Proton Iriz planned to be sold in India, CKD possible

Proton_Iriz_ 001

With more and more countries slated to receive the Proton Iriz, it appears the “global car” is finally about to see the world. The latest nation added to the list is India, which may even assemble the B-segment hatch, according to a report by Autocar Professional.

Proton chief technical officer of group engineering Abdul Rashid Musa told the Indian industry journal that the company is in the midst of undergoing a feasibility study into understanding the Indian market and building the right product for it. He adds that Proton is looking into a local partnership to either distribute or assemble its cars as an option.

“There are some specific, not trade barriers, but I would say specifications like reduction of tariffs if the car is below 4 metres in length,” Rashid said. “Market to market, there are different priorities that may or may not pose a challenge. We have a sub-4-metre car – the Iriz – but the challenge is the diesel price in India.

Proton_Iriz_ 002

“In a market which favours diesel, and the diesel price is lower than petrol, it is a challenge as we have a stronger petrol portfolio in Malaysia where diesel is used mostly for commercial vehicles.”

As a matter of fact, Rashid has alluded to a diesel-powered Iriz before – during the press drive event last October, he said that Proton was considering acquiring diesel engines from other manufacturers for export markets. If that’s the case, the company will already have an oil-burning small hatchback ready for the world’s second fastest growing automotive market.

Proton’s entry into the Indian market has been long forthcoming – it was originally aiming for a 2011 introduction and (as it is doing now) was looking to source diesel engines from other OEMs. That project, however, seems to have been put on the backburner until now.

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • haha … Rakyat smart oledi….
    hahahaha

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 40
    • Ah Beng (Member) on Mar 30, 2015 at 11:12 am

      Rakyat smart oledi. That’s why you see there are many PROTON IRIZ on the road than Myvi facelift 2015.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 85 Thumb down 37
      • Ah Beng ProtonFan on Mar 30, 2015 at 11:44 am

        Finally DrM bring Proton and Bolehland to globalisation.

        Stupid pupils buy Myvi, Smart Rakyat buy Iriz… hahaha bashing eat this.

        Proton to world and no taste Malaysian suffer expensive yet ZERO safety cars !!!

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 41 Thumb down 25
        • Same L0rrrr on Mar 30, 2015 at 4:28 pm

          When the junk is tak laku in motherland (aka bolehland), it is going to be sold in India.

          The junks running around in India slums, sounds so harmony.

          Junk definition: Give out FOC also no one bother.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 25
          • samelorrjunk on Mar 30, 2015 at 5:24 pm

            Then why you bought your son a saga?

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 2
        • Stupid is bodoh tau tak? Not pandai.
          Where you studied? Your teacher must be rolling in his grave. Or rather the people teaching you at home.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
      • Tapau on Mar 30, 2015 at 1:59 pm

        Almost April month, what is Proton financial result profit/loss? Lotus itself rugi 71 million pound or RM350 million loss. Would DRB disclose it fully on annual reports? How much Proton total loss absorbed by DRB, is it nearly RM2 billion so far?

        Just because its taken private by DRB, no need to tell it all? Then stop referring Proton as national car and need minister to reply in Dewan Rakyat on behalf. Operate as normal business and tell all to rakyat lah.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 11
      • It may be true that there are more whole range of Preve than NEW Vios but New myvi are so much more that your pathetic Iris and your sales for Feb is lesser than Jan at 17K, compared to P2 at 35K.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 8
        • pooruncle on Mar 30, 2015 at 5:26 pm

          Sales doesn’t mean registration, later buyer cancels because loan not approved.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 4
          • Looking at the buyers profile, those buying Proton have their loans rejected are higher.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
    • Albert Sam on Mar 30, 2015 at 11:15 am

      Yaa…Rakyat smart to buy rubbish

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 17
      • Ah Beng (Member) on Mar 30, 2015 at 12:10 pm

        Yes, good move by DRB after planning to promote Preve to Bangladesh. South Asia now good market to promote A+, B and C segment car. See what Ford had done to promote Figo at India many automaker are ready to establish market there. Proton now aggressively developing NFE VVT Euro 5 to market Iriz to conquer Europe.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 11
        • Tapau on Mar 30, 2015 at 2:01 pm

          You drink ketum too much lah. How much Proton make loss this year? Half a billion?

