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
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