Editing Proton Holdings (section)

== History ==

=== 1980s ===

[[File:'85 Proton Saga in Kuala Lumpur.jpg|thumbnail|right|The [[Proton Saga (first generation)|first generation Proton Saga]]. More than 1.2 million units were sold between 1985 and 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSq2MYjRmgo&t=1m36s |title=First National Car Reborn |publisher=The Star / YouTube |date=18 January 2008 |access-date=6 March 2013 |archive-date=31 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331001045/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSq2MYjRmgo&t=1m36s |url-status=live }}</ref>]]
The concept of a national car was conceived in 1979 by then-[[Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia]], Dato' Seri Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad, now [[Mahathir Mohamad|Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad]], with the goal of enhancing the [[Economy of Malaysia|Malaysian automotive]] industry.<ref>{{cite web |date=15 July 2010 |title=PROTON 25 Years |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAxduyoNXYw |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801065907/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAxduyoNXYw |archive-date=1 August 2013 |access-date=5 March 2013 |publisher=Proton Interactive / YouTube}}</ref> The National Car Project was approved by the Cabinet in 1982, leading to the [[equity investment]] of Proton on May 7, 1983, with [[Mitsubishi Corporation]] for the future of the company. At its creation, it was wholly owned by the [[government of Malaysia]] through [[Khazanah Nasional]]. It was headed by its founder, Dr. Mahathir. Proton approached [[Mitsubishi Motors]] between 1983 and 1984 and brokered a joint venture between both companies for the production of the first Malaysian car. The result of the collaboration was the [[Proton Saga]], which launched on July 9, 1985.

The Proton Saga was based on the second-generation 1983 [[Mitsubishi Mirage#Second generation (1983)|Mitsubishi Lancer Fiore]] 4-door [[Sedan (car)|saloon]], powered by a 1.3-liter [[Mitsubishi Orion engine|Mitsubishi Orion]] 4G13 engine. The first Proton Saga to roll off the production line in [[Shah Alam]] is preserved in the [[National Museum (Malaysia)|National Museum]] ({{Langx|ms|Muzium Negara|lit=}}) as a symbol of the beginning of the [[Automotive industry in Malaysia|Malaysian automotive industry]]. Sales of the new Saga outstripped supply, and Proton struggled to meet the growing demand, but by mid-1986, it had captured a 64% majority domestic market share in the ''below 1600cc segment.''  Later in October 1987, a [[hatchback]] variant called the Proton Saga Aeroback was launched and had a more powerful 1.5L Mitsubishi 4G15 engine and a redesigned rear-end. Exports to [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]] began in 1988, and by March 1989, Proton had entered the [[United Kingdom]] car market with the Saga [[Saloon (automobile)|saloon]] and [[hatchback]] duo, where the Malaysian company set the record for the "Fastest Selling Make of New Car Ever to Enter the United Kingdom."

Proton's sales declined during the late 1980s as a result of the [[Economic recession of the late 1980s in Australia|worldwide economic recession]], and the lack of technical expertise in Proton's management.<ref name="Proton 1980s"/> Kenji Iwabuchi, a former Mitsubishi Motors executive, was appointed as the managing director of Proton in 1988.<ref name="Proton 1980s 2"/>

=== 1990s ===

[[File:Proton Saga Iswara (saloon) (front), Serdang.jpg|thumbnail|right|The [[Proton Saga (first generation)#Second Iteration (1992–2003)|Proton Saga Iswara]]{{Broken anchor|date=2025-05-11|bot=User:Cewbot/log/20201008/configuration|target_link=Proton Saga (first generation)#Second Iteration (1992–2003)|reason= }} saloon, widely used as Malaysian taxis in the 1990s and early 2000s.]]
On 15 August 1992, the [[Proton Saga Iswara]] was launched. It shares the older Mitsubishi platform used in the original Proton Saga, but its exterior and interior styling are unique to Proton. The Saga Iswara was widely used as taxicabs in Malaysia during the 1990s and 2000s, and many continue in service.{{citation needed|date=September 2022}}

[[File:1996 Proton Wira (C90) XLi sedan (2010-07-30).jpg|thumbnail|left|The [[Proton Wira]] saloon. Over 952,216 units were sold in around 65 countries worldwide.<ref name="Proton sales milestone"/>]]
On 21 May 1993 the [[Proton Wira]] was introduced. It is based on the fourth-generation 1991 [[Mitsubishi Mirage#Fourth|Mitsubishi Lancer]] and was sold in a four-door [[sedan (car)|saloon]] guise at launch. The Proton Wira Aeroback, a five-door hatchback variant featuring a Proton-designed rear-end joined the range in 1993. By 1996, the Wira saloon and hatchback shared six different engines, all of which were sourced from [[Mitsubishi Motors engines|Mitsubishi Motors]]. The engines included the [[Mitsubishi Orion engine#4G13|4G13]] 1.3L and [[Mitsubishi Orion engine#4G15|4G15]] 1.5L carried over from the Proton Saga, the newer [[Mitsubishi 4G9 engine#4G92|4G92]] 1.6L, [[Mitsubishi 4G9 engine#4G93|4G93]] [[Overhead camshaft#Single overhead camshaft|SOHC]] and [[Overhead camshaft#Double overhead camshaft|DOHC]] 1.8L and the [[Mitsubishi Sirius engine#4D68|4D68]] 2.0L [[diesel engine|diesel]]. The Wira was the first Proton car to be produced in [[Left- and right-hand traffic|right-hand drive (RHD) and left-hand drive (LHD)]] configurations, and remains the only Proton car to have been available with a diesel engine.<ref name="Proton Export 2"/>

