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 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 - 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seems to be heading towards the right direction.Initially there was all this talk about them using the dyes of the outdated fiat uno and using it to sell a cheap diesel hatchback in the country.Argentum wants to become a much bigger player in the country,they have taken over the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

VW planning cheap sedan for asia-pacific region

Close on the heels of the dacia logan entry to India,VW wants a cheap sedan for the entire asia pacific region,and guess who its patner would be Proton.

VW may just use the proton brand for their cheap cars arm so that the VW brand image is not tarnished.

So much for the reliability aspect of their cars.