Proton to enter Indian market

Malaysian automaker Proton has revealed plans to compete in the burgeoning Indian market from early next year with a three-model line-up incorporating the small Savvy, bigger Saga and with the recently released Persona as its flagship. The three models are currently undergoing field trials on the sub-continent to ensure they are up to the rigors of Indian roads. In line with the testing program, Proton is also negotiating with a yet-to-be-named joint-venture partner capable of not only marketing the cars in India but also building them. Unusually, Proton is developing its Indian cars to run on compressed natural gas (CNG) in a bid to maximize fuel cost efficiency. “Our cars are CNG compatible which is widely accepted and used in India,” Managing Director Syed Zainal said. Proton, which is already selling cars in China, Iran, Pakistan, the U.K. and Australia, is keen to break into India, the world’s second-fastest growing vehicle market where more than 75% of the market is made up of hatchbacks and compacts, cars that are Proton’s staple products. (July 5, 2008)<BR>