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Malaysian automaker Proton is getting ready to pursue its ambitious goal of becoming a global automaker.

It seems like Nissan wants to partner with every single automotive company on the face of the earth. After partnering with Renault, Mercedes and recently with Mitsubishi, Nissan is looking forward to partnering with the Malaysian based company Proton as well. Proton is making waves in the Indian automotive scene prior to its official entry [...]

Proton has announced that it has entered into a MoU with Nissan to carry out feasibility studies on the potential use of Nissan platforms and powertrains. The studies will conclude on the 30th of April 2011. Last year sections of the media carried stories that Proton’s upcoming compact car – EMAS – would base itself [...]

The entry of Proton in the Indian market is becoming no less than a twisty Bollywood plot. Recently, speculation was rife that Proton was in talks with Nissan and had almost finalized the agreement. Now, The Economic Times is reporting that Proton is in talks with Hindustan Motors to use their Chennai plant for manufacturing [...]

This is a challenge for Proton and we hope it can partner a company which is willing to invest and provide maintenance services. This is an important factor as it will have a significant impact in the Indian market.

Malaysia’s International Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Mukhriz Dr Mahathir hints Proton will utilize an existing service network in India. Is Nissan going to be sharing shop floor space with Proton?

Image – Proton Savvy

By Kaustubh Shinde

The Proton EMAS has been a under our scanner since the time it was conceived. We brought you the 2 door and the 4 door version as soon as they were leaked. The reason why we believe it is so important is because it is surely coming to India. This would be Proton’s stallion in the entry-level hatchback market.

Now that Proton has almost confirmed their entry with a sedan, an entry level hatch and an MPV, we have all the more reasons to believe that the EMAS will see the Indian shore by 2013.

Lotus chief executive Dany Bahar -

We are doing this together with Proton and another OEM [original equipment manufacturer, or car manufacturer]. We will build three versions: one for the Asian market, one for Europe and a sportier one

Which brings us to our second question – The European EMAS is being tested right now at the Lotus factory as you are reading this. Yes, Proton will make three different versions of the EMAS – An affordable variant with low-cost car credentials for Asia and a sporty version with more horsepower. So while the rest of the world gets a stiff and powerful Lotus hot hatchback, India gets a cold Proton family hatchback.

The third variant could be a hybrid car for Europe.

Proton could be studying the flexible V-Platform developed by Nissan for the Asian EMAS. Proton has already confirmed that they are readying a new car for the Indian market. This new car will be a sub 4-meter hatch with 5 doors and possibly a 1.2-liter engine making around 75bhp.

Are we actually witnessing a new JV? Are Nissan and Proton ready to shake hands with each other? Do you think it is a wise choice to make the new Proton at Nissan’s Chennai factory while the others are made by Argentum?

So many questions unanswered….

Malaysian Auto Major Proton has finally decided to go solo in India. The company has been considering to enter the Indian market for quite sometime now and was scouting for partners. But now the company will foray into India as a standalone subsidiary of Proton Holdings.

Proton will initially assemble its cars at the Surajpur Plant of Argentum Motors (the original plant of Daewoo) under contract manufacturing basis, reports CNBC-TV18. The company is also planning to source a diesel engine for its products in India as it realizes the importance of having a diesel powered car in its portfolio.

CNBC-TV18 reports that Proton has narrowed it down to three cars for India -

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