Upgrade incentive

Rebate incentive

THE idea of offering trade-in deals to encourage the owners of old bangers to buy new vehicles was mooted in 2007, to a somewhat more favourable response among car-owners than car-makers or dealers. If anything, the parallel notion that vehicles more than 15 or 20 years old should be taken off the roads entirely elicited more protest -- owners of vintage autos or beloved old boneshakers made up for their relatively small numbers with mighty dudgeon. The resurrection of the initiative now seems to have been informed by the earlier experience. Although the proposed RM5,000 "rebate" on purchases of new cars -- in reduced excise duties and other tax mechanisms, as opposed to cash refunds -- will be indeed an incentive to remove older vehicles from the roads, and should also appease consumers facing the squeeze of a leaner economy, its primary effect will be to help the car industry.

With vehicle sales in this country slumping 17.5 per cent last year compared with 2007 -- before the economic recession really began to bite -- the prognosis for the sector this year cannot be good. The overall decline was artificially eased by an only marginal reduction in commercial vehicle sales, which declined to 3,478 new units sold from the previous year's 3,564 -- just 86 fewer. This helped mask a precipitous 18.8 per cent decline in passenger-vehicle sales, the sector most directly targeted by the present proposal.

This time, Proton may not be the only manufacturer to accept the proposal, which was coolly received two years ago by the other car companies operating here. Of course, whatever conduces to keeping the national car-maker's production lines running would be well received by the corporation. The company's spirits remain buoyant since posting a RM52 million profit for the first quarter of 2008 on the popularity of its new Persona and Saga models, an impressive turnaround from losses of nearly as much in the corresponding period the year before. Early orders for the new Exora multi-purpose vehicle also seem encouraging, allowing Proton to view prospects at least for the rest of this year, if not the next, with some cautious optimism. Hopefully, the canny timing of this proposed trade-in rebate incentive will help secure those prospects, even as it takes some of the sting away from these leaner times for people wishing to continue enjoying that unique aspect of the good life that smells like a new car.

Proton engine Technology

Campro engine specification

CAMPRO engine is the combination name of Cam Profile engine developed by Proton with help from lotus technologies. Basically, Campro engine is just a normal engine which can be used with future latest technology like variable inlet and iafm. they claim that this engine provide more power and less fuel consumption. Recently, they have shown that what they claimed is true by winning the most fuel efficient family cars with Proton Persona.

CAMPRO ENGINE SPECIFICATION - PROTON ENGINE TECHNOLOGY ON SAGA, WAJA, SATRIA, PERSONA & GEN2

All Campro engines incorporate with drive-by-wire technology (specifically electronic throttle control) for better response,eliminating the need for friction-generating mechanical linkages and cables. There have been some issues with cracking oil pumps but apparently Proton have introduced a new part recently to solve this problem. A recall has not been announced.

CAMPRO Basic DOHC engine

The basic Campro engine coded as S4PH is a basic DOHC 16-valve 1.6 L engine that produces 110 bhp (82 kW) @ 6,000 rpm of power and 148 N·m (109 ft·lbf) of torque. This is the engine that powers the Proton Gen-2. The S4PH engine can be fitted with Cam Profile Switching (CPS) and Variable Inlet Manifold (VIM) technology. Besides this 1.6 Litre engine, Proton has produced the 1.3 Litre version of the Campro engine.

Even though the S4PH engine seems to be quite powerful at higher revs, its performance is reportedly sluggish at lower revs and this is proven by driving the Gen-2 uphill where drivers who drive the manual transmission version have to shift a lot between 2nd gear and 3rd gear. This is due to its torque dip in the crucial 2,000 ~ 3,000 rpm operating range, where the torque actually decreases before picking up back to the maximum torque at 4,000 rpm. This torque characteristic can be clearly seen in manufacturer published engine performance curves.

Another engine option for the basic DOHC engine is a 1.3L engine coded as S4PE. The S4PE engine produces 94 bhp (70 kW) @ 6,000 rpm and the torque of 120 N·m (89 ft·lbf) @ 4,000 rpm, which is more powerful than the other 1.3L rivals, even with variable valve timing technology, it also (like its bigger brother) displays a torque dip at typical engine speeds of 2,000 to 3,000 rpm.

