Lotus could potentially have a new owner as its parent, Malaysian carmaker Proton looks for a suitor.

According to Automotive News Europe, DRB-Hicom which owns both companies, is looking to sell part of its stake in the loss making Proton, and has approached almost 20 carmakers to express its interest in selling a stake.

PSA Group, Renault and Suzuki, amongst others, are reportedly investigating the deal. It appears the companies are primarily interested in Proton’s two factories in Malaysia that are running under capacity. The new owner would gain an immediate hub for exporting vehicles to the Southeast Asian market.

It isn’t clear whether DRB-Hicom intends to sell Proton together with Lotus, sell it separately or retain the British sports carmaker.

It comes at a time when Lotus finally makes its first profit after 20 years of losses and is currently embarking on a reformation period, with plans to launch a series of new models as well as a SUV by 2020.

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Malaysian-based Proton has introduced a new variant to the company’s Suprima S hatchback range. Wearing a rather grand name, the Suprima S Super Premium is created to cater to customers wanting a sportier design.

It features an R3 (Proton’s racing division) body kit comprising of a front spoiler, side skirt, redesigned rear bumper and 17-inch alloy wheels all in black. Inside, the car has leather seats, a reversing camera, Push Start Button, paddle shifts and cruise control amongst its extensive standard features.

Like the standard model, the Super Premium is powered by Proton’s 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine developing 103kW @ 5,000rpm and 205Nm @ 2,000-4,000rpm. It drives the front wheels via a ProTronic CVT with 7 artificial speeds, while the hatch’s ride and handling have been tuned with by Proton-owned Lotus.

It is also the Proton’s first 5-star ANCAP rated vehicle, with 6 airbags, Hill-Hold Assist, ESC with brake assist, Traction control and ABS with EBD all coming in as standard.

The Proton Suprima S Super Premium is due for an Australian introduction later this year.

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Proton Cars Australia has launched its third all-new model this year – the Proton Suprima S hatchback. Based on the recently launched Prevé sedan, the Suprima S will go on sale from 1 January 2014 from $21,790 driveaway.

Power comes from the company’s own 1.6-litre DOHC, 16-valve, Campro, Charged Fuel Efficiency (CFE) engine that features a low boost intercooled turbocharger with a maximum boost pressure of 0.75 bar (10.9 psi). It produces 103kW @ 5,000rpm and 205Nm @ 2,000-4,000rpm.

It will be offered with a 7-speed Protronic CVT transmission with paddle shifters, with a 6-speed manual available later next year ($2,000 less).

Proton-owned Lotus has again played a role in developing the Suprima S’ chassis.

According to Proton Chief Operating Officer (Commercial), En Hisham Othman, the Proton Suprima S offers features never before seen in a Proton model, with safety topping off the list.

“Like the Prevé GX and GXR, the Proton Suprima S also has an ANCAP 5-Star safety rating. This truly represents the benchmark we have set for the standards and quality that PROTON aims to deliver to its customers,” he said.

The Proton hatch is equipped with 6 airbags as standard, including full length curtain airbags. Other safety features include Electronic Stability Control with Brake Assist, Traction Control, ABS with EBD, front Active Headrests, front seat belt pre-tensioners and Active Hazard Lights.

Priced at $21,790 drivewaway, the GX CVT features Bluetooth, USB and iPod connectivity and a Smart Information Display.

At $26,590 driveaway, the GXR CVT model adds push button start/stop, cruise control, automatic headlights and wipers, climate control, a 7” touch screen infotainment system with built-in DVD player, satellite navigation, reverse camera, front parking sensors and hill hold assist.

It also gets piano black highlights on the steering wheel, gear knob and centre console and leather trim.

All Suprima S GX and GXR includes:

• 5 years or 75,000km Free Scheduled Servicing
• 5 years or 150,000km Warranty
• 5 years or 150,000km Free 24 hours roadside assistance
• 7 years anti-corrosion warranty

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The Proton Prevé is now Australia’s most affordable small car, after the Malaysian brand slashed $3,000 from its price. Introduced earlier this year at $18,990, for a limited time from 1 August 2013, the four-door Proton sedan has a drive away price of $15,990 for the 5-speed manual transmission, and $17,990 for the 6-speed CVT.

However, Proton has swapped the 5 years free servicing offered previously with 5 years fixed price servicing with the latest offer.

The Prevé is the first Proton model sold in Australia to feature a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. It is delivered with 6 airbags (front, side and curtain airbags), Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, ABS brakes, active front head rests, reversing sensors and automatic speed-sensitive power door lock system.

It is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 80kW @ 5,750rpm and 150Nm @ 4,000rpm. The five-seat sedan features Lotus tuned suspension and is one of the better handling cars in its segment. Other equipment highlights include 16-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity and LED daytime running lights.

Announcing the special offer, Proton’s General Manager Sales & Marketing Billy Falconer said:  “These days everyone is seeking excellent value and keeping an eye on their spending. With this special offer we have Australia’s most affordable small car and the peace of mind of five years of fixed price servicing, five years warranty and five years roadside assist. Added to that is the security of a five star ANCAP safety rating.

“I am very pleased that Proton is delivering five-star value to Australian car buyers”.

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In its quest for world domination, the Volkswagen Group is reportedly looking at buying a minority stake or even a controlling stake in Malaysian carmaker, Proton.

The courtship isn’t new as back in 2007, the German company had attempted to strike a deal with Proton. However, the deal fell through as Proton was then owned by the Malaysian government who wanted to keep Proton Malaysian.

Now that the government has sold its 42.7 percent stake in the car company to DRB-HICOM, a firm which assembles vehicles for a few foreign brands including Volkswagen (the Malaysian Passat is locally assembled from CKD kits), credible sources said Volkswagen has reignited the flame.

It is part of Volkswagen’s strategy to tap into the Malaysian market, which is a springboard to the fast growing South East Asian market that includes Thailand and Indonesia.

If the bid is successful, not only will Volkswagen own or part-own Proton, it will likewise takeover control of ailing British marque, Lotus, which is currently owned by Proton.

This could be a good thing for both Proton and Lotus, judging from what Volkswagen has done for Czech brand, Skoda. With the company’s deep pockets and immense technology base, Proton would certainly be able to draw on the Volkswagen Group’s platform and drivetrain technology which are vastly more superior to the company’s own. Lotus could also certainly benefit from some much needed funds.

Source: Reuters

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