Business

Saturday October 3, 2009

Proton to restore Lotus’ stature

By CHOI TUCK WO


NORFOLK: Proton Holdings Bhd aims to further enhance Lotus’ stature as a renowned global brand, said chairman Datuk Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh.

“To this end, we have laid several plans to revive the company (Lotus Engineering) and the brand and to bring it back to the level that it enjoyed previously,” he said, citing the recent launch of Evora, Lotus’ first new car since 1995.

Nadzmi added that with Lotus’ proven strength in producing iconic cars such as the Elite, Seven, Elan, Europa, Esprit, Elise and Evora, Proton’s decision to acquire Lotus in 1996 had proven to be a good one.

The acquisition was also important as it had changed the future of Proton as a car manufacturer, he said when welcoming the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuan­ku Mizan Zainal Abidin and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahi­rah to the Group Lotus plc headquarters yesterday.

Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin (left) briefing the King Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin (right) on the new Proton engine. With them is Datuk Nadzmi Salleh (2nd from right)

Describing the royal couple’s visit as a meaningful occasion for all, he added: “I am certain it will inspire us to further strive and work harder in bringing Lotus to greater global prominence and in realising Proton’s vision to become Asia’s premier automotive company.”

Nadzmi said Proton and Lotus were currently engaged in the development of hybrid and electric vehicles as well as more efficient engines.

Proton managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said Lotus had contributed immeasurably to the technological development and engineering capabilities of Proton.

A legend in the world of automotive industry, Lotus thrived on the strong foundation built by its founder Colin Bruce Chapman in 1948, he said.

“Now after 61 glorious years, Lotus still holds reign as one of the few esteemed sports car makers, distinguished especially for its lightweight engineering prowess and performance superiority,” he added.

In conjunction with the royal visit, the King unveiled the new Proton higher performance engine, a 1.6-litre, high-torque and pressure-charged unit designed for future Proton models. Targeted to hit the market within 18 months of concept approval, the engine promises enhanced driveability with improved economy, performance and emissions.

It is jointly developed by Proton and Lotus with the active involvement of Malaysian engineers and vendors and boasts an improved rate of emission and performance quality.


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