About PROTON and New PROTON R3

About PROTON

PROTON, established in 1983, is Malaysia’s largest manufacturer of automobiles, and the only full-fledged OEM car manufacturer in South-East Asia. With operations in key markets from UK to the Middle East, and across South-East Asia and Australasia, especially in countries like China and Iran, PROTON produces cars to suit a range of consumer demands and preferences. Its offerings include versatile and reliable four-door family vehicles, two-door hatchbacks for the young-at-heart, luxurious and stylish executive sedans, spacious and affordable multi-purpose vehicles, as well as the world-renowned sports cars from Lotus. Most importantly, PROTON models are now developed with Lotus Engineering, offering customers superior ride and handling experience in every drive.

PROTON’s inception as a key driver of national development has seen the brand accelerate its learning curve through technology transfer with strategic partnerships and technical collaborations. By listening to the needs of customers, PROTON cars are now steadily on track to achieve the mission for the future, with PROTON set to become a marque which builds cars with passion and soul; cars that are a delight to drive – and a pleasure to own.

PROTON Holdings Berhad today launched its new line up of R3 Performance Accessories giving PROTON car owners, especially racing enthusiasts, the opportunity to redefine their car’s performance and aesthetics for more excitement on the road. The new line up, developed for the PROTON Satria Neo and Gen2 models by its motorsports division, Race.Rally.Research (R3), is geared to significantly enhance performance through superior handling, improved drivability while providing a modern and distinct style through affordable quality parts and accessories.

The launch of R3 Performance Accessories was made official by YB Dato’ Seri Kong Cho Ha, Minister of Transport, Malaysia, when he unveiled the new logo which connote the attributes of a dynamic and futuristic brand. The Brand Name and Logomark are slanting to their right to denote the energy and positiveness of the brand in moving forward.

YB Dato’ Seri Kong Cho Ha was accompanied by PROTON Advisor Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamed, and Group Managing Director, Dato’ Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir.

Addressing the media during the launch held at the KL International Motorshow, Dato’ Haji Syed Zainal Abidin said, “Through our market research, we found that many PROTON car owners have a keen interest in accessorising and modifying their cars, but our case studies have shown that often safety may be compromised when it is not done appropriately”.

“As part of our motorsports division, R3 has an extensive experience on the race tracks, and it was only natural, that we developed a line of performance accessories customised for PROTON vehicles as an extension of our commitment to provide Malaysians with the best in automotive at affordable prices.”

R3 Performance Accessories roll out six packages that offer car enthusiasts a range of enhancements from body kits, to exhaust systems, camshafts, spoilers, spring sets, and 15” and 16” wheels and tyres. Packages are currently available for the PROTON Satria Neo Baseline, CPS and non-CPS, , Gen2 and Gen2 CPS. Offered with easy financing, those interested can make their way to the PROTON Edar showrooms in Shah Alam (Centre of Excellence), Mutiara Damansara, Plentong in Johor Bahru and up north in Juru, Penang.

“Together with our vehicles’ superior Lotus Ride and Handling feature that improves steering precision, cornering and handling capabilities, the R3 Performance Accessories is the perfect complement to enhance our drivers’ experience on the road,” Dato’ Haji Syed Zainal Abidin added.

Another highlight of the event was the PROTON Satria Neo R3 Concept car, which boasts one simple objective – ultimate performance. Kitted with R3’s very own force induction system that allows it to produce 200hp and 250NM of torque, the Satria Neo R3 Concept is by far the fastest Neo developed by PROTON to-date.

Besides superb engine performance, the Satria Neo R3 Concept Car brings drivers one step closer to the world of motorsports with its AP Racing brakes & Ohlins suspension system, R3 designed bodykit with front splitter for optimal down force, and a lightweight carbon fiber bonnet and FRP fenders with reduced overall weight. Other features of the car include Recaro full bucket motorsport seats that provide the driver with ultimate support during spirited driving, a MOMO steering wheel for added control and a colour coded half cage to give the driver added protection. The car also features a motorsports digital multi-information display dash and integrated 2-DIN multimedia built- in navigation system.

The PROTON Satria Neo R3 Concept Car will be on display at the PROTON booth during the KL International Motorshow at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) until 12th December 2010.