British car manufacturer Lotus has secured a £10 million government grant which will see the firm create more than 300 new jobs.

The Regional Growth Fund (RGF) has awarded the automotive firm £10.44 million, which will be used for research and development of products, along with staff training. In addition Lotus is expected to create 313 new full time jobs to support production over the coming years.

Business Secretary, Vince Cable MP visited Lotus’ Norfolk headquarters today, 25 November 2013, where he toured the engineering and factory facilities and formally announced the grant to Lotus management.

The grant is a further boost for Lotus, following a £100 million investment by its owners DRB-HICOM which has allowed the company to enhance its engineering, productivity, efficiency and quality. Lotus is also recruiting for more than 130 new jobs, previously announced in July 2013.

The Regional Growth Fund (RGF) is a flexible and competitive £3.2 billion fund operating across England from 2011 to 2017. It supports projects that are using private sector investment to create economic growth and sustainable employment.

Aslam Farikullah, Chief Operating Officer at Lotus, said: “This grant is part of a wider strategy for Lotus created to ensure we thrive and grow.  We are responding to increased global demand for our cars and engineering consultancy services and this grant will help to position Lotus at the forefront of global automotive innovation.

“We have very exciting plans for our sports cars and it’s a very positive move for Lotus that we’re in a position to create new jobs and to significantly contribute to Britain’s automotive industry. “The team here at Lotus have worked very hard to secure this grant and every employee is playing their part in the stability, growth and future success of our company.”

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “Lotus is an iconic British car maker, with some of the most innovative engineers in the business. The car industry is one of Britain's great success stories, employing over 130,000 people and helping to build a stronger economy by contributing £11 billion a year. The Government's industrial strategy is working and giving business the confidence to invest, creating more high skilled, long term jobs in the UK.

“I am pleased to announce today that our flagship economic plan to create jobs outside of London - the regional growth fund - is awarding Lotus a £10 million grant which will help them develop their next generation of cars and create over 300 new jobs in East Anglia.  The Government has already supported over 400 projects with £2.6 billion from the Regional Growth Fund, promoting growth in regions across England. The latest round is still open for another two weeks and I'd urge all businesses with a plan to support jobs in their local areas to apply"

PETALING JAYA: Here's your chance to test drive a fleet of Proton cars at the Proton Bola! Bola! Bola! Mega Test Drive Carnival which will be held from Nov 30 to Dec 1, 10am-6pm at Shah Alam Stadium parking lot.

The Mega Test Drive Carnival will feature the largest ever display of Proton test drive units - 79 in total - in the country and will comprise of models such as Suprima S, Prevé, Exora, Saga, Satria Neo and Inspira.

Proton, the organiser of the event said that the main objective is to give the Malaysian public the opportunity to test drive the latest Proton cars.

Those who test drive any of the Proton cars will automatically be enrolled into the “Pandu dan Menang Contest”, where they stand a chance to win a brand new Proton Prevé LE.

There will also be daily prizes to give away such as a 42” Led TV, Samsung Galaxy Note 3, iPad Minis, and a cash prize of RM500.

Visitors will also enjoy discounts of up to 15% on selected Proton models throughout the duration of the Carnival.

Additionally, visitors on the hunt for spare parts can receive up tp 60% discount on selected items for Waja, Wira, Persona, Inspira, Saga and many other models.

Some spare parts will be sold as low as RM1.

There are also attractive packages for students who want to buy a Proton through Maybank's Easy Financing Scheme which allows them to apply for a loan if they are guaranteed by either their parents or their immediate family members who are working.

Fresh graduates can also apply for the Maybank Easy Financing scheme with just a valid job offer letter.

Maybankard EzyPay financing scheme also allows Maybank Credit Card holders to pay up to 10% down payment using Maybank Credit Cards with 0% interest and easy repayment scheme.

Punters will also be entertained by KRU Studios Talent Search programme where participants can choose to sing, dance, act and even showcase their talents at the KRU booth.

There will also be performances by Forteen, Aweera (MOJO) and SOFARZ as well as “Gymkhana” activities and demos by Proton R3 Team and Lotus Cars Malaysia.

So be sure to head out to the Proton Bola! Bola! Bola! Mega Test Drive Carnival which will be held from Nov 30 to Dec 1, 10am-6pm at Shah Alam Stadium Parking Lot (near the Go Kart Circuit).

Bandar Seri Begawan, PROTON Holdings Berhad (PROTON), a wholly-owned subsidiary of DRB-HICOM, launched the Proton Suprima S in the kingdom of Brunei Darussalam today. The introduction of the Proton Suprima S there comes after the model was launched in Australia last week, and Indonesia earlier this month.

The Proton Suprima S was unveiled at PROTON 3S Gadong Centre by Chief Operating Officer (Commercial) of PROTON, En Hisham Othman and Mr Simon Gelan, Managing Director of United Motors Sdn Bhd. United Motors is the sole distributor of Proton cars in Brunei.

