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Proton Holdings Berhad, commonly known as Proton, is a Malaysian car manufacturer that has been producing vehicles for nearly four decades. Founded in 1983, Proton has played a crucial role in establishing Malaysia’s automotive industry and has since become one of the most recognized brands in the country.

Proton’s Beginnings

Proton was established as a joint venture between the Malaysian government and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation of Japan. The aim of the joint venture was to create a national car that would be affordable for Malaysians and compete with imported cars. The first Proton car, the Proton Saga, was launched in 1985 and quickly became popular due to its affordable price and high quality.

Over the years, Proton has developed a wide range of vehicles, including sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, and even sports cars. The company has also formed partnerships with other automotive manufacturers, including Lotus Engineering and Suzuki, to develop new technologies and improve the performance of its vehicles.

Proton’s Impact on Malaysia’s Automotive Industry

Proton’s establishment marked a significant milestone for Malaysia’s automotive industry. Prior to Proton, the country had no national car brand and relied heavily on imports. Proton’s success in creating an affordable and high-quality car brand helped to reduce Malaysia’s reliance on imports and contributed to the growth of the country’s automotive industry.

Proton’s success also led to the creation of another national car brand, Perodua, which was established in 1993. Perodua, like Proton, produces affordable cars for the Malaysian market and has become one of the leading car brands in the country.

Proton’s Achievements

Proton’s achievements over the years have been impressive. In 1993, the Proton Wira became the first Malaysian car to be exported to the United Kingdom. In 1996, the Proton Tiara became the first Malaysian car to be exported to Europe. Proton also achieved success in motorsport, with the Proton Satria Neo winning the APRC Rally Championship in 2011.

In recent years, Proton has focused on improving the quality and safety of its vehicles. The company has invested in research and development to improve the performance of its engines and has incorporated advanced safety features into its cars. Many of Proton’s vehicles now come with airbags, ABS brakes, and traction control as standard features.

Proton’s Future

Proton is well-positioned to continue growing and expanding its product offerings in the years to come. The company has established a strong reputation in Malaysia and has expanded its reach into other markets in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Australia. Proton has also formed partnerships with other automotive manufacturers to develop new technologies and improve the performance of its vehicles.

In 2017, Proton was acquired by China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding Group. The acquisition has allowed Proton to benefit from Geely’s expertise in technology and design, and has opened up new opportunities for Proton to expand its reach into global markets.

Proton’s history is a testament to the importance of national car brands in developing countries. The company has played a vital role in establishing Malaysia’s automotive industry and has achieved impressive success over the years. With a commitment to innovation and partnerships with other industry leaders, Proton is well-positioned to continue growing and expanding its product offerings in the years to come.