Proton is Malaysia’s first automobile manufacturer founded in 1983 by the Prime Minister. The first Proton was manufactured in 1985, the Proton Saga. Mitsubishi was the sole supplier of parts initially for Proton but slowly facilities were developed that allowed the company to produce their own parts.
Proton has since produced higher end models and the Proton Impian introduced in 2004 was the first car to be produced completely by Proton. In 1996 the company acquired Lotus technologies and with it acquired expertise and skill.
Proton has acquired other companies and shares as well, and in 2004 Proton teamed with Volkswagen AG. The agreement would be mutually beneficial for the two car makers. In 2007, Volkswagen is expected to buy a majority percentage of Proton.
Some popular Proton models include the Proton Impian, the Proton Gen-2, and the Proton Savvy.
The Proton Impian is the first passenger car designed completely by Proton. The Impian is a compact four-door saloon. The Impian was first introduced in 2000 with production continuing to date.
The Proton Gen-2 is a compact five-door hatchback that was first released in 2004. The Gen-2 replaced the Proton Wira. Production of the Gen-2 continues to date.
The Proton Savvy is a supermini. The Savvy comes in five-door hatchback form and replaced the Proton Tiara. The Savvy was first produced in 2005 and continues to the present.