The name 'Suprima S' is derived from the root word “supreme”, and reflects superiority in engineering, safety and performance that has been incorporated into the model. The youthful hatchback was conceived to meet the demanding needs of modern lifestyle, as suggested by its dynamic and sporty shape, premium interior and superior engine performance.

Available in the Premium variant, the Suprima S offers new features such as PROTON Infotainment with Android-based Operating System, rear LED light guides, DRL (Daytime Running Lights), Hill-Hold Assist, and Park Assist with front parking sensors, with specs that is identical to that of the Premium variant of the Suprima S launched in Malaysia last August.

The Proton Suprima S is powered by PROTON's 1.6L Turbo engine. Mated with PROTON’s 7-speed ProTronic CVT, it delivers power and torque equivalent to a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine. The 1.6L power plant produces 140 PS at 5000rpm, and with a maximum torque of 205Nm from 2000 to 4000rpm.

According to En Hisham, the Suprima S PROTON's most well-equipped and safest product, with customer safety a priority for PROTON. "In developing the hatchback, all aspects of passenger safety was considered, and this was reflected with the Suprima S' 5-Star Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) safety rating."

Other vital safety features include Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with brake assist, traction control, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), anti-trap power windows, Park Assist with rear parking sensors, and reverse camera.

"Additionally, the driving experience was also important - and with the turbo engine and driving dynamics that is enhanced with LOTUS Ride and Handling, as with all our models - the customer is ensured enjoyment behind the wheel every time."

The Proton Suprima S also comes with 7-spoke, 17-inch rims and a 7-inch touchscreen with built-in navigation system, full leather seats, Push Start Button, paddle shifts, and auto cruise, amongst many other features.

"With everything that the hatchback has to offer, we are confident that the Suprima S will be well received in Brunei, as will the other future Proton models that we plan to launch in Malaysia and our Export countries. We have been here in Brunei for 26 years, and we look forward strengthening the Brand. Together with the support from our United Motors here, PROTON will continue to grow as a brand recognised for producing safe and quality cars that are value for money."

The Proton Suprima S (Premium) is available in five colour choices: Fire Red, Tranquility Black, Solid White, Genetic Silver and Atlantic Blue.
SYDNEY: Proton Holdings Bhd has launched the Suprima S model in Australia.

Available in two variants - the GX and GXR, the Proton Suprima S is the national automotive manufacturer’s most comprehensively equipped model introduced to the Australian market with new levels of performance, styling, safety, driving dynamics and sophistication.

Proton chief operating officer (commercial)  Hisham Othman said the introduction of the model into the Australian market is a testament of Proton’s commitment to its customers in producing a variety of products that offer high levels of passenger safety, driving enjoyment, quality and value-for-money.

(From left) Proton head of export Dr Badrulhisham Mohd, Proton Cars Australia chief operating officer Kaye Amies, Hisham and Proton Cars Australia sales and marketing general manager Billy Falconer with the Suprima S.

The Suprima S is powered by a 1.6-litre Campro turbocharged engine ack will be available with a seven-speed Protronic CVT transmission with paddle shifters, followed by a six-speed manual transmission from next year.

Features include six airbags, electronic stability control with brake assist, traction control, anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, active headrests, seat belt pre-tensioners, auto door locks, front and rear proximity sensors, reverse camera and Active Hazard Lights that automatically switches on in the event of a collision or when sudden braking is detected from speeds above 90kph.

Five available colours are Atlantic Blue, Fire Red, Genetic Silver, Solid White and Tranquillity Black.

Sales in Australia start from Dec 1 with the GX CVT priced at A$21,790 (RM65,061) and GXR CVT at A$26,590 (RM79,405).

The Suprima S also gets five-year/75,000km free scheduled servicing, five-year/150,000km warranty and free 24-hour roadside assistance, and seven-year anti-corrosion warranty.
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

KUALA LUMPUR: The national auto industry needs to be sustained if Malaysia is to have a positive balance of trade," says former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He noted that there would be a RM12 billion outflow from the country if all cars are imported, and at the same time, certainly increase the trade deficit.

"The national car has clearly contributed much towards reducing Malaysia's trade deficit and helped in the establishment of engineering industries, extending well beyond automobile manufacturing.

"It has also helped qualify Malaysia as a developed country which requires a high level of industrialisation, sophistication of economy and per capita income," he added.

Dr Mahathir, who is also the Proton advisor, said the national car maker, while not earning much money from exports, had still helped the country by preventing an outflow of money, through the purchase of foreign cars.

Speaking at a special luncheon in conjunction with the 4th Kuala Lumpur International Automotive Conference here on Wednesday, he said of the 600,000 units of cars sold annually, half the number was locally made.

