Proton accelerates automotive design with Autodesk

• Used with all recent models, including Prevé, Saga FLX, Persona, Satria Neo and Iriz
• Reduced time and cost of scale model development by 65%, design time by 20%

MALAYSIAN automaker Proton Holdings Bhd is using digital prototyping technology from Autodesk Inc to accelerate its automotive design process and create a distinct design identity across its latest car models, the US-based 3D design giant said.
 
Using digital prototyping technology, companies can design, visualise, and simulate techniques to help produce products rapidly and cost-effectively, Autodesk said in a statement.
 
It is a revolutionary approach to product development offering the power and flexibility that manufacturers need to help solve their most pressing business challenges, the company added.
 
All recent car models manufactured by Proton such as the Suprima S, Prevé, Exora, Saga FLX, Persona, Satria Neo and the latest Iriz (pic above) were designed using Autodesk technology, the US company said.
 
“Technology advancements are changing the business landscape for us – especially in design,” said Proton chief designer Azlan Othman (pic).
 
“Our investment in design technology and focus on developing our design DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) are our key differentiators. It is critical for us to use the best design and visualisation technology to experience our vehicles before they are physically built.
 
“This lets us stay ahead and meet our customers’ expectations. Autodesk digital prototyping technology – such as Alias Design, Alias Automotive and Autodesk Product Design Suite – has empowered us with unprecedented design capabilities to explore various design innovations,” he added.
 
Having a complete toolset for sketching, illustration, image editing and integrated 3D environments has helped to facilitate a reduction in Proton’s need for expensive physical models, along with time-consuming linear processes, Autodesk said.
 
This has resulted in significant business results:

• At Proton, the conceptualisation of a new car can take between 18 and 24 months, with 30% of the initial phase dedicated to design to eliminate changes in later phases which often incur high penalties.

• The use of Autodesk digital prototyping technology has helped the company reduce the total time spent on car design by 20%, and this has allowed design teams to work on multiple projects simultaneously.

• Proton reduced time and cost of scale model development by 65% for the Proton Prevé, which was launched in 2013. The vehicle was designed in collaboration with consultants in Italy. The use of Alias Design and Alias Automotive helped ease collaboration and built seamless workflows between both parties that were accurate and problem-free, Autodesk claimed.

“Asean has a key role to play in the automotive industry and it is expected to be the fifth largest automotive market in the world by 2019,” said Autodesk Asean managing director V.R. Srivatsan (pic), citing a Frost & Sullivan report.
 
“We foresee an exciting time for global manufacturing ahead, and are privileged to be part of Proton’s success.
 
“With investments in technology and engineering, Malaysia’s automotive industry is poised to become a regional hub,” he declared.
 
Proton, established in 1983, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of DRB-Hicom Bhd and Malaysia’s largest manufacturer of automobiles.
 
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