What The Hell Is A Proton? 

What is Proton? The history of Proton. A Malaysian car maker.
Proton is a Malaysian automotive company that was established in 1983, following the vision of then-Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad to create a national car for Malaysia. It is Malaysia's first car manufacturer and has played a significant role in the development of the Malaysian automotive industry.
Proton launched its first car, the Proton Saga, on July 9, 1985. The Saga was based on the Mitsubishi Lancer Fiore and was produced in collaboration with Mitsubishi Motors. In the 1990s, various Mitsubishi-derived models were launched: the Proton Weera, Proton Satria, Proton Perdana, Proton Putra, as well as a Citroën-based Proton Tiara.
In 1996, Proton acquired a controlling stake in Lotus. This acquisition was part of Proton's strategy to enhance its technological capabilities and brand prestige. Lotus benefited from Proton's investment, allowing it to develop new models and technologies. Proton benefited significantly from this acquisition, particularly in terms of enhancing its vehicle handling and overall engineering prowess. Leveraging Lotus' expertise in chassis dynamics and lightweight construction, Proton improved the handling characteristics of its vehicles, delivering a more engaging driving experience for consumers.
In the 2000s, Proton produced several vehicles that were in-house designed: the Proton Waja, Proton Gen-2, Proton Savvy, Proton Persona, Proton Satria Neo, the second-generation Proton Saga, and the Proton Exora. Proton also launched the Proton Juara, derived from the Mitsubishi Town Box, and the Proton Arena, which is based on the Proton Weera.
In 2010, the Proton Inspira was launched. It is a mid-sized sedan that was developed through a collaboration with Mitsubishi Motors and is essentially a rebadged version of the Mitsubishi Lancer. This partnership allowed Proton to offer a car with proven technology and engineering while providing its own local customization to meet market needs. The Inspira shares much of its design with the Mitsubishi Lancer, including its sleek and sporty exterior. The Inspira was offered with a choice of two engines: 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter Mitsubishi-sourced MIVEC engines. These engines are known for their reliability and performance. It came with either a 5-speed manual or a CVT. The Inspira was aimed at the mid-sized sedan market, targeting both family and professional buyers who were looking for a balance of performance, comfort, and affordability. It was well-received in Malaysia for its performance and build quality, thanks to the Mitsubishi engineering behind it.
In the 2010s, several in-house designed vehicles were produced: the Proton Preve, Proton Suprima S, Proton Iris, Proton Ertiga, and the second-generation Proton Persona. Also launched was the second-generation Proton Perdana, derived from a Honda Accord.
In 2017, Chinese automotive giant Geely, acquired a 49.9% stake in Proton and a 51% stake in Lotus. Since then, Proton has launched several Geely derived vehicles: the Proton X70, Proton X50, Proton X90, and Proton S70.
With Geely's backing, Proton is poised to further strengthen its position in the automotive industry. The partnership opens doors to technological advancements, design innovations, and global market opportunities. Proton's future likely entails the continued development of high-quality vehicles with advanced features, catering to diverse consumer preferences.