This feed contains the latest All feed items for the PROTON WIRA model. http://www.motortorque.com/ Copyright 2013 MotorTorque All Rights Reserved. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:20:16 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss Automotive Website Framework Engine (2.9.1208.1803) Malaysian automaker Proton is offering three year’s worth of free servicing on any models bought in October.Motorists who purchase and register a Proton between 22 September 2011 and 31 October 2011 will be eligible for the offer.The General Manager for Sales and Marketing at Proton UK, Simon Park, said: “At a time when some people are looking at how they can cut motoring costs, we’ve introduced this offer to help make people’s money go the extra mile and ensure they continue to be safe on the road.”Proton managed 42 car sales in the UK in September, bringing its total number in the year to date to 375 sales so far. In January-October last year it sold 639 cars.The current Proton range includes the Savvy, a five-door city car price from £7,995 on the road (OTR).There is also the Satria Neo, a three-door supermini which was recently enhanced with the launch of the new Sport specification. The standard model is priced from £9,995 on the road.Rounding off the current Proton range is the Gen-2 family car, available in the form a five-door hatchback or as a four-door saloon and featuring engineering input from British sports maker Lotus.The Gen-2 is priced from £8,995 in hatchback form and £10,995 for the saloon and now includes an Ecologic specification; a car that can run on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as well as petrol.The Ecologic range carries two individual tanks for both fuel types in case it runs out of LPG. On the road pricing for the Proton Gen-2 Ecologic starts from £9,995 for the hatchback and £10,995 for the saloon version. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/proton-offers-free-servicing-to-new-customers-14652.aspx Stephen Goldasz Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:20:16 GMT Proton has added The Garage at Blakesley to its dealership network.The dealership is located on Quinbury End in Blakesley near Towcester - and has become the Proton main dealer for the area.The garage, originally built back in the early sixties, was then known as “Tanswells of Blakesley” and was the local Morris dealer, for the area, which in later years became “Rover dealership” until the garage finally closed in 1994.In 1995, Dealer Principal Colin Hilbourne re-opened the derelict garage, renaming it “The Garage at Blakesley Ltd”, specialising in Daihatsu.With Daihatsu imports currently suspended, The Garage has turned to proton, representing the Malaysian manufacturer as the official dealer for the area, in sales, service and parts.Colin Hilbourne, Dealer Principal for The Garage at Blakesley, commented: “We are delighted to have become Proton’s main dealer for the area, and hope this reflects our strong reputation as the garage that cares and retains our independence.”The Garage at Blakesley offers Proton’s entire, including the five-door Savvy city car, the three-door Satria Neo and new Satria Neo Sport, five-door GEN-2 hatchback, the four-door GEN-2 saloon and LPG dual-fuel GEN-2 ecoLogic range.The Garage at Blakesley offers an MOT test centre 4, servicing and repairs for all makes of vehicles, as well as a breakdown recovery service, collection and delivery service, Find-A-Car service, and sale or return service for Carsales.Commenting on the new partnership, Simon Park, General Manager of Sales & Marketing for Proton Cars (UK) Ltd, said: “We are pleased to welcome The Garage at Blakesley to our expanding network and offer customers more choice in the area."With a growing demand for more cost-effective motors, Proton makes for a sensible choice of car.” http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/proton-appoints-the-garage-at-blakesley-to-dealership-network-16986.aspx Robin Brown Mon, 22 Nov 2010 11:51:58 GMT Proton Cars has highlighted a range of Motability deals available on selected models, all available through the Motability scheme.A choice of contract hire or hire purchase schemes is available from Proton with zero deposit under the Motability scheme.Designed to offer drivers with disabilities access to production cars through easy payment schemes and modifications to certain models, the Motability scheme currently works with various dealers across the UK.The Motability Contract Hire scheme is available over a three-year period on selected Proton cars: the Savvy, Gen-2 (hatchback and saloon) and Satria Neo models.The Savvy boasts a 1.2 litre petrol engine, with contemporary clearform headlights, a low front skirt and 15” alloy wheels. Other standard features include remote central locking and parking sensors.The GEN-2 range, fitted with a 1.6 litre petrol engine includes the 5-door GEN-2 family hatchback, the 4-door GEN-2 saloon and the LPG dual fuel GEN-2 ecologic.This range, labelled by