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 12
          • Same L0rrrr on Mar 30, 2015 at 4:31 pm

            No matter how much Proton make loss, it can still get money from government. That’s why you are paying GST this Wednesday onwards.

            Lesson learned: Proton car can sell or not, Malaysians are subsidizing it one way or another.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 8
          • Talk kok no proof no use = same lorrrr

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 5
    • kontikinte on Mar 30, 2015 at 11:22 am

      Haha.. U seems not one of them

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 1
    • nacpau on Mar 30, 2015 at 11:35 am

      Of course, in India safety wise it’s much better than Suzuki Maruti Swift 0 star NCAP

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 19 Thumb down 1
    • alldisc on Mar 30, 2015 at 12:08 pm

      iriz not qualified to enter europe market due to strict emission system, but india is even lower (hint : tata nano)

      for petrol cars to be accepted in india engine capacity must not be more than 1.5 litre.

      and even though india has about 1.4 billion ppl in population, about 70% of them lives in poverty. but is still has more millionaires than malaysia.

      india govt protects its automobile market strongly, just like malaysia. and corruption there is just as bad here.

      otherwise, ask ourseleves why it took so long for proton to realise India is a prospective export country? 30 years in fact. when they are nearer to us rather than UK. and they use left way driving pattern just like us (right hand drive)

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 3
      • Mohan Nair on Mar 31, 2015 at 11:12 am

        Couple of quick points.
        • Currently the NCR & 13 cities follow BharatStage 4 which is similar to Euro 4.
        • Bharat Stage 5 is to be implemented by 2017 if not earlier.
        • There is no limitation in Petrol engine size. The smaller the engine you pay less taxes. That does not mean you do not get engine options like 2000 cc engines.
        • India has pretty much all the auto majors. If you call that protection good luck!!
        • Proton has little or no chance of being successful in India being an unknown brand except to the few Indians who either have been to Malaysia or have relatives in Malaysia
        • Toyota is unable to shed its brand being associated with Taxis since the Innova brand has been the favorite of Taxi operators.
        • Bottom line Proton has no brand recognition except for minority. Indian public are very picky and expect value for money.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
    • Toyota D4D on Mar 30, 2015 at 1:06 pm

      No choice but to buy clean diesel engine from Toyota’s new 1.4 Liter D4D turbo diesel.

      If Proton can buy Toyota engine for Lotus, why not for Iriz India edition. Swallow pride a bit lah. HaHaHaHa!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 3
  • sudonano (Member) on Mar 30, 2015 at 11:08 am

    Entering the Indian market without a sedan and a diesel…. Dream on bro!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 7
    • GT3 (Member) on Mar 30, 2015 at 10:08 pm

      Proton, pleeeaassseee f**king export the Iriz and Suprima S to the Europe. Especially UK. That’s where these cars are designed for.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • No more overseas trip London, Iceland, Australia for Proton jokers. Now business trip to slums in India & Bangladesh.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 19 Thumb down 33
  • DonkeyKong on Mar 30, 2015 at 11:10 am

    Bravo, Proton. This is the right way to do it. Take smaller steps with more achievable goals without biting off more than you can chew. Once Proton has the volume, they’ll have enough revenue for more R&D and better models.

