management did not see the urgency to make a profit.

"Well, they (Proton) are not making a profit. Business must make profit. So we must find out why they are not making profit," Dr Mahathir said.

In January 2012, DRB-Hicom struck a deal to buy Khazanah Nasional Bhd's 42.7 per cent stake in Proton for RM1.29 billion or RM5.50 per share.

DRB-Hicom is expected to take Proton private later this month, after complying with take-over codes and regulations.

-Bernama
SUBANG JAYA: Cycling’s elite competing in the 17th edition of the Le Tour de Langkawi Starts Stage 6 of the prestigious race at the PROTON Centre of Excellence in Shah Alam today and what awaits them is a challenging 108km charge to the peak of Genting Highlands.

Le Tour de Langkawi 2012 has attracted a total of 122 cyclists representing 22 local and top international professional teams who are competing in a gruelling 1,414km stretched over 10 days. 

As a long-time sponsor of the tour since it was first held in 1996, this is the third time the event has been flagged off from the PROTON Headquarters. As in previous years, this year’s sponsorship of the tour involves a fleet of vehicles, as well as in terms of technical support, maintenance, manpower and merchandise giveaways. PROTON is also spearheading the cavalcade which is a procession of vehicles that proceeds ahead of the main peloton as it races through the country.

This is also the third consecutive year PROTON is sponsoring the coveted Blue Jersey which will be worn by the Sprint Champion of every stage, as well as the tour’s overall Sprint Champion.

Meanwhile, in conjunction with the prestigious tour, PROTON had also, prior to the start of this morning’s Stage 6, organised Le Tour de PROTON, a short race for cycling enthusiasts within the company to promote healthier living. 200 PROTON staff, including members of the Group’s senior management, will be taking part in this race, which will begin at the PROTON Plant in Shah Alam and will end at PROTON Centre of Excellence before joining the main peloton as they begin Stage 6.

“Beyond the realm of racing, Le Tour de Langkawi has more importantly become a powerful, impactful and successful branding exercise for the country, in which it has not only contributed in terms of driving up inbound tourism but has significantly elevated Malaysia’s status internationally,” said PROTON’s Group Managing Director, Dato’ Sri Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir.

“Branding is also a key objective we at PROTON hope to fulfill in our support and sponsorship of the Le Tour de Langkawi. It provides us with a fantastic opportunity to showcase our range of vehicles not only to the local audience, but also the international riders, teams, officials and television viewers who follow the race.”

“And after being involved with LTDL for 17 years, it has become something that all PROTONians look forward to every year. This year, to celebrate our long-standing involvement with LTDL, and to create excitement amongst PROTONians, we are doing something new called Le Tour de PROTON for the very first time. 

It is more than a cycling activity to promote health, but we also see it as a different approach to strengthen the relationship between PROTON senior management and staff. And I’m happy to say that the response was very encouraging, so it was a shame that we had to limit entrants to 200. We certainly look forward to doing this next year too,” added Dato’ Sri Haji Syed Zainal Abidin. 

Le Tour de Langkawi was flagged off with 20.3km individual time trial around Putrajaya on 24 February 2012 and will end on 4 March 2012 in Kuala Terengganu.

-Proton
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