[[File:2002 Proton Satria (C90) GTi hatchback (8085417900).jpg|thumbnail|right|The [[Proton Satria#Satria GTi|Proton Satria GTi]], widely regarded as the best Proton car ever produced.]]
Proton launched the three-door [[Proton Satria]] hatchback in 1994 and the two-door [[Proton Putra]] [[coupé]] in 1996, both of which are based on the Wira platform and powered by the same range of Mitsubishi engines offered in the Wira, except for the 2.0L diesel. The Proton Wira, Proton Satria and Proton Putra were exported and marketed across the [[European Union]] and Middle East during the 1990s. The [[Proton Perdana (first generation)|Proton Perdana]], a premium D-segment saloon, was launched in 1995. It is based on the seventh generation [[Mitsubishi Galant#Seventh generation|Mitsubishi Eterna]], introduced in 1992, and was fitted with Mitsubishi's [[4G63T|4G63]] 2.0-litre [[straight-four engine]]. It was also offered with the superior [[Mitsubishi 6A1 engine#6A12|6A12]] [[Overhead camshaft#Double overhead camshaft|DOHC]] 2.0-liter [[V6 engine]] after 1999. The Perdana remains the only D-segment, V6-powered car to be commercially produced by Proton. A [[Citroën AX]]-based 1.1-litre five-door [[supermini]] called the [[Proton Tiara]] debuted in 1996. It was the result of a joint venture between Proton and [[PSA Peugeot Citroën]], a collaboration which was later abandoned after the death of Proton's then CEO, [[Yahaya Ahmad|Tan Sri Yahaya Ahmad]] in 1997.

[[File:2003-2010 Proton Perdana Executive V6 in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia (01).jpg|thumbnail|right|The [[Proton Perdana (first generation)|first generation Proton Perdana]], then the company's most premium offering.]]
On 30 October 1996, Proton acquired an 80% stake in the British company, [[Lotus Cars|Lotus Group International Limited]], valued at £51 million.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sandsmuseum.com/cars/elise/information/press/press/press1996/reuter.html |title=Lotus Purchased by Proton |publisher=Reuters, Archived at sandsmuseum.com |date=30 October 1996 |access-date=10 March 2013 |archive-date=14 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714192311/https://www.sandsmuseum.com/cars/elise/information/press/press/press1996/reuter.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The controlling interest was purchased from A.C.B.N. Holdings S.A. of Luxembourg, a company controlled by Italian businessman [[Romano Artioli]], then also the owner of [[Bugatti]]. By 2003, Proton's stake in Lotus was increased to 100%.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.protonbrunei.com/about-proton/ |title=About Proton |publisher=protonbrunei.com |access-date=10 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523104842/https://www.protonbrunei.com/about-proton/ |archive-date=23 May 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Lotus has been involved in the development of suspension and handling elements of all Proton cars launched since 1996. The [[Proton Satria GTi]], widely regarded as the best Malaysian car ever produced, owes much of its success to Lotus' contributions.<ref>{{cite web |last=Walker |first=Steve |url=https://cars.uk.msn.com/features/the-worlds-greatest-cars-by-country#image=23 |title=The world's greatest cars by country – Proton Satria GTi – Malaysia |publisher=[[MSN]] (UK) |date=29 January 2013 |access-date=10 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130224103748/https://cars.uk.msn.com/features/the-worlds-greatest-cars-by-country#image=23 |archive-date=24 February 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== 2000s ===

{{Multiple image | align = right | direction = vertical | width =
| image1 = 2005 Proton Waja 1.6 (4G18) in Puchong, Malaysia (01).jpg
| caption1 = The [[Proton Waja]], the first indigenously designed Proton car.
| image2 = 2005 Proton Gen-2 1.6 in Cyberjaya, Malaysia (01).jpg
| caption2 = The [[Proton GEN•2]], the first model to be offered with Proton's [[CamPro engine]]
}}