The bore x stroke dimensions for both engines are as follows:-

S4PH (1.6L): 76 x 88 mm, resulting the displacement of 1598 cc.
S4PE (1.3L): 76 x 73.4 mm, resulting the displacement of 1332 cc.
Applications:-

2004 Proton Gen-2
2006 Proton Waja
2006 Proton Satria Neo
2007 Proton Persona

Campro CPS and VIM engine

The Campro CPS engine uses a variable valve lift system (Cam Profile Switching system) and a variable length intake manifold (VIM; not to be confused with the stand-alone IAFM used in the 2008 Proton Saga) to boost maximum power and improve the CPS engine’s torque curve over the standard DOHC Campro engine.

The engine’s Variable-length Intake Manifold (VIM) switches between a long intake manifold at low engine speeds and a short intake manifold at higher engine speeds. Proton is using a longer intake manifold to achieve slower air flow; as they found this promotes better mixing with fuel. The short intake manifold allows more air in faster. This is beneficial at high RPMs.

The Cam Profile Switching (CPS) system uses a trilobite camshaft to switch between two different cam profiles. One cam profile provides low valve lift, while the other cam profile has a high valve lift. The low valve lift cam profile is used at low to mid engine speeds to maintain idling quality and reduce emissions, while the high lift cam profile is used when the engine is spinning at mid to high engine speeds improve peak horsepower and torque.

VIM switches from the long to short runner at 4,800 rpm, while the CPS system switches over at 3,800 rpm. The result is 127 horsepower (96kW) at 6,500 rpm and 150Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm compared to the non-CPS Campro’s 110 horsepower (82kW) at 6,000 rpm and 148Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm[2]. Proton claims that there is better response and torque at low engine speeds of between 2000 - 2500 rpm.

The new CPS engine first made its debut in the facelifted Proton GEN2 launched in Thailand, and made its first Malaysian debut in the Proton Waja Campro 1.6 Premium (CPS). Besides the 1.6L version, the Campro CPS engine is also available in 1.8L version; however, the bigger 1.8L version has not yet debuted in any of Proton’s car (as on 30 April 2008) but rather made its first debut in a Malaysian-made hovercraft.

Applications:-

2008 Proton Gen-2 (H-line)
2008 Proton Waja

What Is Campro IAFM engine?

A Campro 1.3L IAFM mounted on a second generation Proton Saga.The Campro IAFM (Integrated Air-Fuel Module) is essentially a basic DOHC Campro engine equipped with a variable-length intake manifold, developed under a joint fast track programme which began in April 2005 by EPMB, Bosch and Proton. However, the IAFM differs from the VIM (Variable Inlet Manifold) for the Campro CPS engine in terms as follows:-

The IAFM is a stand-alone module that can be fitted with a basic DOHC Campro engine whereas the VIM needs to work in conjunction with the CPS system in a Campro CPS engine.
The IAFM is operated by the engine vacuum while the VIM uses an ECU-controlled solenoid.
The Integrated Air-Fuel Module for the Proton Campro engine debuted in the second-generation Proton Saga, which was launched on 18 January 2008. We first heard of it back in October 2006 where it was still in advanced tooling stages, and ever since then everyone has been eagerly awaiting for the first Campros to roll out with the new air fuel module.

With the IAFM, the 1.3L engine used in the Proton Saga now produces 98 bhp (73 kW) @ 6,500 rpm. The maximum torque is slightly reduced to 113.2 N·m (83.5 ft·lbf); however, the engine has broader torque range and the noticeable torque dip in the basic DOHC Campro engine has been eliminated. However, the official brochure is only published with the familiar 94 bhp (70 kW) @ 6,000 rpm power and 120 N-m @ 4,000 rpm torque for consistency with other 1.3L Proton models.

Meanwhile, the output of the 1.6L version of the IAFM engine which debuted in the 2008 Proton Gen-2 M-Line produces 110 bhp (82 kW) @ 6,500 rpm of power and 148 N·m (109 ft·lbf) of torque, and the torque dip around 2,500-3,500 rpm has been eliminated.

