Proto Motors
{{Short description|South Korean automobile manufacturer}}
{{distinguish|Proton Holdings}}
{{Multiple issues|{{Update|date=September 2014|reason= Proto Motors was acquired by Oullim Motors, see also Oullim Spirra.}}
{{notability|Companies|date=October 2017}}}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Proto Motors
| native_name = 프로토자동차
| logo = Proto Motors logo.png
| location = South Korea
| products = sports cars
| foundation = 1997-2017(defunct)
2023-Present
}}
Proto Motors ({{langx|ko|프로토자동차}}) was a South Korean sports car manufacturer and coachbuilder.
History
Proto Motors was established in 1997 by the couple Han-chul Kim and Ji-sun Choi. The company has forged partnerships with Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors, and GM Daewoo. In 2001, the company custom-made a convertible limousine for Cheongwadae (the Equus), the South Korean presidential residence.
Proto Motors introduced the Spirra (a production model of PS-ll) at the 4th Seoul Motor Show. In 2006, Proto Motors was acquired by Oullim Motors and the development of the Spirra was continued, and in 2010 Proto Motors introduced the first Korea-made supercar.{{Cite web |title=The Supercar that eats 911s and Ferraris for Breakfast: Meet the Spirra EX #blogpost |url=https://www.carthrottle.com/post/wpyg6xj/ |access-date=2022-08-04 |website=Car Throttle |date=15 April 2016 |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Proto Motors Develops Korea's First Supercar {{!}} Car News {{!}} Auto123 |url=https://www.auto123.com/en/news/proto-motors-develops-koreas-first-supercar/28837/ |access-date=2022-08-04 |website=auto123.com |date=11 May 2005 |language=en}} In 2014, the Oullim Motors Spirra EV, the electric version of the Spirra, was introduced.{{Cite web |title=Oullim: Yet Another All-Electric Supercar, This One From South Korea |url=http://news.yahoo.com/ouillim-yet-another-electric-supercar-one-south-korea-144526643.html |access-date=2022-08-04 |website=news.yahoo.com |date=6 June 2014 |language=en-US}}
Previously, the company specialized in redesigning existing models by developing electric cars or convertibles based on them. The company closed in 2017.{{Cite web |title=Proto Motors |url=https://www.cartefacts.com/brand/proto-motors |access-date=2023-09-22 |website=CARTEFACTS |language=en}}
Models
- RT-X (1998)
- PS-II (2000)
- Spirra (2007–2017)
- Kia Grand Carnival Limousine (2006–2017)
- SC24 (2024–Present)
See also
{{Portal|Companies}}
References
{{KAMA}}
{{Automotive industry in South Korea}}
Category:Car manufacturers of South Korea
Category:Sports car manufacturers
Category:Vehicle manufacturing companies established in 1997
Category:Luxury motor vehicle manufacturers
Category:Contract vehicle manufacturers
Category:Vehicle manufacturing companies disestablished in 2017
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