Here Comes Proton

Proton Savvy

Malaysian automaker Proton is all set to roll out their cars on Indian roads by early 2009.Even the line-up has been finalized and so also the engine configurations.

Proton Personna

The cars that would be here would the 1.2L Proton Savvy,the 1.5L Proton Saga,and the 1.6L Proton Personna.These cars are going to be available only in petrol engine options[though CNG and LPG variants too are expected].The all important diesel engines however seem to be missing.As regarding pricing these cars should be available on the lines of Maruti's cars[the wagon-r,dzire and the sx4 with the Proton Personna being the most expensive].

No mention has been made of Proton's Indian partner although I suspect as initially rumoured it would be Argentum Motors who would manufacture cars for them but don't know about dealershiphs and service networks.It would be a big challenge if Proton has to fend for itself in the Indian markets.Talks with Mahindra have failed after Mahindra are said to be dissapointed with regards to their Logan Flopshow.

[Source:The Economic times]
[image source:theautochannel,autospectator]

Argentum Motors to rollout hybrids

Oflately Argentum Motors seems to be in the news ever so often.Argentum Motors have now tied up with Heuliez[france] to roll out a Hybrid which would be showcased at the Paris Motor show.

Heulitz faces the equivalent chapter 11 bankruptcy right now has designed the hybrid system but Argentum Motors has funded the project and has ownership to the IPR.The electric hybrid small car would roll out at the paris motor show.

Argentum is already looking at rolling out cars for manufacturers like proton,peugeot from its surajpur plant.In addition to heuliez it is also looking at a technical collaboration with another french high end engineering serices company.

Argentum already has formed partnerships with Concentric asia pacific and Dassault systems.Looks like Mr.BVR Subbu is heading for something big but hopefully they don't have their hands at too many ventures at the same time.

[SOurce:EconomicTimes]

Argentum Motors to manufacture cars for Proton

After failed talks with a number of manufacturers in India,proton finally seems to have decided that it would be best if it comes to the Indian market on its own,ok not completely.Argentum motors is to manufacture cars for Proton for the Indian market while Proton would set-up its own dealership and service network in the country.

If you thought only Indian companies where affected by the bureaucracy then here's something for you,Proton's slow working style is being attributed to it being owned by the government.What also works against Proton is they do not manufacture too many cars like the rest and thus do not have the advantage of numbers.

What could also work against Proton is the pricing factor with proton cars supposedly targeting the higher end of the customer base but at the same time quality and finishing not in the same league of say a toyota.

Proton however do own Lotus and hopefully some of the good things will rub on to the Proton cars as well.

[source:Sify]

Argentum Motors - Global Powertrain Player

Argentum Motors is panning out to be a service provider for automobile manufacturers than a rival.Initially there were rumors that they where going to produce low budget cars in India to take on maruti and hyundai but all that looks more likely to only remain a rumour.

Argentum motors have tied up with Karmann GmbH to manufacture high end luxury cars for players like Mercedes-benz,Porsche,Bmw.Initially Argentum may focus on convertibles since they have an aluminium forging facility.Argentum has the second largest automotive manufacturing facility in India with a capacity of manufacturing upto 2 lakh cars per year.Argentum has a 4 lakh powertrain (engine and transmission) manufacturing capacity with a 37.5 tonnes forging facility.

Argentum motors have also tied up with software solutions provider Dassault Systems for designing and engineering of engine components for global automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).Under the new venture with Argentum Engineering Design (AED) it is aiming to provide powertrain solutions to various companies.Already Argentum has three OEMs as customers for its powertrains.

Argentum now looks more on the lines of a global powertrain player.

[Source:Economictimes,Sify]

Argentum Motors - A new force to reckon with

Finally Argentum Motors seems to be heading towards the right direction.Initially there was all this talk about them using the dyes of the outdated fiat uno and using it to sell a cheap diesel hatchback in the country.Argentum wants to become a much bigger player in the country,they have taken over the plant of Daewoo india ltd[the third largest automobile factory in the country] and not only are they looking at passenger car segment but also the light commercial vehicle as well as the commercial vehicle segment.

The Daimler-Hero JV may seek Argentum motors help for their LCV's.While Peugeot is considering a JV for manufacture of cars.In addition Proton malaysia[as part of their indian foray]too seem to be interested and have be in touch with Argentum is what is being said.Its unlikely however that both Proton as well as Peugeot could be part of the JV since they have not been able to get together internationally.Peugeot and Naza may be the likely candidates for the passenger car JV with Argentum.

Argentum has not officially commented on any of the developments and all they say is that they would be providing their component manufacturing facility to OEM's across the world.

Argentum Motors is a company floated by Mr.B.V.R Subbu, former President of Hyundai Motors, and Ajay Singh of Spice Jet.

[source:Machinist.in]

Also read:
Argentum Motors - Global Powertrain Player