Proton develops Gen2 EVE hybrid car

• Author: zzoom
• Date: Aug 5,2008

Proton Malaysia is developing a new, fuel-efficient hybrid car to beat rising costs and address environmental concerns, reports said Sunday.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi told the state Bernama news agency he had already test-driven the car and urged the company to continue researching energy-saving technologies.

"The kind of car that all countries and car companies love now is the green car. Consumers will also be happy when they drive such a car knowing it saves fuel and does not pollute," the Star daily quoted him as saying.

"Such an effort by Proton will also assist the government in saving petrol and preserving the environment."

Hybrid vehicles, which deliver power by switching between a gasoline (petrol) engine and an electric motor, can save up to 30 percent on fuel costs but they are more expensive than conventional models.

Proton was formed 25 years ago by former premier Mahathir Mohamad as part of an ambitious national industrialization plan but its market share has slumped over the years, as it faced difficulties coping in a new deregulated market.

The government has urged it to forge a partnership with a foreign automaker to give it the expertise and economies of scale that it needs to survive, but talks with Volkswagen and General Motors have collapsed.

The company aims to launch its first multi-purpose vehicle early next year, Bernama reported.

Popularity: 9% [?]

Related posts:

1. Proton need a foreign partner? Again!!
Back again the partnering issue, to have or not to have it sign &...
2. Malaysian NGV practical or burden?
Malaysian motorists are seriously considering the option of...
3. Cheaper and widespread NGV usage initiative
News Compiled on NGV Kelantan State on Cheaper fuel The Kelantan...
4. Proton pre-installed NGV this October
Proton will start producing cars installing with NGV in this coming...
5. Genepax Fuel Cell Electric car
There has a number of attempts on water-powered cars, but it looks...
6. Hyundai NGV Kit ready for buyers
Oriental-Hyundai Sdn Bhd, the local distributor of Hyundai models,...
7. Nissan to boost compact car and fuel economy vehicle market
An interest rate hike would have a significant impact on car sales in...
8. Malaysia Proton ties with Japan Mitsubishi Motors again
MALAYSIA'S national carmaker Proton on Friday announced it has inked...