"Assuming an average price of RM40,000 per unit, the total sales value would be about RM12 billion. This additional amount will be an outflow out if all cars are imported.

"Taking everything into consideration, Proton has contributed much towards the nation's economy and its development," Dr Mahathir added. - Bernama
Peda wants the Government to set a clear direction for Proton and Perodua under the revised NAP.

PETALING JAYA: The Proton Edar Dealers Association Malaysia (Peda) is hopeful that compulsory annual vehicle inspection for vehicles above 10 years old will be introduced in the revised National Automotive Policy (NAP).

“It will ensure the health and road safety of vehicles on the road.

“We also hope that there will be proper phase-by-phase implementation of the end-of-life vehicle (ELV) policy,” said Peda president Armin Baniaz Pahamin.

“Without ELV, Malaysia would not be able to sustain new car registration total industry volume (TIV) in the future, which will effect employment and future investment into automotive industry,” he added.

Armin said he hoped that the implementation of the ELV would be done in phases after the policy was introduced.

“The number of cars on the road and our total new car sales TIV per annum is over-populated compared with our population that is only one-third of Thailand and a lot smaller compared with Indonesia.”

StarBiz reported recently that the (ELV) policy was expected to make a comeback in the latest revision of the NAP, which, according to market talk, would be announced by year-end.

Citing an industry observer, it was reported that owners of vehicles aged 10 years to 15 years would have to undergo mandatory roadworthiness inspection under the ELV policy, which was scrapped in 2009 following public protest.

Armin also hopes that the NAP would have clearer direction for the national carmakers, namely DRB Hicom Bhd’s wholly-owned unit Proton Holdings Bhd and Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua).

“Currently there is no clear direction on where our national carmakers are heading.

“There is also a need to re-define the classification of what a national car is and those that do not qualify should not get the incentives from the Government.”

Armin said incentives for the national carmakers should be retained.

“Policies for national carmakers should be differentiated with non-national cars and these policies are needed to make the former more competitive,” he said.
PETALING JAYA: Proton has launched the Proton Suprima S in Indonesia.

The introduction of the Proton Suprima S in that country marks the hatchback's first entry in a export market since it was first introduced in August.

The Proton Suprima S was unveiled at the Atrium Gandaria City Mall in Jakarta by Tuan Syed Hasrin Tengku Hussin, Deputy Head of Mission of the Malaysian Embassy in Indonesia, who was accompanied by chief operating officer (Commercial) of Proton, Hisham Othman and Mohd Asri Khayan, head of Proton Edar Indonesia.

"With the introduction of the Suprima S in Indonesia as Proton's new star, we hope to capture the hearts and minds of car lovers; and convince the Indonesian public that Proton remains committed in meeting the demands of customers and to continue producing a variety of products that offer driving enjoyment and satisfaction - and most importantly, cars that are safe, of high quality and value-for-money," said Hisham.


Only the Premium variant will be available in Indonesia, and it offers features such as Proton Infotainment with Android-based Operating System, rear LED light guides, DRL (Daytime Running Lights), Hill-Hold Assist, and Park Assist with front parking sensors.

The Proton Suprima S is powered by a 1.6 litre turbo engine mated with to a seven-speed ProTronic continuos variable transmission (CVT).

It produces 140 PS at 5000rpm and with a maximum torque of 205Nm from 2,000 to 4,000rpm.

At the launch, Proton also introduced the Proton Exora Star FL, a new variant of its best-selling Exora Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), which comes with all-new front and rear lights, as well as new front and rear bumpers.

The Proton Suprima S costs 275 million rupiah (RM78,118) on-the-road with insurance.

Indonesians will have five colour choices: Fire Red, Tranquility Black, Solid White, Genetic Silver and Atlantic Blue.
SUBANG JAYA: Proton car sales jumped to 43,260 units or 27% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2013, mainly due to the introduction of the Saga SV in June.

On a quarter-on-quarter basis, Proton car sales increased 42% in the third quarter.

In a statement, Proton said more than 22,000 Saga SV units have been registered within four months.

The Saga SV is positioned as an affordable car for first-time buyers and small families, and also university and college students.


"With its unique selling propositions, three-star ASEAN safety rating and highly competitive pricing from only RM33,438 - the Saga SV will continue to strengthen its position as the consumer's preferred entry-level sedan," said Proton chief operating officer (commercial) Hisham Othman.

According to Proton, the automaker's latest offering, the Suprima S has also received strong interest since its launch in August.

The Suprima S is Proton's most well-equipped car to date, and is designed as a youthful hatchback with a dynamic and sporty shape, a premium interior and solid engine performance.

"Malaysians can look forward to new introductions from Proton within the next six months, as we continue to provide a variety of models that meets the needs and expectations of the public, products that offer driving enjoyment and customer satisfaction in every aspect, and most importantly, good quality and safe cars that are value-for-money," added Hisham.