Proton aims for electric cars, hybrids by 2012

KUALA LUMPUR (MALAYSIA): Malaysia's national car maker Proton aims to roll out its first fleet of electric and hybrid electric vehicles in January for a pilot test before mass production targeted for 2012.

Nordiana Nordin of Proton says Thursday the car maker began testing prototypes two months ago in Britain and will conduct further tests before launching a fleet of 30 to 50 vehicles in mid-January for use by the government.

"We have a target of 2012 for mass production but it's subjected to the fleet test program," she said.

Proton is diversifying its business to boost its fortunes. It returned to the black in the financial year ended March but its domestic market share has dwindled sharply to under 30 percent due to greater competition.