    Bashers will never understand that Proton has been hamstrung by a small market and a small revenue despite being in the business for three decades. Large but undemanding markets like India, Bangladesh and Indonesia are excellent stepping stones for Proton to go global.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 36 Thumb down 13
    • Jimmy on Mar 30, 2015 at 1:20 pm

      Can somebody in Proton please measure the decible inside Iriz Auto.
      This is to get the premium feel.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 2
      • Cincau on Mar 30, 2015 at 2:48 pm

        Heard that the CVT whine noise is like ice kacang mesin bikin cendol.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 3
        • camryboring on Mar 30, 2015 at 4:52 pm

          Heard that new Camry Hybrid noise like refrigerator.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 3
        • I’ve driven Iriz, and no, the CVT whine does not sound like ice kacang machine. It is noticable, but not loud at all.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 2
    • Dear Donkey,
      Wow, I hope you are the 1 they hired into Proton management board to replace Dr.m 1st place.
      Then proton will never ask government4 $$$$$$$ already.
      What rakyat know today that Proton already tripped & failed into debt ridden company by cronies.
      BTW this company is still surviving on Rakyat tax money unless you forgotten

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 6
      • kindergartenteacher on Mar 30, 2015 at 4:54 pm

        Where did you get that kid? In your textbook? Pity. Go get better thing to show here.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 5
        • Back at you on Mar 30, 2015 at 6:28 pm

          Well the “Kid” as you call is right! Got his fact right. Go get a copy of proton p&l history and go download a copy of DRB, report. No wonder why most of local K-teacher is an epic failure.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • Ah Beng (Member) on Mar 30, 2015 at 11:10 am

    Yes, good move by DRB after planning to promote Preve to Bangladesh. South Asia now good market to promote A+, B and C segment car. See what Ford had done to promote Figo at India many automaker are ready to establish market there. Proton now aggressively developing NFE VVT Euro 5 to market Iriz to Europe.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 12
    • Cincau on Mar 30, 2015 at 2:53 pm

      Beat Perodua for No.1 sales first. Then can talk big as you like.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 7
      • bnadung on Mar 30, 2015 at 4:51 pm

        Which phrase is talking big? It’s planning
        p2 until why dun develop new engine?

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 3
      • sure cannot beat P2 sale in Malaysia. Proton, u just concentrate on export market. Don’t bother lah to beat P2.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • Painter on Mar 30, 2015 at 11:12 am

    If they assemble it in India, price could be cheaper.

    Would be good if Malaysian company can adopt western approach, like Apple. Focus on business decision in your home country, but assemble in cheaper country.

    This is probably one of the way we move towards high-income nation, by moving away from labor intensive job and focusing on high-income ones.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 20 Thumb down 0
  • This is global car, u know, thats why it need a billion some G for the RnD and it delay the launch since 2011.
    Em.. only the petrol engine is not met euro standart,but we can buy new engine from others..
    Ops.. the petrol engine also not able to compete in diesel domain market, its also a small matter, we can buy from others too..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 8
  • In b4 proton better close shop. So let the bashing begin…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 5
  • Proton on Mar 30, 2015 at 11:52 am

    Yeah… go to India. After this Nepal, then Bangladesh, then Zimbabwe, then… These countries got no GST.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 25
    • kzm (Member) on Mar 30, 2015 at 12:32 pm

      funny la u…those GST called VAT in those countries..india 5.5%, nepal 13%, bangla 15% n zimbabwe 15%

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 25 Thumb down 0
    • thedarkside on Mar 30, 2015 at 4:40 pm

      talk cock is cheap la u keyboard warrior…most countries in the world got GST/VAT

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 2
  • lansi on Mar 30, 2015 at 11:56 am

    dunt understand y some people still buy iriz….the inside is so very cramped compared to myvi….my forehead almost reach driver ceiling n i only 5 foot 8 in tall…the seat very narrow…..i guess stupid people buy stupid car

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 40
    • goIriz on Mar 30, 2015 at 12:07 pm

      I’m taller than you but Iriz interior is roomier than Myvi

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 30 Thumb down 6
    • Ah Beng (Member) on Mar 30, 2015 at 12:12 pm

      that is becoz u stupid and dumbass. use the IRIZ seat height adjuster which myvi dun have to adjust the height silly..haha..

