Proton Holdings Bhd on Monday unveiled its RM600 million research and development programme of its latest powertrain, the global standard "turbo gasoline direct injection (TGDI)" engine, under a tripartite collaboration with Ricardo plc and Lotus Group.
Its chairman, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, symbolically officiated the first firing test on the engine which was made via a live telecast from Ricardo's facilities in Shoreham by the Sea, England, with the company's engineers who had been working on the project.
The development programme is led by Proton project manager, chief technical officer, Abdul Rashid Musa.
Abdul Rashid explained from Ricardo site, the programme will take 40 months to complete the six variants of the engines, with the first variant to be launched after 30 months by end-2017.
Dr Mahathir said Ricardo was picked due to its capability.
"We hope this engine will perform well and meet the Euro standard so that Proton can be sold again in the UK.
"We have not been selling cars in the UK for quite some time, simply because our current engine does not perform to the standard imposed by the UK and Europe," said Dr Mahathir.
CEO, Datuk Abdul Harith Abdullah, said the new engines would allow Proton to penetrate the export market.
"The cars will be compliant with the regulation and legislation that require the vehicles to comply with the low emission level of Euro 6c and low carbon dioxide CO2 figures post-2020.
"The Proton engineers had worked on the programme since March 2015 in providing the right inputs, making decisions on our requirements, actively involved in the design and analyses of the engines and the production of the prototype," said Abdul Harith.
He said 200 engineers were involved in the development of six variants of the engines ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 cc over three years.
"The TGDI and GDI engines will be more efficient, producing an average of 25 percent lower fuel consumption and up to 20 per cent higher performance.
"They will be available in all Proton cars from 2018 onwards," he said.
On Proton's financial performance, Abdul Harith said, it should be on the right track to profitability in the financial years 2016 and 2017, driven by launches of new models and its transformation plan introduced in 2012.
On the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), Abdul Harith said Proton was still in talks with the government.
"We need to clarify some issues because our objectives are to protect our business and employees," he added.
Bernama
Mon Jan 18 2016
With the launch of the new programme, it is hoped that soon enough, Proton cars can be sold in the UK again.
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.