Proton as ‘value-for-money’, features air conditioning, electric front windows and reverse parking sensors as standard.The Satria Neo, with its Lotus ride and handling, has a sporty exterior and delivers both excitement and economy, according to Proton.Included as standard are 16” alloy wheels, electric windows, reverse parking sensors and a rear spoiler. The Satria Neo also holds a centre mounted exhaust and race inspired bucket seats.The Motability scheme allows those claiming higher rate mobility allowance, to have a new car instead of their standard mobility allowance- it provides disabled people with the opportunity to own or lease a car at affordable prices.The scheme provides comprehensive insurance, road tax and all servicing and maintenance costs for the vehicle, all of which will be provided by RAC.Motability, a registered charity, is the official partner to the mobility allowance scheme maintained by the government.It currently has in excess of 533,000 fleet cars across the country-a figure that makes Motability one of the largest fleets in the UK.Common adaptations by the motability scheme vary depending on disability. Some of the most common are a Swivel Seat for easier access, a Steering Wheel Ball for those with the use of only one hand and Radial Accelerators where the driver makes use of a lever to accelerate and brake.There are over 400 car options on the Motability scheme, from a Seat Ibiza with zero advance payment, to the Ford Focus CC2 with an advanced payment of £2,000. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/proton-joins-motability-fleet-16816.aspx David Hort Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:11:32 GMT As one for the few manufacturers to increase sales in May this year, Proton believes it is well set to profit from motorists' search for cheaper running costs as a result of the credit crunch.The Malaysian manufacture is the only manufacturer to offer a model already converted to run on liquid petroleum gas (LPG) at no extra cost.Proton says sales of its LPG-ready GEN-2 ecoLogic saloon have rocketed by 375 per cent in the last month, though it doesn't explain exactly how many have been sold in figures. Proton sold 90 cars in May, compared to 88 in May 2008.Proton says the rise in sales is due to motorists' discontent over petrol prices, currently averaging around £1 per litre. LPG costs around 52p per litre, equating to a saving of around £670 a year at 12K per annum.The GEN-2 ecoLogic is available for £7,995 under the scrappage scheme, and normally retails at £9,995 – the same price as a petrol Gen-2.The ecoLogic comes readily converted to dual-fuel LPG. To convert a car to run on LPG currently costs between £1,500-£2,500.Typically, LPG produces less carbon monoxide, particulates and nitrous oxides than other fuel sources, plus a claimed 15-20 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide compared to petrol. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/proton-gains-sales-as-motorists-turn-to-lpg-9294.aspx Robin Brown Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT Proton has recruited a new dealer to bring its product range to motorists in Bury.As the newest Proton dealer in Lancashire, BCC Motor Group in Bury now stocks the full range of Proton models, including Savvy city car, Satria Neo and new Satria Neo Sport, GEN-2 family hatchback and saloon, plus the recently-launched LPG dual fuel GEN-2 ecoLogic range.Kevin Walsh of BCC Motor Group said: “We believe that the franchise offers fantastic value for money in these troubled economic times and we’re looking forward to a great future with Proton.”Commenting on the new partnership, Simon Park, General Sales and Marketing Manager at Proton added:“BCC Motor Group is a welcome addition to Proton, expanding our growing network and offering better coverage to Proton customers in Lancashire. With a rapidly expanding product range, we felt it was important to be able to cater for both existing and potential customers in the north of England.”In addition to stocking the full range of Proton models, BCC Motor Group also offers full servicing and parts.For more information on BCC Motor Group and the Proton range contact: BCC Motor Group, Whitelegge Street, Off Tottington Road, Bury, Lancashire BL8 1SW or by phone on 0844 8565880. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/proton-appoint-bcc-motor-group-in-bury-16719.aspx Robin Brown Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT Proton has launched a number of Motability offers across its range.The Proton Savvy city car is available with zero advance payment until 31st March 2009. Reverse distance sensors are fitted as standard and there’s also an automated transmission option.The Proton Satria Neo three-door supermini and GEN-2 Persona saloon are available with £99 advance payment until 31st March 2009.For more information goto www.proton.co.uk. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/proton-offers-motability-deals-9241.aspx Robin Brown Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT Proton is slashing £2K off the price of a limited-edition GEN-2, now available from £6,995 on the road until 31st October 2008.The GEN-2 is available at £6,995 and £7,495 for the 1.3 and 1.6 GLS LE models respectively, over £2,000 off the list price.Standard specification includes electric front windows, twin airbags and air conditioning with pollen filter.Available with both manual and automatic transmission, the GEN-2 GSX LE model also comes with electric front and rear windows, air conditioning with climate control, twin front and side airbags, front fog lamps and sporty tailgate spoiler.There's up to £2,800 off the list price of the GEN-2 GSX LE, with a leather interior worth £1,000 free. That makes the model available for £8,495 for the manual and £8,995 for the automatic.The GEN-2’s 1.3 or 1.6 litre Lotus-engineered CamPro engine delivers a maximum output of 110bhp and 112lb-ft of torque. To support this, an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution is standard along with side impact bars, crumple zones and anti-roll bar. Reverse distance sensors and power assisted steering on all GEN-2 models also help to deliver a stress-free drive.Entertainment is provided by an integrated Blaupunkt radio/CD player with RDS and a four way speaker system and standard across the range are steering wheel mounted audio controls. A Bluetooth hands-free kit which works through the audio system can also be fitted as an accessory.All Proton petrol vehicles including the GEN-2 have a 6 year/ 100,000 mile powertrain warranty, 3 year/ 60,000 mile total vehicle warranty and three years free RAC cover. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/proton-cuts-price-of-gen-2-by-2000-14827.aspx Robin Brown Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT Here’s the answer to all your economical car prayers, courtesy of asurprising source. The new Proton GEN-2 ecoLogic comes kitted out witha LPG tank and will soon be seen queuing up at that lonely little pumpon garage forecourts the length of the UK.Savings of £500 per year are now within the cost-conscious UKdriver’s grasp with the GEN-2 ecoLogic – the equivalent of threemonths' food shopping according to Proton’s calculations.The Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) conversion would set you backsome £2,000 if it weren’t already taken care of by Proton, and LPG fuelcan be had for as little as 58.6pence per litre – a fraction of thewhat British motorists are currently stumping up for either petrol ordiesel.Moreover, the new Proton GEN-2 ecoLogiccosts no more than its standard spec, unconverted sibling. Converted –and making not an iota of difference to the manufacturer’s warranty –the new GEN-2 ecoLogic houses a 1.6-litre engine and comes in bothfour-door saloon and five-door hatchback guise, setting UK drivers back£10,795 and £10,995 respectively.And just for the record, independent tests have determined that LPGhas the best environmental record out of the most popular trio, as wellas representing annual savings of around 40% in fuel costs whencompared.Simon Park from Proton Cars UK commented: “Soaring food and utilitybills are crippling many families and our dual fuel car provides agenuine solution for long-term savings at the pump.“Although there are more than 1,400 LPG filling stations in the UK,drivers can opt to fill up with unleaded and switch at any point intheir journey thanks to the car’s dual-fuel system.” http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/new-proton-gen-2-ecologic-launches-in-uk-14923.aspx Chris Barker Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT Proton Cars UK started importing, distributing and selling their Malaysian built cars in the UK in 1989 from their first headquarters based in the West Midlands.Headquarter moves followed to Bristol, Norwich, where they combined with Lotus, and now they have relocated their headquarters back to Bristol, Avonmouth to be precise.Proton started manufacturing cars in Malaysia in 1985 in partnership with Mitsubishi Corporation. Today some Mitsubishi parts and technologies are still used but Lotus has become significantly involved in the design of components, from engines through to suspensions.Their new 100,000 sq ft UK headquarters is on a 4.5 acre site adjacent to the M5 motorway and from here the company runs its business which includes their importation centre, PDI facility, parts distribution and dealer finance operations.The site had previously been used for the distribution of Proton and Lotus parts and the very recent conversion to sole use for Proton took just four weeks. Staff was retrained and 20 new employees have been taken on and more are being recruited as the Proton operation increases in size.At its peak Proton’s UK sales reached 15,000 units in 1992 but today the company concentrates primarily on sales to retail customers with around 2,500 registrations recorded last year. However Proton UK does have some significant business customers, Humberside Police for instance who