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 30 Thumb down 4
      • Telescopic on Mar 30, 2015 at 4:00 pm

        Iriz global car but steering wheel no reach adjustable/telescopic feature.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 4
    • thedarkside on Mar 30, 2015 at 4:42 pm

      u buy what you can afford and fancy…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Semi-Value (Member) on Mar 30, 2015 at 11:57 am

    dear proton, good luck fighting volkswagen honda and suzuki in india….u have no chance

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 26 Thumb down 24
    • cowdung on Mar 30, 2015 at 12:05 pm

      No chance if they prefer to buy rubbish Maruti 0 star NCAP..

      ….and surrender before fighting is coward

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 25 Thumb down 5
  • Passerby on Mar 30, 2015 at 12:16 pm

    bolehland tak laku now gonna release old stock to other country… pity India receive lousy car…
    belum belajar berjalan dah mula belari dulu…
    improve in your own country first before talk about globalisation… not yet doing good in here have go venture outside there… stupid piggy brain

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 15
    • mechan on Mar 30, 2015 at 12:52 pm

      Huh?? You dun see any p1 car on road?
      Go and check your eyes please

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 3
    • toyotarubbish on Mar 30, 2015 at 12:58 pm

      So you suggest p1 follows UMW kah? Ditch here ditch there, at last only 2 airbags no VSC?

      Kahkahkah

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
  • Good move Proton. We want to see more Malaysian car around the globe. Something to be proud, right Malaysian??

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 8
  • syerin on Mar 30, 2015 at 1:05 pm

    since the very beginning proton mention Iriz as a global small car. sell here also bash, export also bash. if you hate it here let them sell elsewhere la. dont they need to make money to avoid government funding which eventually you guys will base your bash off too?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 3
    • Since the beginning Proton said this is a game changer car. Sampai sekarang, what is can see is looks like management changer company.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 3
      • dmacai on Mar 30, 2015 at 5:30 pm

        Of course you also cannot see what number will win tomorrow!

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 4
        • Of course you can’t see what number tomorrow. But we all can predict Proton is going down and all our predictions are correct for the last 10 years.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • India is a tough market with a entirely diffrent set of challenge. Diesel is the first choice by economy. If patrol, the mileage is the most and ONLY important thing. Mind you, Proton will have to take head-on with already established market giants – Maruthi/Suzuki, Tata nano, Hyundai, Mahindra, Ford, HM, VW and so on.

    Good luck Proton.. Better late than never !!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 0
  • oh no on Mar 30, 2015 at 1:20 pm

    Haters gonna hate.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 2
  • AL Patel on Mar 30, 2015 at 1:21 pm

    Rashid
    Take your time and continue studying the market.
    India is a hard shell market to crack and Proton
    has a massive task ahead competing with the bigger boys.
    It’s been 4 years since this idea was mooted so take another 4 years to come up with a workable plan.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
  • maulana on Mar 30, 2015 at 1:55 pm

    Better die rather than use rakhat money,what a waste of shit.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 12
  • proton rejected unit on Mar 30, 2015 at 3:17 pm

    expect to buy the proton iriz rejected units from india 3 years later. you will get the better spec and yet much much lower price.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
    • Tak laku on Mar 30, 2015 at 4:47 pm

      Even easier to re-sell it back here due to same right-hand drive units. Big discounts lelong like night market.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • fidzo on Mar 30, 2015 at 4:58 pm

      terima kasih kerana anda sudi meninggalkan sedikit kebodohan anda selepas 3 tahun akan datang untuk panduan orang lain.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • CyberPatrol on Mar 30, 2015 at 5:17 pm

    India market is not going to wait for Proton IRIZ to get a diesel engine, so used what you have now. You want good marketing feedback, sponsor a few IRIZ cars for a few bollywood movies or movies serial drama, I assumed you have the marketing funds to write off a few IRIZ cars. If that marketing fails, you has answers to tell your stories of failure such as prices expensive, screws up services and parts, bollywood stars complains and no diesel engine option.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Unknown on Mar 30, 2015 at 5:44 pm

    now u know why drb-hicom very interested to sell TATA

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Please for the sake of all humans on earth just shut off and close down proton once and for all.

