RM 120 million. That is the amount that the government is ready to allocate for national automaker Proton in order to carry out the research and development for a new hybrid model, which is in their plan to get in commercialized by mid-2014.
“The government allocated RM 100 million this year for Proton to develop a hybrid and electric model and will consider an allocation of RM 120 million next year for research and development”, said International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed. He also added that the allocation was both justified and relevant as the automotive industry is now gaining momentum towards a positive direction.
In developing this hybrid model, Proton is collaborating with Frazer-Nash Research; a UK-based engineering consultancy specialized in electric and hybrid vehicle technology since four years ago. With this collaboration, Proton now has 40 professionals and 30 semi-professional working in the field.
Among the success of the partnership between these two entities was notably with the Proton Exora Range-Extended Electric Vehicle’s (REEV) accomplishment in defending the “most energy-efficient multipurpose vehicle” in the 92km Future Car Challenge held in London last year. Already showing a great potential after going through such a challenge participated by 70 vehicles from various makes, Proton might have a great shot in producing environmentally friendly cars.