The [[Proton Waja]], the company's first indigenously designed model, was launched in August 2000. However, it still had a Mitsubishi 4G18 engine at launch as Proton's first in-house [[CamPro engine]] was unavailable. The Waja marked the end of Proton's extensive reliance on other car manufacturers for vehicle platforms and components.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kon |url=https://www.carlist.my/news/used-car-review-proton-waja-underrated-gem/36600/ |title=Used Car Review: Proton Waja – Underrated Gem |publisher=Carlist.my |date=18 January 2016 |access-date=2 March 2019 |archive-date=6 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306111408/https://www.carlist.my/news/used-car-review-proton-waja-underrated-gem/36600/ |url-status=live }}</ref> However, the model was only a moderate seller, being significantly outsold by Proton's own much older and slightly smaller [[Proton Wira]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.proton.com/about_proton/facts_figures/car_sales.php|title=Proton – About – Facts & Figures – Car Sales 2003–2007|publisher=proton.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100211165607/https://www.proton.com/about_proton/facts_figures/car_sales.php|archive-date=11 February 2010|url-status=dead|access-date=25 November 2013}}</ref> The Waja also marked the start of a decline in the local market-leading Proton marque which led to [[Perodua]], the second Malaysian vehicle manufacturer, eventually capturing Proton's sales crown in 2006.<ref>{{cite web |last=Mahalingam |first=Eugene |url=https://www.carsifu.my/news/proton-perodua-rivalry-to-boost-auto-sector-in-2018 |title=Proton-Perodua rivalry to heat up auto sector in 2018 |work=CarSifu |publisher=Carifu.my |date=26 December 2017 |access-date=2 March 2019 |archive-date=6 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306111423/https://www.carsifu.my/news/proton-perodua-rivalry-to-boost-auto-sector-in-2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2002, Proton introduced the [[Proton Arena|Arena]], a [[Ute (vehicle)|ute]] based on the [[Proton Wira]] platform and thus far the only Proton model to enjoy significantly more popularity in its export markets (specifically Australia) than domestically. The [[Proton Gen-2]], a hatchback model, was launched in late 2004. It was the first Proton vehicle equipped with the new [[CamPro engine]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-09-01 |title=Proton CamPro VVT engine R&D has ended - 1.5T is the future - paultan.org |url=https://paultan.org/2021/09/01/proton-campro-vvt-engine-rd-has-ended-1-5t-is-the-future-for-next-homegrown-malaysian-models/ |access-date=2023-12-17 |website=Paul Tan's Automotive News |language=en-US}}</ref>

The RM1.8 billion (US$580 million) Proton [[Tanjung Malim]] manufacturing plant in the Malaysian state of [[Perak]] commenced operation in November 2003.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://corporate.proton.com/About/Manufacturing/Tanjung-Malim/Profile.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121217011818/https://corporate.proton.com/About/Manufacturing/Tanjung-Malim/Profile.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 December 2012 |title=Proton Holdings Berhad – About – Manufacturing – Tanjung Malim |publisher=corporate.proton.com |access-date=28 March 2013 }}</ref> The new plant had been projected to open in August 1998, but it was deferred due to the [[1997 Asian Financial Crisis]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=WywhAAAAIBAJ&pg=1890,4570677&dq=proton+tanjung+malim&hl=en |title=Proton's second plant to make new models |publisher=[[New Straits Times]] |date=20 August 1997 |access-date=28 March 2013 |archive-date=30 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330235751/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=WywhAAAAIBAJ&pg=1890%2C4570677&dq=proton+tanjung+malim&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> However, it was revived in 2001 and completed in late 2003 instead.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hamsawi |first=Roziana |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=oqktAAAAIBAJ&pg=3933,5089849&dq=proton+tanjung+malim&hl=en |title=Multi-billion ringgit car city 'to be revived' |publisher=[[New Straits Times]] |date=19 September 2001 |access-date=28 March 2013 |archive-date=31 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331000516/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=oqktAAAAIBAJ&pg=3933%2C5089849&dq=proton+tanjung+malim&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Sagaran |first=P. Chandra |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=WywhAAAAIBAJ&pg=1890,4570677&dq=proton+tanjung+malim&hl=en |title=New Proton from Perak plant in 2003 |publisher=[[New Straits Times]] |date=17 October 2001 |access-date=28 March 2013 |archive-date=30 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330235751/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=WywhAAAAIBAJ&pg=1890%2C4570677&dq=proton+tanjung+malim&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> The new 1,280 acre plant was also developed as part of the [[Proton City]] project, which would span 4,000 acres of land in [[Tanjung Malim]] and consist of residential, commercial, institutional, industrial and recreational areas.<ref name="Proton Tanjung Malim"/> The plant has an annual production capacity of 150,000 vehicles, but could be expanded to 1 million units in the future. The Proton Tanjung Malim plant complements the original Proton plant in operation since 1985, located in [[Shah Alam]], [[Selangor]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://corporate.proton.com/About/Manufacturing/Shah-Alam/Profile.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121217011748/https://corporate.proton.com/About/Manufacturing/Shah-Alam/Profile.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 December 2012 |title=Proton Holdings Berhad – About – Manufacturing – Shah Alam |publisher=corporate.proton.com |access-date=28 March 2013 }}</ref> Despite a combined production capacity of around 350,000 units, both plants are underutilised with just 52,235 and 114,645 units produced at the Tanjung Malim and Shah Alam plants in 2011 respectively.<ref name="Proton Tanjung Malim"/>