have a fleet of 300 Proton vehicles.With a new and revitalised range and some future innovative fuel-saving models Proton is driving towards UK sales of 5,000 to 7,000 new cars a year.Brian Collier, Managing Director of Proton Cars UK said, “We currently have a 76 strong dealer network, mainly independent and around 40 per cent are solus operations. But some of our dealers also have Skoda, Hyundai and Ford franchises. We have 17 after-sales centres and we are actively recruiting more dealers. We currently have 83 enquiries from potential dealers so we are well on our way to achieving 110 sales and service outlets.”He added, “Currently typically Proton owners are 55 plus years of age and almost always retail buyers with terrific brand loyalty and many will have had seven or eight new cars in succession. We do not get involved with fleet or daily rental business and we do not pre-register vehicles to boost our sales figures. With our future low running cost models we are bound to attract high mileage business drivers so that will help towards us expanding our business, as will having more dealers spread throughout the UK.”He added, “Currently the down-turn in the UK market is actually working in our favour as some dealers are leaving the bigger franchises because they see greater earning potential in our range where some models provide margins of up to £3,000.”Proton Cars UK also supplies vehicles and parts to right-hand drive markets in Southern Ireland, Cyprus and Malta.Simon Park, General Manager Sales and Marketing added, “Our unique selling point is the size of our business. UK dealers are fed up with pressure from the major manufacturers to pre-register cars. We do not put our dealers under pressure to take delivery and stock new cars at unrealistic levels. We know all our dealers and most of their front-line staff on first name terms and they and their staff know us.”“Our dealers know us as the friendly car manufacturer, always there to supply new cars from our PDI centre as quickly as possible in first rate condition ready for display or sale. Our finance, parts and technical support operations have a close business relationships with their counterparts in each dealer and that ensures we supply the quality but fast services dealers need.”Park added, “We are consistently rated highly in the industry’s annual surveys, normally in the top five. These surveys cover everything from customer and dealer satisfaction, product reliability, satisfaction about Proton dealer services and over the last four years we have been going up in the rankings for sales and marketing as well.”The new and revised Proton range will be further expanded this coming Autumn but currently the range with their competitive pricing is attracting younger buyers so the age profile of the brand is reducing.The Proton range currently consist of the Savvy small city car, the Satria Neo three door ‘supermini’ hatchback, Gen-2 four and five door family cars and the new Persona medium-sized four-door saloon. Prices start from £7,295 and range up to £11,595 but there are offers of between £750 and a £1,000 some models until the end of September. The models are covered by a three-year/60,000 mile warranty. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/proton-relocated-refreshed-and-raring-to-go-15078.aspx David Miles Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT Proton has announced that it has ended takeover talks with Volkswagen and General Motors, with no agreements reached on future partnerships.The state-owned Malaysian manufacturer was known to be involved with the two manufacturer groups with regard to increasing new-model technology and its network of parts suppliers. Hostility to an outright takeover is thought to have scuppered the talks.Proton lost $176m in 2006, the first loss the manufacturer had posted for nearly two decades, having seen it share of its home market half between 2002 and 2005. Perodua overtook Proton this year as the country´s largest car-maker.Proton has been exploring partnership possibilities with Volkswagen since 2004, with the German manufacturer announcing that it had signed an agreement to buy a 51% share in Proton in January 2007.Volkswagen and GM are searching for Eastern manufacturers to extend production capacity and reach in emerging markets.Future strategic partnerships have not been ruled out, but both Western manufacturer s are known to be keen on holding a controlling stake in an Eastern company. Both companies said they would seek a partner elsewhere.Proton bought British automotive engineering group Lotus in 1996, with the Gen-II saloon following shortly after with a platform extensively developed by Lotus.Proton recently announced plans to develop an´Islamic car´ with Turkish and Iranian manufacturers that would include a compass that points ´to Mecca´. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/proton-takeover-talks-with-gm-volkswagen-collapse-16964.aspx Robin Brown Wed, 21 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT