Volkswagen to supply 3 models to Proton
After a failed partnership with Volkswagen AG, Proton signed an agreement on the 28th of January indicating that the two companies will collaborate on certain projects but abandoning any possibilities of a joint-venture involving an equity stake. Volkswagen will also supply certain parts to Proton.
Something has come out of the new fresh discussions so far. Volkswagens executive director for international sales Kevin Rose has shed a bit of light on the shroud surrounding Proton and Volkswagens new partnership at the launch of Volkswagens new HQ in Wisma UOA, Bangsar.
Rose said Proton is likely to use two or three of Volkswagen platforms to develop new cars. These are likely to be cars not in Protons current portfolio. In my opinion, Proton is lacking an entry-level budget car to replace the Proton Saga/Iswara, an MPV and an executive sedan to replace the Proton Perdana.
This seems to be a one-way relationship akin to the previous Proton-Mitsubishi tie up back when Proton was first formed. Protons new relationship with Mitsubishi is supposed to be more of a two-way collaboration, signifying perhaps Mitsubishi acknowledges Proton has grown up and is a lot closer to the same level as they are. Big daddy Volkswagen clearly sees Proton as an angsty teenage kid who doesnt quite know which path to take in life.
February 17, 2006 @ 7:08 am
…when the the news announced thatt he talks between VW and Proton was over…i could not believe it…i know VW will never let such an opportunity slip away….cause Proton is in such a mess…to W this would be the best time to take advantage of the situation…..
February 17, 2006 @ 7:49 am
could not agree more with iguanaa
February 17, 2006 @ 10:11 am
i can’t wait to see what sort of cars would arise… hope to see German-quality protons soon
February 17, 2006 @ 11:05 am
signifying perhaps Mitsubishi acknowledges Proton has grown up and is a lot closer to the same level as they are oh come on for crying out loud, you gotta be kidding paul. proton has grown up, but to same level as mitsu? not by a few soccer fields.
February 17, 2006 @ 11:53 am
I said closer to the same level. Not same level. *pengsan*
February 17, 2006 @ 1:13 pm
“Proton is lacking an entry-level budget car to replace the Proton Saga/Iswara..”
i second to this.made a reliable-entry level car than it will be a hit.4g13 and 4g15 is too old.
February 17, 2006 @ 1:42 pm
hohoho… dont forget Mitsu is THE ONLY japs carmaker in red plus lotsa scandals… proton nearing there? yeah i agree!!!
February 17, 2006 @ 2:30 pm
don’t forget also that mitsu has EVO and they used to make the GTO and FTO. and Pajero was king of SUV a decade ago. not really proton moving up to mitsu level, more like mitsu has fallen towards proton’s direction with bad QC and lousy management. proton is like moving an inch in a 100,000 mile journey, close? hardly
and hey, i am not anti proton, so much can be done and i feel there are immense potentials for proton/malaysia in the auto industry. but can proton realise those potentials? wish we could help, but guess we just have to wait and see.
February 17, 2006 @ 3:07 pm
yea bummerboy is rite, mitsu has fallen closer to proton’s level, not proton rising to mitsu’s . LOL.
i hope proton comes up with an SUV soon. that will be interesting. proton gen-3 or smtg. HAha