PROTON, like a number of other automakers, saw motorsports as a way to raise its profile. Initially, participation in rallying was the initiative of EON, the marketing and distribution partner for the national brand. In later years, PROTON got involved in the rally effort and provided more funding and support.
Being in rallies helped to demonstrate the capabilities of Proton cars. Though they were prepared for the rough conditions in rallying, the basic engineering was still the same as the showroom cars the public could buy. And they looked the same too.
Flying the Malaysian flag overseas
Furthermore, during those times when Proton cars entered events overseas – as far as South America – not only was the brand publicised internationally but also Malaysia’s name.
Proton no longer officially participates in rallies and does not currently maintain an active factory motorsport division but older motorsports fans will still recall those glory years of the PERT team and Karamjit Singh.
Inspired by Karamjit’s rally career
For the younger generation who missed those times, Astro Shaw’s latest feature film, TERBANG, tells a story based around the Proton rally effort. It’s not a real story but draws direct inspiration from the career of Karamjit Singh, who was 2002 FIA Production World Rally Champion, 4-time FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Champion, and 11-time Malaysian National Rally Champion, and the achievements recorded during his time with PERT and then Proton’s factory team.
The storyline is about Ajeet, a gifted Malaysian rally driver struggling to recover from the psychological trauma of a severe racing crash. Encouraged by his circle of supporters, he works through personal obstacles to return to competitive motorsport and pursue international recognition for Malaysia.
PROTON provided support
PROTON was an active partner during production by supplying authentic rally machinery, test track locations, and workshop facilities for key filming sequences. It also provided an original unit of its historic PERT rallycar which it has fortunately retained and preserved.
Proton e.MAS, the New Energy Vehicle brand, also got involved as the official mobility partner for the associated TERBANG X STING EV Road trip promotional drive, hosting community meet-ups with EV owners.
“We are honoured to have collaborated on this project and happy to see our brand and history portrayed alongside the achievements of one of our country’s greatest motorsports heroes,” said Dr. Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer of PROTON at a special screening of the movie for customers, government stakeholders and PROTON management.
“For PROTON, this movie is a tribute to a golden era of Malaysian motorsport built by our engineers, mechanics and drivers. Cars like the Proton Wira 4WD and the PERT team carried our name on to the world stage during Karamjit Singh’s championship-winning years, and this film shares that spirit of grit, teamwork and national pride with a new generation,” he said.