Proton launches Savvy hatchback in domestic market in Malaysia

Proton is one of the biggest auto companies in Malaysia and is now hoping to become a global player in the international market. To begin, they have just entered the compact car segment in their domestic market in Malaysia and hope that it would help them get back their market position and improve their share market position.

The new model is 1.2-liter Proton Savvy hatchback and is all locally developed. The company until now has been manufacturing sedans and mid-size cars with Mitsubishi technology and parts. Their first self-built model was Waja sedan, in 2000, which they followed up with the sports model hatchback, Gen2, in 2004.

The company expects to ignite the small car market in Malaysia with their latest offering and help them compete with the global brands, which has in the past given a tough time to the local manufacturer. They have seen their market share dropped down to a disappointing 44% and would now be hoping to bounce back with Proton Savvy.

In addition, they also have plans to develop their Gen2 and Waja cars in the Indonesian market as they are keeping the Proton Savvy hatchback primarily for the domestic market.