Applications:-

2008 Proton Saga
2008 Proton Gen-2 (M-line)
2008 Proton Persona

Hybrid Campro engine

In March 2007, Proton and Lotus have announced their concept model of a Proton Gen-2 powered by a hybrid powerplant that uses the Campro engine. The concept model was revealed during the 2007 Geneva Motor Show from 8 ~ 18 March 2007

The hybrid powerplant system, which is known as EVE system (Efficient, Viable, Environmental) will be using the same S4PH engine as the one that powers the present gasoline version of the Gen-2, combined together with a 30 kW, 144V electric motor. The main purpose of the hybrid powerplant system is to provide a hybrid system that can be retrofitted to existing models, retaining the same powerplant and also eliminates the need to develop a completely different platform, like the Honda Civic Hybrid. Unlike the IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) technology in the Civic Hybrid which uses a bulky Ni-MH battery pack, the EVE Hybrid system will use a Li-ion battery pack inside the engine bay.

The EVE Hybrid System will have 3 key technologies:-

“Micro-hybrid” start-stop system - An integrated starter-alternator system is installed to switch off the engine automatically when the engine stops, for example at the traffic light. The engine will automatically restart when the gas pedal is depressed.
Full parallel hybrid technology - Combines the existing S4PH engine with a 30 kW, 144V electric motor, resulting in higher power (141 bhp combined), higher torque (233 N-m combined), lower emission (up to 22% carbon dioxide reduction) and better fuel economy (up to 4.6 L/100 km[13]). The system also includes regenerative braking system.

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) - The CVT system provides an infinite number of gear ratios for better efficiency.

The combined power and torque for the powerplant system are as follows:-

Max power (gasoline engine only): 110 bhp (82 kW/112 PS) @ 6,000 rpm
Max torque (gasoline engine only): 148 N·m (109 ft·lbf) @ 4,000 rpm
Max power (combined): 141 bhp (105 kW/143 PS) @ 5,500 rpm
Max torque (combined): 233 N·m (172 ft·lbf) @ 1,500 rpm (limited to 180 N-m continuous)
Proton will start commercializing their upcoming hybrid vehicles equipped with the EVE Hybrid System within 2010-2011

CAMPRO ENGINE SPECIFICATION BY PROTON

Developed in partnership with Lotus Engineering, this engine grants PROTON complete vehicle design independence. Its breakthrough engine technology produces low fuel consumption, yet gives rapid, high power response, and can even be produced to run on alternative fuels.

Its represents true world class powertrain engineering, and a revolutionary step forward in engine manufacture, with low toxic emissions, low noise levels and above all, highly economical maintenance of long service intervals.


Major design objectives :

- Space-saving transverse east-west direction engine installation

- Designed for long life of at least 10 years or 250,000 km

- Best performance in class

- Flexibility to use future technology (CPS & NGV)

- 80% recyclable to meet 2005 requirements

- comply to future exhaust emission legislation requirement

CAMPRO UNIQUE DESIGN FEATURES

1. Modular Engine Design - Common Cylinder, Piston, Camshaft.

2. Design Protected for future Combustion Technology (AVT) , Performance Technology ( CDA & CPS), Low Emission (DI-NGV, Diesel.)

CAMPRO CPS ENGINE TECHNOLOGY (CPS & VIM)

The Campro engine utilizes two ingenious technologies to give high power and rapid response, whilst maintaining low fuel consumption. Cam Profile Switching (CPS) and Variable Intake Manifold (VIM) technology.

Together, these technologies give the best if both worlds, essentially combining the best characteristics of two different engines in one compact package. The usual reduction in peak torque caused by High Lift cams is corrected by the Long Runner. The short runner works with the high lift cams to re-tune the engine and generate more power at high speed.

HOW CAMPRO CPS & VIM ENGINE WORKS

Engines create power from combusting a mixture of fuel and air. Valve lift creates a gap to draw air into the combustion chamber, and this gap influences the ratio of air in the mixture. Ordinary engines have fixed rate of valve lift, but Cam Profile Switching gives variable valve lift, for optimised airflow into the engine. A High Lift cam profile improves maximum power, whilst the Low profile offers fuel efficiency and low emissions.

