Proton has announced that its Jumbuck model will be phased out in Australia over the next few months.

The renamed Arena, which was introduced into the market in early 2003 as a low-cost half-tonne pick up, will be replaced eventually by a new model Jumbuck, which the company is in the process of developing and which is based on the Exora platform.

In keeping with the current Jumbuck philosophy, the new model will be a cost effective, economical and simple pick-up with the possibility of a number of different configurations for commercial or personal use.

While details of the new Proton Jumbuck are still yet to be announced the car will still be powered by a small economical four cylinder engine but will have the benefit of both a manual and an automatic transmission option.

Along with this there will be increased levels of safety including multiple SRS airbags, ABS anti lock brakes, Lotus-tuned ride and handling and the latest crash protection technology in terms of progressive deformation crumple zones and integrated passenger cell design.

In related news, Proton Australia is set to expand its lineup in the country over the next year, beginning with the arrival of the Saga towards the end of this year, followed by the Persona, Satria Neo & Gen.2.

These models will be followed by the release of the Satria Neo CPS, Exora MPV seven-seater and Satria Neo R3 in 2010.