    Humanity deserves better cars other than proton which litter the roads.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 6
  • ayamxxx on Mar 30, 2015 at 10:20 pm

    last time during Gen2 CPS, Waja CPS, Neo CPS time, Proton test their luck in Thailand Market.

    Their Ego attitude also play parts, launch the CPS version there 1st b4 here. Said can fight with Toyolta, Yonda there. Now what is the result?

    Then comes Preve, Suprimak model there. Also cannot sell as their target. The ancient, Drank fuel like hell CAMPRO cannot be use in 2015 already, that is fact. It is too backdated

    Now big head mention want to test India Market. Only time will tell their failure this time.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 2
  • ~SHIRO~ on Mar 30, 2015 at 10:47 pm

    so how about specs n price for india…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • As expected, the hate is strong in here. But what would these people think if their bosses/companies hand over their jobs to foreigners who can work same/better for half the pay?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Discriminate on Mar 31, 2015 at 12:09 am

    I don’t get it. From most of the comments posted, majority are stating that Indians are basically slums. Not all of India are slums, ok? They do have beautiful cities, and not all of it suffer from serious traffic like Delhi.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • sam loo fan on Mar 31, 2015 at 3:54 am

    Wow good move proton! Priced rightly and proton can see volume slowly rising from loss to profit. Priced like what you did for malaysian. No need explain further. See your volume sales every month this year. Increase price la so volume drop further until close shop. So many alternative brand to look for currently. Proton should have start repenting for better ook?? Else proton can start manufacturing undegarments and sam loo can become main reseller. At least the girl can have fun.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Mohan Nair on Mar 31, 2015 at 11:19 am

    Proton has zero, zilch, nada chances of success.

    Proton brand has no brand recognition. Going the CKD route is going to be expensive because of the taxes.

    What is the differentiating factor that will make Indian public buy Proton ? Going cheap it will have to face stigma (remember Tata Nano).

    What else can Proton do ? The best thing for Proton is to save the millions and stay away from Indian market.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • ayamxxx on Mar 31, 2015 at 12:05 pm

      If proton outsource those Campro + Damn annoying CVT on the Iriz, Plus No compromise on Quality check,

      Then they will have a chance there.

      But, I am not confident on the QC parts.

      During Preve launch they put Video interview of their staff like they now Change Attitude already.

      But Preve, Suprima, Iriz still plague with QC problem till now

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • beRealisticlaBro on Mar 31, 2015 at 11:59 am

    India is as big as China but with super corrupted government and society with almost flawed law enforcement. Look at China. Prosperous and moving ahead fast. Proton can still have chance. I am pretty sure Proton can sell in India because Iriz far better than Tata Nano. Kimchi last time also cheap and rubbish. but still sell. Price is main factor in india. Because Tata knows that so they make Nano.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • Mr. R on Mar 31, 2015 at 2:16 pm

    Well guys, Proton produce differenct specs of car compared to Perodua. All of you are mature enough to think about it. No need to explain more about it. Differenct specs result to different price. And as most of us aware, we Malaysian (especially those lower and middle income) tend to buy the cheapest new car they can get in the market. Proton VS Perodua? Definitely Perodua will win in term of price. But when its come to comfort and premium feel, as for me, Proton left Perodua way behind. Just my 2 cent opinion. For those of you never been inside a Proton, feel free to test a Proton and compared to Perodua. :)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • takpuashati on Apr 02, 2015 at 3:51 pm

    Damn…reading all the comment specially the haters and proton basher like they already own one Iriz…you all just know how to talk shit…if you dont own one (base on number of unit sell) which i guess no one who one Iriz and comment like shit and talk bad about it here just shut up….give constructive comment like some comment…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • triple h (Member) on Apr 24, 2015 at 11:00 pm

    Did u know sotong potong pariah fans always give stupid bull shit comments..pity u buy that suck car.the most unbranded car in the world. booooo

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • triple h (Member) on Apr 24, 2015 at 11:20 pm

    The most pariah potong sotong brand in the world.they always give stupid bullshit comments.pity u buy this car.booooo.only bengong get it

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
 

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