On 7 July 2004, Proton purchased a 57.57% stake in [[MV Agusta|MV Agusta S.p.A.]] of Italy, valued at €70 million. Proton failed to reverse the misfortunes of MV Agusta and sold the marque to Gevi S.p.A. in December 2005 for €1, with Gevi assuming the €139.44 million debt carried over from MV Agusta.<ref>{{cite web |last=Tan |first=Paul |url=https://paultan.org/2005/12/28/proton-disposes-of-mv-agusta-for-1-euro/ |title=Proton disposes of MV Agusta for 1 Euro |publisher=paultan.org / [[The Edge (Malaysia)]] |date=28 December 2005 |access-date=28 March 2013 |archive-date=8 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131108023713/https://paultan.org/2005/12/28/proton-disposes-of-mv-agusta-for-1-euro/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Proton Persona (front), Serdang.jpg|thumbnail|right|The [[Proton Persona (CM)|second generation Proton Persona]], the successor to the [[Proton Wira]] saloon.]]
The latter half of the 2000s marked Proton's comeback in the domestic market, with its vehicle sales growing a total of about 37 percent from 2006 to 2011, significantly above total passenger car sales growth of about 10 percent.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.motortrader.com.my/news/bestsellers-of-2007/ |title=Bestsellers of 2007 |publisher=Motortrader.com.my |date=19 February 2008 |access-date=2 March 2019 |archive-date=7 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120707033434/https://www.motortrader.com.my/news/bestsellers-of-2007/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.maa.org.my/pdf/market_review_2011.pdf |title=Malaysian Automotive Association Market Review For 2011 and Outlook for 2012 |publisher=Malaysian Automotive Association |date=19 January 2012 |access-date=2 March 2019 |archive-date=28 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828223643/https://www.maa.org.my/pdf/market_review_2011.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The comeback was spearheaded by the [[Proton Persona (CM)|Proton Persona]] saloon launched in August 2007, the long-overdue replacement for the best-selling but ageing [[Proton Wira]] saloon. The Persona was based on an extended version of the 2004 [[Proton GEN•2]] hatchback platform and shared most of its components and external appearance.<ref>{{cite web |last=Tan |first=Paul |url=https://paultan.org/2007/08/15/proton-persona-protons-new-sedan-details/ |title=Proton Persona launched: Proton's new sedan |publisher=paultan.org |date=15 August 2007 |access-date=12 March 2013 |archive-date=14 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160814050756/https://paultan.org/2007/08/15/proton-persona-protons-new-sedan-details/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Persona successfully sold 19,840 units in the first three months following its launch.<ref>{{cite web |last=Tan |first=Paul |url=https://paultan.org/2007/11/07/both-proton-persona-and-perodua-myvi-doing-well/ |title=Both Proton Persona and Perodua Myvi doing well |publisher=paultan.org |date=7 November 2007 |access-date=12 March 2013 |archive-date=2 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102191251/https://paultan.org/2007/11/07/both-proton-persona-and-perodua-myvi-doing-well/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:2013 Proton Satria Neo R3 in Cyberjaya, Malaysia (01).jpg|thumbnail|right|The [[Proton Satria Neo]].]]
The [[second generation Proton Saga]] was launched on 18 January 2008.<ref>{{cite web |last=Tan |first=Paul |url=https://paultan.org/2008/01/18/proton-saga-test-drive-report/ |title=New Proton Saga Launch and Test Drive Report |publisher=paultan.org |date=18 January 2008 |access-date=13 March 2013 |archive-date=16 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216210022/https://paultan.org/2008/01/18/proton-saga-test-drive-report/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Previously, the [[first generation Proton Saga]] had been Proton's first and most successful model, having had a long 23-year lifespan, the longest of all Proton models to date. The new Saga proved to be a successful model Proton with over 23,000 bookings two weeks into its launch.<ref>{{cite web |last=Tan |first=Paul |url=https://paultan.org/2008/02/01/proton-saga-23000-bookings-5-month-wait/ |title=Proton Saga: 23,000 bookings, 5 month wait! |publisher=paultan.org |date=1 February 2008 |access-date=13 March 2013 |archive-date=26 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626131426/https://paultan.org/2008/02/01/proton-saga-23000-bookings-5-month-wait/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It has consistently ranked as Proton's best-selling vehicle domestically, while placing 3rd overall in 2008, and 2nd between 2009 and 2012, beaten only by its archrival, the [[Perodua Myvi]] in overall vehicle sales.<ref name="Malaysia '08,'09"/><ref name="Malaysia '10,'11"/><ref name="Malaysia '12"/> Proton further widened its model base when it introduced the [[Proton Exora|Exora]], Malaysia's first indigenous 7-seater [[Minivan|MPV]] in April 2009.<ref>{{cite web |last=Tan |first=Paul |url=https://paultan.org/2009/04/15/proton-exora-malaysias-first-mpv-from-rm69998/ |title=Proton Exora: Malaysia's first MPV from RM69,998! |publisher=paultan.org |date=15 April 2009 |access-date=13 March 2013 |archive-date=28 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121228021012/https://paultan.org/2009/04/15/proton-exora-malaysias-first-mpv-from-rm69998/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Exora was based on Proton's next generation P2 platform and helped satisfy the growing demand for a budget 7-seater in the domestic market, which had been monopolised by the [[Nissan Grand Livina]] and the smaller [[Toyota Avanza]]. For several years, it consistently positioned in the Top 10 best-selling vehicles in Malaysia.<ref name="Malaysia '08,'09"/><ref name="Malaysia '10,'11"/><ref name="Malaysia '12"/>

