Proton to go diesel

Malaysian car-maker Proton has revealed it is to develop a new range of "high performance" petrol and diesel engines in collaboration with another, as yet unidentified car-maker. The only thing certain is that the joint development won't come from Malaysia.

In a recent announcement in Kuala Lumpur following his return from the Melbourne International Motor Show, Proton Holdings Bhd managing director Datuk Syed Zainal (pictured) said the company needs to develop its own engines as part of its future strategies that include exporting to India and China.

Zainal said the company needed to seek partnerships with foreign companies to get the expertise required to compete in next-generation engine design.

"I do not think a local partner can offer us the capability to develop a 'next level' engine," he said.

"We are also in talks with several foreign parties and will announce something by mid-year," he continued.

The plan is to develop new 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre engines, as well as a diesel, allowing the company to maintain an even footing with other car-makers.

Zainal unveiled Proton's new Persona at the 2008 Melbourne show, along with the new R3 Satria that is due to go on sale in the first quarter of 2009 -- at around the same time as the company's first-ever MPV.

Proton was established in Malaysia in 1983 and is the country's largest car manufacturer. It is also parent of the iconic British sports car manufacturer Lotus.

Proton first came to Australia with the Mitsubishi-based Wira sedan and hatch in 1995 and today sells the Jumbuck utility, the Satria three-door hatch, the Savvy five-door hatch, the Gen-2 five-door hatch and its Persona sedan offspring.

In 2007, Proton sold 2336 vehicles locally, up on the 2008 sold in 2006.

The company's biggest year in Australia though was 1998, when it sold 3182 vehicles during the days of its close ties with Mitsubishi.

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