Bojan Vrbnjak
We know them, although on the other hand, neither. We're not talking about their neighbors, but about cars that stayed that way unnoticeable, that even today they only know them die-hard fans. Such models were not necessarily failures, but they were under the scrutiny of the average car buyer. We're talking about Proton. You may remember this term at chemistry class. But as a car manufacturer? Even we, proven connoisseurs of old sheet metal, recently stood a bit confused at the cash register Hofer with a toy Proton Saga Hot Wheels in the hands. Maximum angularity, maximum unknown.
But slowly it dawned on us. There was something about Mitsubishi and Malaysia. That's why we sat down at the computer to unravel the whole thing. And you, dear readers, are now part of it. So: Proton is short for Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional, which in translation means "National Automobile Company". Like many emerging Asian countries (such as South Korea) it is also Malaysia wanted to have her own car industry. Similar to the Hyundai in South Korea he was here in the game Mitsubishi. Proton was founded in 1983 at the initiative of the Prime Minister at the time Mahathir bin Mohamad with cooperation between society Heavy Industries of Malaysia and Japanese car manufacturers Mitsubishi. Even today, the state of Malaysia is the main shareholder of the company Proton. The main factory is located in the city Shah alam in the federal state Selangor. The second factory is in Tanjong Malimu in Perak, where factory premises and supplier premises cover 30 percent of the area Proton City.
The original brand was a yellow star on a dark blue background. The outline was diamond shaped (think Mitsubishi!). Production began in 1985. At first, he made all the car parts Mitsubishi, and over time, Malaysian companies produced more and more components. In September 1985, he is the first Proton Saga drove straight to the National Museum of Malaysia. Exactly like the model from Hofer of the year 2023. Formally speaking, real fans quickly realize that it is mostly about Mitsubishi Lancer from 1983. However, it was cleverly adapted for independence, as you can see in the cover photo. Ten years later he was Proton already successful in the UK, as Malaysia came from the British colonies and was a member Commonwealth. In 1995, the brand also appeared on the German market and tried to get points with good prices.
The model range remained completely recognizable by Mitsubishi: series 300 has been in effect since 1991 Colt, series 400 pa Lancer. "Knight"In"Wira” were the names of the series in their home country. German or European markings were surprisingly reminiscent of Rovers, as Proton also referred to volume. So 413, 415, 416 and 418 and a 2,0-liter diesel engine in the version 420 TD. A four-speed automatic transmission was available as an option on some models. It is interesting that the cars Proton 400 quite different from vehicles Mitsubishi Lancer. The headlights are from the model Mitsubishi Colt from 1992, rear lights from the model Galant hatchback from 1987, bumpers from the model Mitsubishi Mirage, and the dashboard was also changed. In addition to the sedan, a hatchback was also available, which Mitsubishi did not reintroduce until 1995 with the model Carisma.
After the introduction Proton to the German market is the competent authority ADAC (German Automobile Club) rated the model 415 (hatchback) and 416 (notchback) as “simple versions of the Colt and Lancer". It was found that they were malaysian cars for about 2.000 marks cheaper from the Japanese. Proton 415 GLSi stood exactly 23.990 DEM. Although the 90 hp engine was not quiet, it did its job quite well and economically (8,1 liters of normal gasoline per 100 km). The criticisms were intended simple interior and drivers airbags, which had to be paid extra. 4,27-meter hatchback earned praise for “stable and safe driving in corners and responsive steering". By the way, the limo was long 4,36 meters.
But despite six-year warranty the Proton models remained outsiders, probably because they were too average. Buys 418 LRS with 135 hp for 32.990 German marks was particularly rare. Quasi Proton accelerator. There were about 200 dealers in Germany, but they could not sell more than 2.000 vehicles per year. It didn't help that the 300 and 400 models were sold as top prizes in games like “Wheel of Fortune”Or“All or nothing". In 2001, the company withdrew from Germany. Nowadays they are used Protons very rare; you only need one hand to count the available vehicles. Yes, they look boring, but they apply robust and even spare parts are said to still be available. So if anyone is looking for an extremely special type of classic car, here's an idea.
One automotive curiosity was not exported: Proton Tiara (1996-2000) was identical in construction Citroën AX, but was only available as a five-door model. And what happened to society Proton? In 1996, Proton bought a majority stake British car manufacturer Lotus, and since 2003 he has been the 100% owner of this company. December 2004 Proton bought a majority stake in the Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta. In addition to the parent brand, MV Agusta also owned the brand at the time Husqvarna in Cagiva. At the beginning of 2006, this stake was sold again. In 2002, he had Proton in Malaysia approximately 60% market share. By 2005, this share had dropped to 30 percent. Years 2017 is a Chinese car manufacturer Geely took over 49,9 percent of Proton in 100 percent Lotus.