Air is supplied to the valves by the engine’s intake manifold. Variable intake Manifold technology intelligently changes the rate of “breathing” according to the engine speed. At low speed, air will drawn through the Long Runner manifold. The resulting slower air flow allows more efficient, thorough mixing of air with fuel. At high speeds, the Short Runner takes over to supply more air for combustion, faster.

IAFM (Intake Air Flow Module)

The CAMPRO engine is now enhanced with a new air intake management system - the Intergrated Air Fuel Module (IAFM) technology. It helps the engine “breathe” better at offer you the best of both worlds - greater fuel efficiency at low speeds and better performance at high speeds. Be it a short one to the shops or a cross-state roadtrip, every drive will be one you’ll enjoy.

Proton Persona on the automative industry

Over 8000 bookings for Proton Persona

The Proton Persona has received an better than expected response so far, scoring over 8,000 bookings since the car was launched slightly This includes the 2,200 bookings that were made before the Persona was launched.

“We are happy with the response received thus far. We are also touched by our consumers belief in us. Two thousand two hundred of them booked the Persona without seeing it during the pre-launch activities and now we have over 8,000 bookings. On behalf of PROTON, I would like to thank all those who have and are continuing to support us. Quality issues previously brought up by consumers have been addressed in the Persona. The PROTON i.CARE initiative was rolled out specifically with this in mind. We want our consumers to know that we are not merely paying lip-service to the You Can Count On Us promise but every PROTON employee, myself included, will strive towards delivering this promise,” said Proton managing director Syed Zainal.

Proton expects to sell about 4,000 units of the Proton Persona a month, and it looks like the public has received it well so far. I hope the Persona stands the test of time in terms of both sales as well as quality. We now wait patiently for the Proton BLM, which will replace the aging Proton Saga.

Proton Persona SE

What makes Persona SE so special.

PROTON already launched a special edition of its award-winning car, the Persona Special Edition SE which features new enhancements on 26 august 2008. What makes this Persona SE so special? Lets take a look. Is it so special?

Well, exterior wise, we unfortunately will say “NO”! Why? because of there are not many changes on the looks of the Persona SE compared to Proton Persona basic model. Unlike Proton Wira SE that showed much different with the exterior compared to the basic wira model.

exterior should be made differently so that people would easily identify “oh! that is the persona SE! Its cool!” from far without looking at the writings “persona SE” behind of the car.

There is only bezel black head lamp which I would say “cool”. The sport rim is not so sporty compared to wira SE and the door handle? Uh.. Not important to make it in chrome.

Instead of hitting the bad of the exterior changes, I would like to say the interior is cool! Why? Because of integration with GPS, auto cruise and full leather finishing. This features is what we call “special” for a car that priced at about RM60k. Yeah..

The winner of the Frost and Sullivan 2008 Best Model of the Year, the Persona will now spot a more elegant and exclusive look following a comprehensive re-styling on both the car’s interior and exterior.

Persona now comes with NGV kits

Proton cars to come with NGV kits

KUALA LUMPUR: National carmaker Proton is considering fitting its Waja, Saga and Persona models with NGV (Natural Gas for Vehicles) kits by year-end.

Company sources revealed that they were in the midst of doing this.

The kits will be fitted at production level and come with a warranty.

Car show: Workers standing next to the zero-defect Proton Saga at a Proton factory in Shah Alam yesterday. Proton has said it will fit its cars with NGV kits by yearend in an attempt to reduce dependency on petrol. — AP

Sources said that the kits would be competitively priced as Proton had ample sales volume.

“The Waja and Saga models fitted with NGV kits will be offered first to taxi drivers.

“There are also plans to offer the kits to earlier Proton models,” said the sources.

Proton Persona Launched at Middle East Market.

Proton Persona In Saudi & Egypt

PROTON Holdings Berhad is strengthening its Middle Eastern market with simultaneous launching of its Persona model.

The model was first launched in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, followed by Cairo Egypt. The two launches would be followed by a series of launches in Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and Syria market over the next two months.

The Persona was launched by PROTON Holdings Berhad Managing Director Dato’ Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 22 November and in Egypt on 24 November. The Gen2 model was also jointly launched in Egypt.

Dato’ Syed Zainal says that it is important for PROTON to ensure that it strengthens its presence in the Middle Eastern region, particularly Saudi Arabia and Egypt, being two of the larger markets in the region.