=== 2010s ===

[[File:2013 Proton Exora Bold CFE Premium in Cyberjaya, Malaysia (01).jpg|thumbnail|left|The [[Proton Exora]], the company's first 7-seat MPV.]]

On 6 August 2008, the Proton Saga and Proton Persona were seen doing road tests at the Greater Noida Expressway, hinting at the potential to export Proton automobiles to India.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://paultan.org/2008/08/06/proton-persona-and-proton-saga-on-test-in-india/|title=Proton Persona and Proton Saga on test in India - paultan.org|date=6 August 2008}}</ref> However, negotiations for Proton to establish an Indian branch did not materialize.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.zigwheels.my/car-news/proton-is-likely-to-enter-the-indian-market-with-x50 | title=Proton is likely to enter the Indian market with X50 }}</ref>

In December 2008, Proton resumed product collaboration with Mitsubishi Motors.<ref name="Proton Mitsubishi 2008"/> Under the agreement, Proton gained the rights to [[rebadge]] the 2007 [[Mitsubishi Lancer#2007–present|Mitsubishi Lancer]] to be sold exclusively in the Malaysian market. The result of the collaboration was the [[Proton Inspira]], which launched on 10 November 2010. It also marked a return to closer ties between Proton and Mitsubishi, the Japanese company which was instrumental in Proton's foundation in the 1980s.<ref name="Proton Inspira"/> Proton showcased the [[Proton EMAS|EMAS]] concept [[hybrid vehicle|hybrid]] city cars at the 2010 [[Geneva Motor Show]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Tan |first=Paul |url=https://paultan.org/2010/03/02/proton-showcases-the-emas-emas-country-and-emas3-trio-of-concepts-at-geneva-2010/ |title=Proton showcases the EMAS, EMAS Country and EMAS3 trio of concepts at Geneva 2010! |publisher=paultan.org |date=2 March 2010 |access-date=15 March 2013 |archive-date=12 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130912194834/https://paultan.org/2010/03/02/proton-showcases-the-emas-emas-country-and-emas3-trio-of-concepts-at-geneva-2010/ |url-status=live }}</ref> They were designed by [[Italdesign Giugiaro]] and related to the [[Lotus Ethos]], a similar concept car from Proton's British subsidiary.

