The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Licence Agreement signing event between Proton, Suzuki and DRB-Hicom has just ended, and the gist of it is this: Proton will be developing a small compact car with the help of Suzuki, up to 1.0 litre in engine displacement and in a segment where Proton is currently not present.
These are as good clues as any that Proton is seriously considering going into the A-segment (for the first time), which is of course Perodua territory. Conversely, Perodua is now developing a sedan (out 2017 or 2018), widely rumoured to go up against the Proton Saga. So brace yourselves for an all-round, all-out battle!
What will be the extent of the collaboration? Will it be a Proton platform and a Suzuki engine (chairman Tun Dr Mahathir made passing mention of 660 cc, 850 cc and 1.0 litre engine sizes), or a full rebadge of an existing Suzuki model that’s not sold in Malaysia?
“Both are possibilities,” the former PM said, adding that the Tanjung Malim plant will be utilised in this collaboration, and that we could see the finished product as early as 2016. So will the Iriz‘s baby sister be based on the Alto, Celerio or any other micro Suzy?
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments are generally positive about the idea of Proton developing an A-segment car through a JV with Suzuki, highlighting Suzuki's strength in small cars and suggesting rebadging models like Alto or Swift. Some express skepticism about Proton's current capabilities, past failures, and quality issues, while others criticize Proton's past reliance on rebadging and lack of innovation. Several comments emphasize the potential benefits for Malaysians, such as lower prices, better safety, and more competitive local options if Proton adopts Suzuki technology.