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Proton the Malaysian national car manufacturer has finalized their plans for India and is all set to enter the Indian market.

The industry has chose the 1.2L five-door mini car Savvy, the 1.3L entry level sedan Saga and 1.6L 2nd generation Persona for the country’r market.

These 3-models are presently undergoing field tests and technical evaluation at different locations here. Proton’s 2-day clinic (technical) on these cars concluded at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi last Sat. these car models will be launched in phases, and may hit the Indian market early 2009.

These cars models will compete with Hyundai’s i10, Santro and Verna; Maruti Suzuki’s Swift, WagonR, SX4 and Dzire; and General Motor’s Chevrolet UV-A and Aveo in the Rs 3.7 lac to Rs 6.5 lac cost brand.

We were close to striking a deal with M&M, but they have preferred to distance themselves from the car market after the Logan sedan’s not too successful run. We are now looking for a possible joint venture with other Indian automobile companies, particularly with a strong focus on marketing.

- A senior executive of Proton Motors Ltd, who is overseeing the technical trials.

Proton, a small and mid sized car makers is looking at high fuel efficiency and alternative fuels like CNG as their main plant in country.

The Malaysian automobile market has saturated at around 4.5-lakh cars a year for the past few years. Our domestic sales are constant while significant growth has been registered from our overseas operations. So, our main focus is on developing markets like China and, especially, India, where 75% of the total cars sold are hatchbacks and compacts. India offers huge potential for a small car maker like Proton.

- The executive added.