Proton to unveil concept car at 80th International Geneva Motor Show in the Swiss city of Geneva

Proton (Malaysia National Car Maker) will be premiering its concept car at the 80th International Motor Show in Geneva on 2 March 2010. The car maker advisor – Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad will be joining the event and launch the Proton Concept Car.

The concept car is a creative collaboration between Proton, Lotus Engineering and Italdesign Giugiaro. Moreover, the concept car is based on a hybrid propulsion system. The specially designed chassis also features a raised floor that can accommodate the conventional engine as well as the hybrid system’s batteries in the rear. The concept car leverages on maximising space, while maintaining the overall dimensions of a compact car.

The five-door, four-seater hatchback concept car has a total length of 3550mm and features a front-mounted endothermic engine for recharging the lithium ion batteries with a fully electric drive-train.

The car was conceived with the aim of maximising the interior roominess and improving access to the vehicle. The high position of the four independently-adjustable and sliding seats, allows passengers to fully enjoy the spacious interior. Thanks to the combination of these two technical specifications the car is easier to enter, as the seats’ H-points (or the position of an occupant’s hip) are at the same height as in an SUV.

Proton Holdings Berhad Group Managing Director, Dato’ Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamad Tahir, said that the collaboration is part of its long-term strategy to match global automotive standards and expand its footprint worldwide.