After Ertiga, Proton to rebadge Vitara Brezza or Vitara in 2017 - Report

Proton keen to tap into the Malaysian crossover segment.

Proton launched three new sedans in 2016. Next, the Malaysian automaker will launch the rebadged Suzuki Ertiga by year-end and then, as per a report from Paultan, an SUV in 2017.

The SUV's launch plan was revealed by a top-level Proton official, as per the report. The new SUV under consideration is expected to be a rebadged Suzuki/Maruti-Suzuki model. The models in question are the Hungary-made Suzuki Vitara and the India-made Maruti Vitara Brezza.

The Maruti Vitara Brezza has been developed keeping in mind the cost competitiveness, and can be offered at an economical price, whereas the European-spec Suzuki Vitara is bigger and expensive.

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The Malaysian publication reporting the development says that the Suzuki Vitara is the more likely model, because it's available with petrol engines unlike the Maruti Vitara Brezza. However, a petrol Vitara Brezza is planned, and will be launched in India by May 2017. Additionally, the Vitara Brezza will be more economical as its shipped from India.

[Source: Paultan]