PROTON had entered the Saudi market in 2006 when it introduced the Waja model via a smart partnership collaboration with local outfit Al Rashed Al Thunayan Auto Co.

In Egypt, PROTON first launched Waja and Wira models in 2001 and in 2006 brought in the Gen.2 hatchback. Similarly, PROTON had also established a smart partnership with an Egyptian company Alpha Ezz Elarab Co. as its distributor in the country.

“The decision to enter into the Middle East market was a natural progression for us being in the automotive sector. After more than 20 years in this industry, we now have presence in more than 24 countries worldwide,” says Dato’ Syed Zainal. He added that the launch of Persona in these two countries is testament to the strength of PROTON’s partnerships and commitment to the respective countries.

Both Al Rashed Al Thunayan Auto Co. and Alpha Ezz Elarab Co. have been instrumental in the development of PROTON sales in Saudi and Egypt respectively.

The Persona, dubbed as PROTON’s “pride and joy”, signifies the company’s commitment to build the right car, at the right time and at the right price. Known for its advanced styling, generous interior and expansive luggage space, the Persona was developed with consumers in mind and PROTON’s commitment to improve every quality aspect, from design, styling and production to sales and after-sales.

Under the bonnet, the Persona is powered by the enhanced Campro IAFM (intake air fuel module) engine, which promises smooth drivability and riding comfort. On top of that, the car is also being engineering by Lotus promising an excellent ride and handling experience for the customer.

These attributes and qualities have won Persona the Best Model of the Year for Malaysia at the 2008 Frost & Sullivan Automotive Awards for the South East Asian (ASEAN) market. To date, the Persona has received more than 59,000 bookings in Malaysia.

Proton Persona Specification

What should we know about "our pride and joy".

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Proton Persona

About the new Proton Persona The booking fee is RM 500. The booking fee is transferable but strictly non-refundable. The new Proton Persona comes in 5 variants: 1.6 Base Line Model - 2 variants (AT and MT). This variant is a Base model with 4 power windows, CD player and basic features. 1.6 Medium Line Model - 2 variants (AT and MT). This variant is the Medium range model and has additional features from the Base Line variant, such as driver's airbag, alloy rims, foldable rear seats, MP3 player and electric door mirror. 1.6 High Line Model – (Only available in AT). This variant is an extension of the Medium range variant, with features such as dual airbags, ABS, and EBD. This new car includes our extended warranty package, which provides warranty support + coverage for up to five years. The interest rate for financing the car is 4.1% Delivery lead-time from booking date is approximately 4-6 weeks. Status of delivery lead-time will be communicated regularly. FAQs On the Specifications, Design and Quality Standard Question: Is this a Mitsubishi based model? Answer: No, since the Waja, there has not been any Mitsubishi-based model. Question: Is this new car running on the Campro engine? Answer: Yes, it is running on the Proton Campro Engine, with improved TCU for better performance. Question: What is the engine specification? Answer: 1.6L – Max Power: 82kw (110bhp) @ 6000rpm Max Torque 148NM @ 4000rpm Question: What is the standard service interval? Answer: Every 10,000km. Question: Can I test drive before buying? Answer: Yes, please visit the nearest Proton showroom for test drives. Question: What colours will be available? Iridescent White, Solid Red, Light Gold, Tranquility Black, Metal Grey & Blueberry Tea. Solid White will be available from September 2007 onwards. Question: What are the dimensions of the New Sedan? Answer: Overall Length Overall Width Overall Height Fuel Capacity Luggage Volume Weight 4477mm 1725mm 1438mm 50 L 430 L 1180 - 1210 KG Question: What are the differences between the variants? Answer: 1.6 L Base-Line (MT & AT) 1.6 L Medium-Line (MT & AT) 1.6 L High-Line (AT) Steel Wheels with 195/60 R15 tyres with wheel cover Alloy Sports Rims with 195/60 R15 tyres Alloy Sports Rims with 195/60 R15 tyres - - ABS anti-lock braking with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) Central Locking Central Locking Central Locking FR & RR Power Windows FR & RR Power Windows FR & RR Power Windows Alarm with Immobilizer Alarm with Immobilizer Alarm with Immobilizer Brakes: Fr Discs, Rear Drum Brakes: Fr Discs, Rear Drum Brakes: Fr & Rear Discs Remote Door Mirrors Electrically operated door mirrors Electrically operated door mirrors - Driver's Airbag Driver & Front Passenger Airbags Reverse Sensors Reverse Sensors Reverse Sensors Fixed Rear Seat Foldable, split rear seats Foldable, split rear seats - Multi function audio control buttons on the steering wheel Multi function audio control buttons on the steering wheel Radio & CD Player with 2 speakers CD and MP3 Player with 4 speakers CD and MP3 Player with 4 speakers - Front Fog Lamps Front Fog Lamps - - Remote Trunk Opening

