Industry watchers are noting that the Lancer would be best suited to replace Proton's 14-year-old Perdana model. The Proton Waja could be re-engineered for a second generation, the thinking goes, while the Perdana is in more urgent need of a replacement.
Previous speculation that the Australia-market Mitsubishi 380 was going to be the basis for a new Proton model have come to nothing. It was reportedly deemed too big for the South Asian market — and in fact was not successful in the home market of Australia either.
The choice of a Lancer could have implications for Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM). While the Lancer is not its bread-and-butter model (the Triton is), the availability of a cheaper Proton version of the Lancer could reduce demand for the Mitsubishi model. This problem could be solved if, as has been speculated, Proton were to sell a long-wheelbase variant as a Perdana, while MMM would sell the standard-length Lancer.
MMC President Osamu Masuko noted that there is a long history between the two companies and Proton engineers are very familiar with Mitsubishi's philosophy, approach and engineering — pointing out that MMC already supplies many parts, transmissions and V6 engines to Proton.
Feasibility studies are also underway to explore the possibility of assembly of Mitsubishi models at Proton's plant.
Inside Line says: An old friendship renewed to mutual benefit. — Chips Yap, Correspondent
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