Proton to mass produce hybrid car by 2011

A hybrid car uses two or more power sources. Apart from self-charging, it is a key route to reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emission.

Managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said Proton will collaborate with a few companies, including UK unit Lotus Cars, to produce the vehicles.

"Hopefully, this will be a technology we own and the cars are assembled in Malaysia by ourselves. We will integrate the components and technologies from our partners into the car. We are planning the Exora (multi-purpose vehicle) for this," Syed Zainal Abidin said.

He was speaking to reporters after the launch of the 26th Thailand International Motor Expo 2009 by Thai Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban here yesterday.
Syed Zainal Abidin added that Proton was producing the Exora hybrid version in the UK for testing and research. It will take delivery of the first car by month-end or early next year.

"This is the first phase. The second phase will involve producing up to 60 units for the Malaysian government to use in Putrajaya. If that is successful, we will then enter the next phase for mass production," he said.

Proton will also launch a fleet programme next year for the Exora, targeting companies that deploy a number of vehicles on the road, such as DHL, Pos Malaysia and taxi firms.

Besides the Exora, the hybrid car will include its other models: Persona and Saga 1.3.

"We want to be the driver for green initiatives in Malaysia. For a company like Proton, we have to look at all technologies and possibilities," Syed Zainal Abidin said.

On the investment to produce a hybrid car, he said that cost would be manageable. "The car is already there. What we will do is integrate the components and package it with the car.

"The pricing of the car will be more than the base price, but there will be savings for users in terms of fuel consumption," he said.

Proton also plans to produce electric versions of the Persona and Saga sedans, but it will be a few years before the carmaker mass produces them.