Proton started out in 1985 as a manufacturer of badge-engineered Mitsubishi vehicles.
Proton cars managed to sell in great numbers because they benefited from the superior engineering and reliability of the Mitsubishi cars they were based on, among other reasons.
However, with the dawn of the 21st century, Proton moved forward with the introduction of indigenously designed models such as the Proton Waja and Proton GEN•2.
Unfortunately, these next-generation Protons were universally criticised for being poorly engineered vehicles.
Consequently, Proton's Malaysian market share declined significantly in the early 2000s, hitting a seven-year low in 2007.
In response, development of the Proton Prevé (code named P3-21A) was initiated in 2009 under the leadership of the then Managing Director of Proton, Syed Zainal Abidin.
Former BMW Vice President of Quality Management R&D, Dr. Wolfgang Karl Epple was also appointed that same year as Proton's Director of Quality.
He was later promoted to Senior Director Group Operations, where he contributed to the development of the P3-21A project.

The Proton Tuah, a concept car designed by Italdesign Giugiaro was exhibited at the 2010 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS).
It previewed the various design elements and features in the upcoming Proton P3-21A. Development of the P3-21A was completed a year later and production took place at Proton's Tanjung Malim plant.
The company claimed 94% of the car's parts were locally sourced in an effort to reduce capital outflow.
The official name Proton Prevé was only revealed days before its launch.

The Proton Prevé was finally unveiled on 16 April 2012 at Seri Kembangan by the former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Najib Razak.
It launched with a choice of six colours and three trim variants, the Executive MT, Executive CVT and Premium CVT.
Both Executive trim variants are powered by Proton's 1.6L CamPro IAFM+ engine.
The Executive MT is paired with a five-speed manual gearbox whereas the Executive CVT is equipped with a CVT.
The Premium trim is offered with the superior 1.6L turbocharged CamPro CFE engine, mated to a CVT, also known as ProTronic, Proton's version of a manumatic transmission.
Safety-wise, the Executive variants are equipped with dual SRS airbags, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), whereas the Premium trim features an additional two airbags, brake assist (BA), traction control (TCS) and electronic stability (ESC) on top of those offered in the Executive.
The Premium variant is also equipped with exclusive kit such as steering-mounted paddle shifters, automatic headlights and wipers, cruise control, climate control, a built-in touchscreen GPS head unit with Bluetooth, USB & iPod connectivity as well as push-start engine ignition.
All Proton Prevés are equipped with a Smart Information Display system (SiD) that displays information such as average fuel consumption, battery health and distance to empty.
Another standard feature is in-car WiFi, made possible by a collaboration between Proton and Malaysian ISP, Yes 4G.
The Prevé is priced between RM59,540 and RM72,990.
It received over 11,000 bookings within two months of its official launch and became the 7th-best-selling car in Malaysia for the month of May 2012, topping all rivals in its category.

The Proton Prevé Sapphire Concept was also exhibited at the launch ceremony.
It was developed by Proton Design in an effort to demonstrate the Prevé's market and technical potential.
It features a unique matte gun-metal paint job in addition to custom front and rear bumpers which are complemented by chrome plated highlights, side skirts and 18-inch alloy rims.
The interior sports beige coloured panels and leather upholstery for added luxury appeal, and the ride height and brakes of the car were also revised.
3 months later, Proton announced the Proton Prevé R3 Concept at the Malaysian leg of the 2012 Asia-Pacific Rally Championship season.
It was fitted with a new RM3,000 body kit styled by Proton's Race, Rally, Research (R3) division as well a
Proton started out in 1985 as a manufacturer of badge-engineered Mitsubishi vehicles. Proton cars managed to sell in great numbers because they benefited from the superior engineering and reliability of the Mitsubishi cars they were based on, among other reasons. However, with the dawn of the 21st century, Proton moved forward with the introduction of indigenously designed models such as the Proton Waja and Proton GEN•2. Unfortunately, these next-generation Protons were universally criticised for being poorly engineered vehicles. Consequently, Proton's Malaysian market share declined significantly in the early 2000s, hitting a seven-year low in 2007. In response, development of the Proton Prevé (code named P3-21A) was initiated in 2009 under the leadership of the then Managing Director of Proton, Syed Zainal Abidin. Former BMW Vice President of Quality Management R&D, Dr. Wolfgang Karl Epple was also appointed that same year as Proton's Director of Quality. He was later promoted to Senior Director Group Operations, where he contributed to the development of the P3-21A project.
The Proton Tuah, a concept car designed by Italdesign Giugiaro was exhibited at the 2010 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS). It previewed the various design elements and features in the upcoming Proton P3-21A. Development of the P3-21A was completed a year later and production took place at Proton's Tanjung Malim plant. The company claimed 94% of the car's parts were locally sourced in an effort to reduce capital outflow. The official name Proton Prevé was only revealed days before its launch.
The Proton Prevé was finally unveiled on 16 April 2012 at Seri Kembangan by the former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Najib Razak. It launched with a choice of six colours and three trim variants, the Executive MT, Executive CVT and Premium CVT. Both Executive trim variants are powered by Proton's 1.6L CamPro IAFM+ engine. The Executive MT is paired with a five-speed manual gearbox whereas the Executive CVT is equipped with a CVT. The Premium trim is offered with the superior 1.6L turbocharged CamPro CFE engine, mated to a CVT, also known as ProTronic, Proton's version of a manumatic transmission. Safety-wise, the Executive variants are equipped with dual SRS airbags, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), whereas the Premium trim features an additional two airbags, brake assist (BA), traction control (TCS) and electronic stability (ESC) on top of those offered in the Executive. The Premium variant is also equipped with exclusive kit such as steering-mounted paddle shifters, automatic headlights and wipers, cruise control, climate control, a built-in touchscreen GPS head unit with Bluetooth, USB & iPod connectivity as well as push-start engine ignition. All Proton Prevés are equipped with a Smart Information Display system (SiD) that displays information such as average fuel consumption, battery health and distance to empty. Another standard feature is in-car WiFi, made possible by a collaboration between Proton and Malaysian ISP, Yes 4G.
The Prevé is priced between RM59,540 and RM72,990. It received over 11,000 bookings within two months of its official launch and became the 7th-best-selling car in Malaysia for the month of May 2012, topping all rivals in its category.
The Proton Prevé Sapphire Concept was also exhibited at the launch ceremony. It was developed by Proton Design in an effort to demonstrate the Prevé's market and technical potential. It features a unique matte gun-metal paint job in addition to custom front and rear bumpers which are complemented by chrome plated highlights, side skirts and 18-inch alloy rims. The interior sports beige coloured panels and leather upholstery for added luxury appeal, and the ride height and brakes of the car were also revised. 3 months later, Proton announced the Proton Prevé R3 Concept at the Malaysian leg of the 2012 Asia-Pacific Rally Championship season. It was fitted with a new RM3,000 body kit styled by Proton's Race, Rally, Research (R3) division as well a
Proton Prevé