[[File:2013 Proton Prevé CFE Turbo (Front) in Thailand.JPG|thumbnail|right|The [[Proton Prevé]], the first 5-star [[Australasian New Car Assessment Program|ANCAP]] safety rated car from Malaysia.]]
The [[turbocharged]] [[inline-four]] petrol engine from Proton was revealed at the 2010 [[Kuala Lumpur]] International Motor Show.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://funtastickodesign.wordpress.com/2010/12/05/enjin-campro-cfe-turbo-di-klims-2010/ |title=Enjin CAMPRO CFE (Turbo) di KLIMS 2010!!! |publisher=funtastickodesign.wordpress.com |date=5 December 2010 |access-date=14 March 2013 |archive-date=7 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130707192642/https://funtastickodesign.wordpress.com/2010/12/05/enjin-campro-cfe-turbo-di-klims-2010/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Officially known as the 1.6L [[Campro engine|CamPro CFE]], it is capable of producing power and torque figures of 138&nbsp;bhp (103&nbsp;kW) at 5,000 rpm and 205 N·m at 2,000–4,000 rpm respectively, comparable to a 2.0L [[naturally aspirated engine]], while achieving better [[fuel efficiency]] and reduced [[greenhouse emissions]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Tan |first=Danny |url=https://paultan.org/2011/12/15/official-details-proton-exora-bold-premium-prime/ |title=OFFICIAL DETAILS: Proton Exora Bold Premium & Prime |publisher=paultan.org |date=15 December 2011 |access-date=14 March 2013 |archive-date=10 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910153855/https://paultan.org/2011/12/15/official-details-proton-exora-bold-premium-prime/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In January 2012, Proton was acquired by [[DRB-HICOM]], a Malaysian conglomerate in a transaction between [[Khazanah Nasional]] and DRB-HICOM which totalled [[Ringgit Malaysia|RM]]1.2 billion.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/business/2012/01/16/drb-hicom-takes-over-proton-for-rm1-2b/ |title=DRB-Hicom takes over Proton for RM1.2b |publisher=freemalaysiatoday.com / Bernama |date=16 January 2012 |access-date=21 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202223639/https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/business/2012/01/16/drb-hicom-takes-over-proton-for-rm1-2b/ |archive-date=2 December 2013 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The [[Proton Prevé]], the company's latest [[saloon (car)|saloon]] car was unveiled on 16 April 2012.<ref>{{cite web |last=Lim |first=Anthony |url=https://paultan.org/2012/04/16/proton-preve-launched-rm60k-to-rm73k/ |title=Proton Prevé with 1.6 turbo launched: RM60k – RM73k! |publisher=paultan.org |date=16 April 2012 |access-date=14 March 2013 |archive-date=28 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121228013918/https://paultan.org/2012/04/16/proton-preve-launched-rm60k-to-rm73k/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.zerotohundred.com/2012/auto-news/launch-proton-preve-rmrm59990-rm62990-rm72990/ |title=LAUNCH: Proton Preve (From RM59,990 to RM72,990 OTR)! |publisher=zerotohundred.com |date=17 April 2012 |access-date=14 March 2013 |archive-date=22 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130322064539/https://www.zerotohundred.com/2012/auto-news/launch-proton-preve-rmrm59990-rm62990-rm72990/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It became the first Proton car, and to an extent, the first Malaysian car to be awarded the full 5-star safety rating in the [[Australasian New Car Assessment Program]] (ANCAP) of Australia and New Zealand.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ancap.com.au/pdf/516.PDF|title=ANCAP Safety Rating – Proton Prevé (From 2013)|publisher=ancap.com.au|access-date=15 March 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130302150921/https://www.ancap.com.au/pdf/516.PDF|archive-date=2 March 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In December 2012, Proton acquired all of [[Petronas]]' [[Proton E01 engine|E01 engine]] technologies in addition to associated technology patents at a cost of RM 63 million.<ref>{{cite web |last=Lim |first=Anthony |url=https://paultan.org/2012/12/11/reports-proton-acquires-petronas-engine-technology/ |title=Reports: Proton acquires Petronas engine technology |publisher=paultan.org |date=11 December 2012 |access-date=12 April 2013 |archive-date=21 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130721053248/https://paultan.org/2012/12/11/reports-proton-acquires-petronas-engine-technology/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The deal encompassed a family of [[naturally aspirated]] and [[forced induction|turbocharged]] 1.8, 2.0 and 2.2-litre engines to complement Proton's own [[Campro engine|CamPro]] 1.3L N/A, 1.6L N/A and 1.6L turbo engines.

[[File:Proton Suprima S Front Three Quarter Facing Left.jpg|thumbnail|right|The [[Proton Suprima S]].]]
On 17 August 2013, Proton launched the [[Proton Suprima S|Suprima S]], the hatchback complement to the Prevé saloon.<ref name="Proton Suprima S Launch 1-Live Stream (Archived)"/> It became the second 5-star ANCAP rated Proton and the first to offer extensive standard safety features in its domestic market. On 11 December 2013, the [[second generation Proton Perdana]] was finally unveiled after a three-year gap in the nameplate's production.<ref name="Proton Perdana (second generation) launch"/> The new Perdana is a [[badge engineered]] [[Honda Accord (North America eighth generation)|eighth generation Honda Accord]] and is for exclusive sale to Malaysian civil servants and government officials.<ref name="Proton Perdana (second generation) launch"/>

[[File:2014 Proton Iriz 1.6L Premium in Shah Alam, Malaysia (01).jpg|thumbnail|right|The [[Proton Iriz]].]]
The [[Proton Iriz]] was unveiled on 25 September 2014 as the company's first [[B-segment]] 5-door hatchback.<ref name="Proton Iriz launch"/> The new Iriz competes directly against the [[Perodua Myvi]] in its domestic market.

On 18 January 2016, Proton unveiled their all-new four-cylinder GDI/TGDI and three-cylinder VVT engines.<ref name="Proton GDI/TGDI engine announcement carlist.my"/> The new engines, of which there are six in total, are being developed in collaboration with [[Ricardo plc|Ricardo]] and [[Lotus Engineering]], and are slated to enter production by late 2017.<ref name="Proton GDI/TGDI engine announcement carlist.my"/>

Proton unveiled their new logo in February 2016, and appointed a new CEO and Deputy CEO in April.<ref name="Proton new logo 2016 paultan.org"/><ref name="Proton new CEO/DCEO 2016 thestar.com.my"/> The government had also granted Proton a RM 1.5 billion soft loan in mid 2016.<ref name="Proton soft loan RM1.5b thestar.com.my"/> The loan came with a number of conditions, including a mandatory tie-up with a foreign automobile company in the near future. Several companies have expressed interest, including [[Suzuki]], [[Škoda Auto|Škoda]], [[Groupe PSA]], [[Renault]] and [[Geely]].<ref name="Proton foreign partnership 09/2016 carlist.my"/> This culminated with the entry of China's Zhejiang Geely Holding Group in June 2017, after the Chinese carmaker acquired 49.9% equity in Proton from DRB-HICOM.{{Citation needed|date=February 2018}}

[[File:Proton-Persona-Red.jpg|thumbnail|left|The [[Proton Persona (BH)|third generation Proton Persona]].]]
Proton introduced four new models in 2016. The new [[Proton Perdana (second generation)|Perdana]] launched on 14 June,<ref name="CP Proton Perdana 2016 launch paultan.org"/> followed by the new [[Proton Persona (BH)|Persona]] on 23 August,<ref name="BH Proton Persona 2016 launch paultan.org"/> the new [[Proton Saga (third generation)|Saga]] on 28 September,<ref name="BT, Mk4 Proton Saga 2016 launch paultan.org"/> and the new [[Proton Ertiga|Ertiga]] on 24 November.<ref name="EZ Proton Ertiga 2016 launch paultan.org"/> The launch of four new Proton models within the span of six months was unprecedented in the company's history. Masazumi Ogawa was recruited as the director of quality control in Proton.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://paultan.org/2016/02/16/proton-aims-to-resolve-improve-upon-quality-issues/|title=Proton aims to resolve, improve upon quality issues - paultan.org|date=16 February 2016|access-date=6 February 2018|archive-date=7 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207005041/https://paultan.org/2016/02/16/proton-aims-to-resolve-improve-upon-quality-issues/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 24 May 2017, parent company [[DRB-HICOM]] announced plans to sell a 49.9% stake in Proton to [[Geely|Zhejiang Geely Automobile Holdings]].<ref name="Proton Geely stake paultan.org"/><ref name="Proton Lotus Geely Volvo alliance thestar.com.my"/> Eventually, DRB-HICOM also sold 51% controlling-stake in [[Lotus Cars|Lotus]] to Geely, and the remaining 49% stake to Etika Automotive.<ref name="Lotus Geely Etika stake paultan.org"/> The definitive agreement was in July 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://tirto.id/proton-mobil-nasional-malaysia-dengan-cita-rasa-cina-cDfy|title=Proton, Mobil Nasional Malaysia dengan Cita Rasa Cina|date=15 January 2018|work=Tirto.id|access-date=19 January 2022}}</ref> Proton had owned Lotus since 1996, and largely struggled to turn the fortunes of the sports car maker around. Nonetheless, in late 2016, Lotus announced their first operating profit in over 40 years.<ref name="Lotus profitable 2016 autoexpress.co.uk"/> Their presence in Proton is said to not affect Japanese auto manufacturers due to being in the market for a very long time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/06/07/business/corporate-business/geely-bid-proton-not-major-threat-japanese-automakers-expert-says/|title=Geely bid for Proton not a major threat to Japanese automakers, expert says|date=7 June 2017|website=The Japan Times|access-date=3 July 2020|archive-date=4 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704154120/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/06/07/business/corporate-business/geely-bid-proton-not-major-threat-japanese-automakers-expert-says/|url-status=live}}</ref> Still, many of Proton's cars benefitted from the Lotus relationship, with the Satria GTi specifically mentioned by car reviewers as possessing good handling traits. Subsequent Proton some models received "Lotus Tuned" input.{{Citation needed|date=February 2018}}

Proton recruited Yoshiya Inamori as the vice president of manufacturing, who had previously been involved with Proton back in the 80s when it was founded during his time in Mitsubishi from April 1982 until July 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://paultan.org/2017/11/21/yoshiya-inamori-get-to-know-the-new-vice-president-of-manufacturing-at-proton/|title=Yoshiya Inamori - get to know the new vice president of manufacturing at Proton; 35 years of experience - paultan.org|date=21 November 2017|access-date=6 February 2018|archive-date=7 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207005037/https://paultan.org/2017/11/21/yoshiya-inamori-get-to-know-the-new-vice-president-of-manufacturing-at-proton/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 29 September 2017, DRB-HICOM announced changes to the board of Proton Holdings Berhad.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.drb-hicom.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/MEDIA-RELEASE-JOINT-MEDIA-STATEMENT-BY-DRB-HICOM-ZHEJIANG-GEELY-HOLDING.pdf |title=Joint media statement |publisher=www.drb-hicom.com |date= |access-date=2021-02-27 |archive-date=29 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929135519/https://www.drb-hicom.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/MEDIA-RELEASE-JOINT-MEDIA-STATEMENT-BY-DRB-HICOM-ZHEJIANG-GEELY-HOLDING.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Following the signing of a Definitive Agreement with China's Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Limited on 23 June 2017,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.drb-hicom.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/MEDIA-RELEASE-DRB-HICOM-ZGH-INKS-HISTORIC-AGREEMENT.pdf |title=Agreement |publisher=www.drb-hicom.com |date= |access-date=2021-02-27 |archive-date=29 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929140312/https://www.drb-hicom.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/MEDIA-RELEASE-DRB-HICOM-ZGH-INKS-HISTORIC-AGREEMENT.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> the Chinese carmaker acquired 49.9% equity in Proton. The announcement on 29 September saw a new board of directors put in place in Proton Holdings, Proton Edar (the local distribution arm) and Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Sdn Bhd (PONSB).

Three nominees from Geely Holding joined the boards; Daniel Donghui Li, the Executive VP and CFO of Geely Holding; Dr Nathan Yuning, the Executive VP of International Business of Geely Holding, and Feng Qing Feng, the Group VP and CTO at HK-listed Geely Auto. DRB-HICOM are represented by Dato' Sri Syed Faisal Albar, who chairs the boards, and Amalanathan Thomas and Shaharul Farez Hassan. Both are part of the senior management team<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.drb-hicom.com/about-us/our-leaders/board-of-management/ |title=Group Management Committee – DRB-HICOM Berhad |publisher=Drb-hicom.com |date=2019-12-31 |access-date=2021-02-27 |archive-date=29 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929184112/https://www.drb-hicom.com/about-us/our-leaders/board-of-management/ |url-status=live }}</ref> at DRB-HICOM. On the same day, Dr Li Chunrong joins PONSB as CEO.<ref>{{cite web|date=29 September 2017|title=DRB-Hicom, Geely announce new Proton board - Li Chunrong is CEO, Winfried Vahland joins board - paultan.org|url=https://paultan.org/2017/09/29/drb-hicom-geely-announce-new-proton-board-li-chunrong-is-ceo-winfried-vahland-joins-board/|access-date=6 February 2018|archive-date=7 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207010641/https://paultan.org/2017/09/29/drb-hicom-geely-announce-new-proton-board-li-chunrong-is-ceo-winfried-vahland-joins-board/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=29 September 2017|title=Li Chunrong named CEO of Proton manufacturing arm|url=https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/li-chunrong-named-ceo-proton-manufacturing-arm|website=The Edge Markets|access-date=19 March 2018|archive-date=4 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180304235413/https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/li-chunrong-named-ceo-proton-manufacturing-arm|url-status=live}}</ref> Dr Li is the third foreigner to head Proton. Between 1993 and 1997, the early years of Proton, two different Japanese nominees of their partners, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, led the carmaker.

===2020s===
On 29 April 2024, Proton announced the opening of a R&D centre at the Geely Automobile Research Institute at Hangzhou Bay in collaboration with Geely.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://paultan.org/2024/04/29/proton-opens-new-rd-centre-in-china/|title=Proton opens new R&D centre in China - serves to upgrade homegrown models, EV development - paultan.org|date=29 April 2024}}</ref>

On 23 August 2024, Proton announced that they are partnering with NSA Motors Limited in Trinidad and Tobago since March 2024 to market and retail their vehicles in the country.<ref>{{Cite web |last=BIRRUNTHA |first=S. |date=2024-08-25 |title=Proton expands to Caribbean partnering Ansa in Trinidad and Tobago {{!}} New Straits Times |url=https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2024/08/1096492/proton-expands-caribbean-partnering-ansa-trinidad-and-tobago |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=NST Online |language=en}}</ref>

On 16 December 2024, Proton launched the e.MAS 7 with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as the main guest of honor.<ref>https://emas.proton.com/proton-e-mas-7-officially-launched-by-pm-yab-dato-seri-anwar-ibrahim/</ref> It will be retailed in Malaysia, Mauritius, Nepal, Singapore and Trinidad and Tobago.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mukminin |first=Amirul |date=2024-12-18 |title=Proton eMAS 7 to enter Singaporean market in early 2025 |url=https://en.engear.tv/news/2024/12/18/proton-emas-7-to-enter-singaporean-market-in-early-2025/520662/ |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=ENGEAR ENGLISH |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-16 |title=Proton eMas 7 EV to be launched in Mauritius, Nepal, Singapore, Trinidad and Tobago; possibly Brunei too - paultan.org |url=https://paultan.org/2024/12/16/proton-emas-7-ev-to-be-launched-in-mauritius-nepal-singapore-trinidad-and-tobago-possibly-brunei-too/ |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=Paul Tan's Automotive News |language=en-US}}</ref>
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