New Face of Proton Persona in Australia

Persona Brings A Fresh New Face And Improved Quality For Proton In Australia.


Proton Cars has launched an all-new Persona onto the Australian market with fresh styling, improved build quality and better performance. The new Persona shares only its name with the previous Proton Persona model, a car that was sold in Australia between 1995 and 2005. The new model however is based on the Proton designed and developed GEN.2 platform and uses an improved version of Proton's own Campro 1.6 liter twin cam engine.
The new Persona will come to market with a recommended retail price of $16,990 plus on roads for the five speed manual and $18,990 for the four speed automatic. It will be available in one fully equipped trim level, underlining the car's tremendous value. Gallery: 2008 Proton Persona An expansive standard equipment list includes ABS antilock brakes with EBD, driver and front passenger SRS airbags, climate control air conditioning, power windows, remote keyless entry and boot release, electric remote control mirrors, electronic reversing sensors, AM/FM/MP3/CD audio system and alloy wheels.
The interior is a refinement of the current GEN.2 design with its sporty Lotus inspired instrument binnacle and air conditioning controls while incorporating a new black and grey dash trim, an integrated glove box, new door mounted power window and remote mirror controls as well as improved seats and a redesigned center console.
The Persona has been a runaway success in its native Malaysia, where it has helped return Proton to profit and boosted market share for the company. The Malaysian domestic sales success has come on the back of dramatic improvements in build quality, driveability and interior design.
According to Proton Cars Australia managing director, John Startari, the new Persona delivers on the basics offering buyers a better overall package while maintaining Proton's reputation for excellent fuel economy, high equipment levels and value for money. "The first thing Persona drivers will notice is the integrity and quality improvements as well as the lift in performance thanks to better engine management programming," said John Startari.
"Add these improvements to the already pleasing styling and the remarkable ride and handling package engineered by Lotus and the Persona is clearly the most complete and pleasing car the company has produced so far," he added.
While Persona shares its DNA and many styling cues with its sibling the GEN.2, Proton stylists have refined the design delivering a refined, simple but elegant sedan which projects its own individuality.
"Persona certainly answers the potential the Proton marque has been promising since starting its own design and development program almost a decade ago," said John Startari.
Style, safety, spaciousness, practicality, quality, comfort and performance are the seven key areas that guided Proton designers in formulating a package to meet the requirements and expectations of a wide spectrum of buyers.
Persona is strategically positioned as an entry-level four-door sedan, designed and priced for universal appeal to the first time car buyer, replacement car buyer, or families purchasing a second car.
"The new Persona is the manifestation of the new attitude, new processes and the new approach embraced by the company and its personnel," Startari added.
Persona produces maximum power of 82kW at 6000rpm and 148Nm of torque at 4000rpm, however more importantly it delivers fuel economy of just 4.5ltr/100km on the highway cycle for the manual transmission car, the equivalent of 62 miles per gallon in the old money.
Safety has been a high priority for Proton designers both in active and passive terms with a number of refinements to make the car more user friendly.
Active safety is projected via improved steering and handling capabilities, making the new Persona more responsive, predictable and stable, allowing more precision to the driver.
The engineering of the Persona was undertaken in tandem with subsidiary Lotus, a move that maximised the car's safety through a more secure cabin and better structural rigidity.
Persona boasts a spacious 430-litre boot compartment with 60/40 split fold rear seats meaning plenty of luggage space.

