Lotus hybrid power for the PROTON Concept

Proton Hybrid Concept - Teaser image

NORFOLK : February 23, 2010 - The PROTON Concept car, to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, showcases an advanced series hybrid drivetrain, designed and developed by Lotus Engineering.

Proton Hybrid Concept Drivertrain

Lotus Engineering, the world-renowned automotive consultancy division of Lotus Cars Limited today announces its latest series hybrid vehicle technology application in the PROTON Concept, which will be unveiled at the 80th International Geneva Motor Show. The complete hybrid drivetrain in the PROTON Concept city car has been developed by Lotus Engineering and it includes the Lotus Range Extender engine, designed specifically for series hybrid vehicles.

The PROTON Concept, a plug-in series hybrid city car, has been styled by Italdesign and will be unveiled on the Italdesign stand at the Geneva Motor Show. Lotus Engineering has designed and integrated the complete drivetrain, including the electrical drive system with single-speed transmission, which delivers low emissions, optimised performance and acceptable electric-only operating range for city use. For longer journeys, when the battery charge level falls, the 3 cylinder, 1.2 litre Lotus Range Extender engine is used to replenish the charge in the battery and provide electrical power for the drive motors. The battery can also be recharged via an AC mains domestic outlet to achieve initial electric-only operation.

Dr Robert Hentschel, Director of Lotus Engineering said: “The hybrid drivetrain of the PROTON Concept is another example of Lotus Engineering’s expertise in electrical and electronic systems and efficient performance engines. The high efficiency Lotus Range Extender engine, which we unveiled to great acclaim at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show last year is perfectly suited for the advanced series hybrid we have created for the PROTON Concept city car. It is an exciting example of the diverse range of highly efficient total propulsion systems that Lotus Engineering continues to develop for its partners and clients.”

PROTON Holdings Berhad Group Managing Director, Dato’ Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohd Tahir said, “Our collaboration with Lotus and Italdesign on progressive technology and design will further propel our competitiveness in the world market. Through this association, we strive to acquire and jointly develop new knowledge, skills and technologies that will ultimately benefit our customers.”

[Source : LOTUS, PROTON]

Proton announces new dual fuel Gen-2 for half price motoring

New Proton Gen-2 LPG ecologic

BRISTOL : September 1, 2008 - Proton has expanded its GEN-2 range with the addition of two dual fuel models able to run on either petrol or LPG (liquefied petroleum gas).


At around 58p per litre, LPG has become an increasingly attractive alternative following the huge rise in the cost of petrol and diesel, but to convert your car to run on LPG currently costs between £1,500-£2,000. However, there’s finally some good news for the motorist in Proton’s new ecoLogic GEN-2. At exactly the same price as its petrol equivalent, Proton’s new ecologic range offers customers the rare chance to start saving money immediately. Even allowing for the slightly increased fuel consumption when running on LPG, customers can save around 40% on their fuel costs (Autogas Ltd). Based on an average annual mileage of 10,000 miles and the prices of petrol and LPG at £1.12 and 58p respectively (source: Fleet News 20/08/08), this is an annual saving of over £500.

Not only is Proton offering a full factory-fitted LPG conversion at no additional cost to the customer, ecoLogic owners will also benefit from 3 year/60,000 miles total vehicle warranty and 3 years RAC cover.

LPG is not a new concept and is used to run over 140,000 vehicles in the UK currently and 11 million worldwide. Humberside Police have been running LPG-converted Proton vehicles for over 10 years, and with just over 300 on their current fleet, have saved up to £300,000 on fuel costs per year. Proton ecoLogic owners won’t miss out later either, with residual values on LPG dual fuel vehicles recently found to be up to 7.4% better than their petrol equivalent (Fleet News).

It’s becoming increasingly easier to fill up on LPG, with over 1,400 refuelling sites around the UK, including motorway service stations and at major supermarkets.

Not only is the Proton ecoLogic GEN-2 more economical to run, but it has been proved to be more eco-friendly than petrol and diesel. Typically, LPG produces less carbon monoxide, particulates and nitrous oxides than other fuel sources, plus a 15-20% reduction in carbon dioxide compared to petrol. Even the production of LPG is environmentally friendly; it’s a by-product of the extraction and refining of crude oil, which also means there’s a plentiful supply in the UK.

