Shah Alam / Tokyo, September 15, 2011

Proton and Mitsubishi Motors to Pursue Broad Ranging Strategic Collaboration

Shah Alam / Tokyo, 15 September, 2011 – PROTON Holdings Berhad (PROTON) and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced today that they are in serious discussion for strategic collaboration to further strengthen the competitiveness of both PROTON and MMC in the global marketplace.
 
The collaborative items being considered between the two parties are set to cover areas and activities such as:
 
Joint production of engines in Malaysia
Consignment production of MMC-brand vehicles at PROTON facilities
Sharing of major parts and components between MMC’s “Global Small”, which is to be launched next March starting in Thailand, and PROTON’s upcoming “Global Small Car”
Provision of MMC’s future technologies such as electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicle technology
 
The two companies had jointly proceeded with feasibility studies since late 2010 and have identified these areas of collaboration that could be expected to provide both parties with the right synergy in the pursuit of global competitiveness.
 
Cooperation between PROTON and MMC, ever since PROTON’s inception as the country’s first car manufacturer and driver of the national automotive industry development has proven to be a long lasting business affiliation. The two companies had signed an agreement in December 2008 on the development and production of new vehicles at PROTON. Under a license agreement, PROTON currently produces ‘Inspira’, a four-door sedan model based on an MMC vehicle.
 
The latest discussion between the companies aims to provide yet another win-win relationship where MMC will be able to expand its presence in the ASEAN market while PROTON will be able to also expand its line-up and make effective use of its production facilities. A new strategic collaboration, supported by the growth of both companies since their first collaboration 26 years ago, is certainly a natural progression for both parties in taking their business relationship to a much more significant and impactful level in view of the ever competitive automotive landscape.

Mitsubishi keeps upping the ante on their marketing material but like most marketing efforts it may be high on drama, hype and technology it doesn’t necessarily translate into excitement about their performance. Sorry Mitsubishi, we miss you in motorsport. WRC > Road of Death.

Nevertheless, almost 200 people die on this stretch of wide trail from La Paz to Coroico, Bolivia every year. Mitsubishi documented their run with a 360 degree spherical camera that you can play with on their website.

Very cool but I have to compare it to Top Gear’s Bolivia run and I’m left wanting more… like James with a machete.

This Tomei Powered promotional video explains some of the difficulties in improving the already superbly engineered Mitsubishi 4B11 and previews a few of the components offered for your Evo X. It’s a bit dated, but if you’re not aware of who Tomei Powered is and what their product line is this is a great primer.

Cosworth gives us a rare look at the Mitsubishi 4B11 being pushed to its limits on their engine dyno. I will never tire of seeing glowing hot manifolds. Check the video out:

Jason Macgill and his Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X

In the latest MyRideIsMe.com post, Enomoto-san features Jason Macgill’s Tomei Powered – Sponsored Evo X

It’s a fantastic build, not just for show, but a real performer featuring the latest Tomei Powered modifications and Robispec suspension. Obviously a 4b11 fan, his daily driver is a Lancer Ralliart Sportback.

Jason is no stranger to Mitsubishis having been through an Evo VIII and Evo MR in Time Attack competitions and rolling through Southern California’s Show Circuit with Team Hybrid. But when the X hit the U.S. Jason was first in line.

h/t: MyRideIsMe