New Persona sedan

Proton launches Persona sedan

The Persona will replace the Proton Wira - one of Proton’s highest volume sellers since 1993.

Persona prices range from RM44,999, for the Base Line variant with five-speed manual gear box up, to RM55,800, for the High Line version with four-speed automatic transmission.

The new model, together with Proton's new ventures in China, will "mark the emergence of Proton from its low ebb,'' Managing Director Syed Zainal Abidin said in the company statement.

Proton has been losing money and market share in Malaysia, Southeast Asia's biggest passenger car market.

Proton said in its statement it could sell up to 48,000 units of the car during the first 12 months.

The company, which is 43 percent-owned by Khazanah Nasional, reported a loss of RM591.4 million ringgit for the year ended March 31, 2007 but it expects to be profitable in the new financial year.

Last month, Proton said it would sell at least 30,000 cars to Chinese firm Youngman Automobile Manufacturing Co., marking its first foray into China.

The car maker is also still in talks with Germany's Volkswagen AG on a possible alliance, with a final decision expected to be made by the end of the year, officials have said.

Proton has also pledged to cut costs, boost exports and introduce new models to prop up sales.

Besides the new Persona sedan, Proton reportedly plans to release other models including a multipurpose vehicle in 2009, officials said.

Proton banking on Persona

Proton is the second car seller in the country.

SHAH ALAM: Proton is banking on its latest sedan, the Persona, to restore its position as the No. 1 car company in the country.

The four-door 1.6 sedan, costing between RM44,999 and RM55,800 will replace the Wira model.

Proton Holdings Bhd chairman Datuk Mohammed Azlan Hashim said given the popularity of the long-standing Wira, “extra effort” was put in to ensure that the Persona surpassed customer expectations in terms of value for money, quality and after-sales services.

“God willing, this car can put Proton quickly back on the road to regaining its premier position in the country,” he said yesterday in his welcoming speech at the launch.

Royal presence: The King and Queen looking at the newly launched Persona in Shah Alam on Wednesday. With them are Mohammed Azlan (behind the King) and Proton Holdings Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir.

The Persona, he said, would allow the public to better judge the “resilience and ability of Proton to go forward from this new model onwards.”

Perodua is the top car seller in the country with Proton taking second spot.

Mohammed Azlan said that 2,200 bookings had been received for the Persona over the past three weeks, even before the launch of the car.

“This is a clear indication that the Malaysian public believe Proton can be counted on to deliver all its promises,” he added.

He also said that the company was optimistic its sales target of 30,000 to 40,000 Persona units over the next 12 months could be achieved.

The Persona is available in five variants – the 1.6 base-line auto and manual, 1.6 medium-line auto and 1.6 high-line auto.

Saying that Proton still had a lot to do and learn, Mohammed Azlan added that “we will embrace change where required in a rapidly changing environment.”

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin officiated at the launch of the Persona. Also present was Raja Permaisuri Agung Tuanku Nur Zahirah

Facts you need to know about kereta Persona

Here's my thoughts about kereta persona.

With the introduction of its Persona sedan today, Proton is hoping to quietly go about winning over Malaysian consumers again with the latest addition to its family. In many ways, the vehicle is arguably the most important card the company has played, and represents, in its own words, a manifestation of the changes and transformation that have taken place at the company.

Rather personable, even in basic form.

Proton is positioning the Persona – which bases its workings around the GEN.2 hatch platform, with 70% commonisation of parts – as an entry-level sedan, but is targeting a wide spectrum of buyers for the vehicle, the direct replacement for the ageing Wira, of which production has finally ceased.

Blueberry tea, anyone?

The Persona is available in Base, Medium and High Line model form, with a choice of F5M41 five-speed manual or F4A41 four-speed automatic transmission versions. The Base and Medium Line offers both manual and auto variants, with the High Line version only available in auto.

Tail hangs together quite well, actually.

The 110bhp and 148Nm 1.6l Campro engine continues to hold court, but revisions to the transmission control unit means that the behavioral patterns of the auto version are different. Benefits include a smoother low to mid-speed operation, and quicker response to acceleration as well as faster instantaneous kickdown.

Purple is the base tone for blueberry tea.

