Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, SUVs, China, Euro, Plants/Manufacturing, Lotus
Proton to build SUV, MPV with Lotus and/or Chinese assistance?
Proton will build be adding a few new acronyms to its model lineup. The Malaysian concern announced yesterday at the Kuala Lumpur Auto Conference that it has designs on revamping its offerings to include an SUV and an MPV, and the vehicles could speak with a British or Chinese accent. Confused? Proton hopes to develop the vehicles over the next two years with business partner Lotus, but the company has also been seen recently working with Chinese concerns Chery and Alado Corporation Sdn Bhd. Proton's plans call for a 120 day evaluation period as to whether it is feasible to cultivate complete knock-down vehicles (read: 'kit' vehicles for later reassembly) in China.
[Sources: Bernama; Proton]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Howard Kerr 1:50PM (5/24/2006)
So, Proton is dumping the Japanese (Mitsubishi) for the Chinese....that's a step in the right direction (please note sarcasm).
I don't know what Proton sells in other parts of the world, but here's what CAR had to say a year ago about the Proton Gen-2 and the Impian (now THERE'S a great name for a car).
Gen-2........For: Lotus helped develop it
Against: Lotus bits are fine, but the other 95 %
Impian......For: Slightly better than other Protons
Against: Still awful
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Ian 3:39PM (5/24/2006)
Thundercats hoooooooooooo!
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