There’s nothing complicated about dual fuel operation, the GEN-2 ecoLogic starts on petrol and then switches to LPG when it’s most efficient to do so, usually after about 20 seconds. Any very slight differences in performance will go unnoticed and the only visible addition to the interior is a switch on the centre console that shows the fuel level. There is a second filler cap next to the petrol cap, which is matched to the exact colour of the car. The LPG tank is situated in the spare wheel well, so owners lose only the smallest amount of boot space.

The Proton ecoLogic GEN-2 has a 1.6 litre engine and is available in a sporty hatchback or saloon version, priced at £10,995 and £10,795 respectively. Customers will be impressed with the high specification that comes as standard, such as reverse distance sensors, air conditioning with pollen filter, electric front and rear windows, automatic central locking and alloy wheels. Both models are available with a leather interior, an option at £1,000, but for a limited time customers can benefit from a stylish black leather interior on the GEN-2 ecoLogic hatchback absolutely free.

Cheaper fuel, reliable motoring, eco-friendly and at no additional cost. Available at Proton dealerships from September 2008, the Proton GEN-2 ecoLogic is a practical solution for the UK motorist feeling the pinch. No catch.

[Source : PROTON]

Proton UK launches New PDI facility promises more benefits for dealers and customers

The new Proton Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) facility

Proton Cars (UK) Ltd. have successfully launched a new in-house Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) facility at their head office and parts distribution centre in Avonmouth, Bristol.



The move is designed to support dealers and customers by improving the speed of delivery and quality. The new facility, which includes a full technical workshop and paint shop, will enable Proton to prepare and store vehicles ready for next-day despatch as well as producing Limited Edition vehicles and offering retail-prepared used cars to the highest standard.

These actions serve to enhance Proton’s reputation as one of the best value small franchises available. With exceptionally low start up costs, minimal running costs and good margins, the Proton franchise generates realistic achievable income for either an existing franchise or a small independent dealership.

Brian Machin, Sales Manager at Ryders of Warrington, is impressed with the new service; "We ordered three Proton GEN-2s last Friday and received them the following Tuesday, which is a superb delivery time. More importantly, the presentation and finish of the cars was excellent".

The 4.5 acre site comprises of 100,000 sq. feet of storage which can accommodate up to 250 vehicles under cover plus 14 acres of additional parking nearby. There is also an on-site training centre, which provides new and existing Proton dealers with technical, product and sales training. In addition, Proton Cars (UK) have awarded a new contract to CPR transporters, which so far has reduced the time from order to delivery by an average of 2-3 days.

According to Brian Collier, MD of Proton Cars (UK), the new PDI centre will significantly improve the quality of service to Proton dealers; "This is a huge investment designed to bring benefits to our network. The new facility will improve our already high dealer support operation by reducing delivery times and costs for dealers as well as supporting our sales plans for the coming year."

[Source : Proton, UK]

Proton plans MPV

Proton MPV - Spy shot

Proton is pushing ahead with plans to roll out its first multi-purpose vehicle (MPV or minivan).

Managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir has set March 2009 for the MPV's debut. It will be produced at Proton's MVF (medium volume factory) in Shah Alam, Selangor, according to a report in Malaysia's Business Times newspaper.

Syed Zainal believes the MPV will be popular despite the changing mood over energy consumption.

"Proton needs the MPV model. The price will be affordable. The MPV will be value-for-money," he said at the Shah Alam factory.

Proton is also instituting a campaign to improve quality.

Addressing some 5,000 employees, Syed Zainal urged them to take ownership of quality, which is critical to profitability and overseas exports.

"If we produce cars with defects, consumers will get fed up with us," he said.

"Let's unite. Let's work together in a sincere manner so that we can achieve profit for the company," he told the workers.

Syed Zainal said some 60 per cent of defects in Proton cars were due to poor quality components from vendors.

He, nevertheless, admitted that the rest of the blame fell on the firm's workforce, the report added.

[Source : Just-Auto .. Sub. required / Image courtesy of Malaysia KINI]