As ever, close attention continues to be paid to ride and handling, and the claim is that the Persona is, over a nine-area spread of vehicle dynamics, not just naturally ahead of the antiquated Wira, but modern equivalents such as the Honda City and Toyota Vios as well, bettered only in areas of lane change stability and cornering stability by the Gen.2.

Inside, the cabin continues on the familiarity, but there are differences in how the form is sculpted; besides the noticeable extra storage areas, it is in the area of material composition – texture, feel, coordination – and fitment in which the biggest improvements have been made.

Looks somewhat the same, but it's all tighter and textured better.

The two-tone grey interior features newly designed front seats and headrests, as well as fabric-lined door panels. Both medium and high line models come with a three-spoke steering wheel with integrated audio switches, and the base line model is equipped with a two-speaker, double DIN CD receiver, while the medium and high line versions come shod with a CD/MP3 receiver, four-speaker system.

Speaking of storage space, there’s plenty to be had aside from revised storage compartments, cubbyholes and – yes, finally – a glove box. As is, the boot area is pretty large, with 430l of storage capacity, but in both medium and high line models, the rear seats can be folded flat to further increase volumetric scope to accommodate bulky items.

Let's cluster around each other, said one dial to the other.

If it’s dual SRS front airbags with seatbelt pretensioners, ABS and EBD you’re looking for, then the High Line version is it - it also gets four disc brakes. The medium line gets a driver’s airbag and seatbelt pretensioner.

Proton gave the media a preview session with the car earlier in the week, and up close in the flesh, the exterior design can be termed cleanly efficient. There is undoubtedly a strong resemblance to the GEN.2 in how the overall styling lines shape up, and the wrap-around rear lamp cluster looks more than a sight familiar, but the boot extension does flow through nicely and the lines are proportionate.

A name from the past, but now symbolising a new beginning.

A brief drive session with the variants around the Proton test track in Shah Alam returned a favourable initial drive impression. On the whole, the Persona has a no-nonsense appeal about it – it is softer in its approach to ride and handling, no surprise given that it has to appeal to a wider spectrum of buyers, but even with this compliance offers good balance and poise. Linear would best describe it in areas of stability and tracking, and quick directional shifts – to the point of outright provocation – are carried out with a reassuring efficiency.

Block soldiers on, but tranny control unit gets some positive revisions.

As for the workings of the powertrain/drivetrain, it does have more zip about it at low-level operation, though the action still really only begins once the revs are up. The auto tranny feels surprisingly good though in other areas of operation, especially in terms of smoothness and transition, and the performance gap between it and the manual is not that marked, at least not in outright feel. A more in-depth performance report is on the cards, soon.

Wheel you grow to appreciate this one, in time?

There’s a choice of seven colours for the Persona; six of these – Solid Red, Light Gold, Metal Grey, Tranquility Black, Iridescent White and Blueberry Tea – are available with the launch. The seventh, solid white, will be available from September.

A moving sight ...

The company hopes to achieve a monthly sales target of 4,000 units for the newest addition to its line-up. With 2,000 pre-launch bookings, and 2,600 cars off the assembly line by the launch date, this should mean relatively quick deliveries for the initial order.

In fact, 350 vehicles will be delivered to buyers today, with the idea of getting the car on the road and visible from day one, surely a step in the right direction for a company hoping to project to consumers its new values and commitment it is subscribing to. Now, all that remains is for time to tell if these efforts pay off.

Pricing for the Persona is as follows (all on-the-road, with insurance):

Peninsular Malaysia

Base Line 1.6MT manual - RM44,999 (solid), RM45,449 (metallic)

Base Line 1.6AT auto - RM47,999 (solid), RM48,449 (metallic).

Medium Line 1.6MT manual - RM49,800 (metallic)

Medium Line 1.6AT auto - RM52,800 (metallic)

High Line 1.6AT - RM55,800 (metallic).

East Malaysia

Base Line 1.6MT manual - RM47,559.10 (solid), RM48,009.10 (metallic)

Base Line 1.6AT auto - RM50,542 (solid), RM50,992 (metallic)

Medium Line 1.6MT manual - RM52,331.60 (metallic)

Medium Line 1.6AT auto - RM55,314.50 (metallic)

High Line 1.6AT auto - RM57,241.10 (metallic)