Proton has announced to Bursa Malaysia that it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Nissan Motor Co Ltd of Japan to conduct feasibility studies on specific areas of cooperation between the two parties, including the potential use of Nissan platforms and powertrains. Feasibility studies will begin today and are expected to end by the 30th of April 2011 – about 2 months time.
This is the first time we’ve heard officially of Proton and the Renault-Nissan Alliance working together since they tied up in a three way relationship of sorts with Genii capital in F1. We’ve heard talks in the past about Proton looking into Nissan platforms and powertrains for its new global compact car, previewed as the Proton EMAS some time ago. Two versions of the Proton EMAS are planned – an everyday car under the Proton badge and another sportier, more powerful and premium version under the Lotus badge.
We also hear that Proton will also be using the Nissan Fuga as a Perdana replacement model for senior government personnel usage only, and the Nissan Fuga has been spotted in the Proton COE carpark in the last few months.
