Proton To Venture In India

The Malaysian national carmaker Proton is considering to venture into the Indian car market. It will enter the growing Indian market with a range of hatchbacks and saloons.

Proton Holdings Berhad, Managing Director, H S Z A B Syed Mohamed Tahir, said the company would intensify its export programme to diversify into various market segments and reduce dependence on the domestic market.

The Malaysian carmaker is likely to roll out its Savvy hatchback and the Saga and Persona sedans in Indian. Proton earlier had talks with Mahindra & Mahindra and contract manufacturer Argentum Motors, but the partnership couldn’t happen. Now the company is on the lookout for other possible tie-ups to enter into the lucrative car market of India.

The Malaysian carmaker sees price and fuel efficiency as the two USPs its cars will have, as well as compatibility with alternative fuels like CNG and perhaps LPG.

Apart from Malaysia, Proton cars are sold in China, Iran, Pakistan, the UK and Australia, and the company now wants to focus on the Indian car market.