KUALA LUMPUR: Proton's highly-anticipated model - codenamed P3-21A - is the star at the group's "Power Of 1" showcase, with advanced bookings received almost immediately after the event started at 10am on Wednesday.
Group managing director Datuk Seri Syed Zainal Abidin said the indicative price for the global model was between RM62,000 and RM75,000, with the actual price to be announced later.
There are three variants and the booking fee is RM500. The car is also open for booking today at any Proton showrooms.
As at 5pm, 44 bookings for P3-21A have been recorded nationwide.
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| A member of the public taking a peek at Proton's first global car hidden inside a container on Wednesday. Below is the camouflaged P3-21A performing a demonstrationfor the public. |
Earlier, Proton held a demonstration of the P3-21A, which was pitted against a Persona.
Its wheels screeched as it manoeuvred its way around the course at the stadium, thrilling members of the public who had gathered to see it.
To create an air of mystery, the car was “camouflaged” in a black-and-white psychedelic patterned sheet.
There was also a “sneak-a-peek” box in which the vehicle was placed so the public could have a peep at the car.
Speaking to reporters at the Power of 1 Media Day at Bukit Jalil National Stadium Wednesday, Syed Zainal said Proton would showcase P3-21A's handling ability and show teaser videos of parts of the car being put together at the five-day event from today to March 18.
He said the Power of 1 showcase was for all to come and learn about Proton cars.
“We believe people don't really understand truly how much we've grown and hope people will come to see what Proton is all about,” he said.
Meanwhile, it was love prior to first sight for Mohd Radzi Abdul Hamid, 51, who became the first customer to book the P3-21A without even knowing how the vehicle looked like.
“My first car in 1989 was a Proton and it served me well for six years,” he said, adding that he had full confidence in the national brand.
Other Proton cars, including the Exora Bold, Persona, Saga FLX, Gen 2 and Savvy, would be on special offer with discounts from RM500 to RM15,000. The event is on until Sunday from 10am to 10pm. Admission is free.
In a related development, DRB-Hicom Bhd would announce a new management team for Proton in two weeks' time.
"There will be improvements to the management. There can be new faces, I will not discount the fact, and there can be old faces," said group managing director Datuk Seri Mohd Khamil Jamil on Wednesday.
"There is always a blend of old and new (faces) for continuity as well as for providing new ideas and talents," he told reporters after DRB-Hicom's extraordinary general meeting to get shareholders' approval for its 42.74% stake purchase in Proton.
Mohd Khamil said DRB-Hicom has several processes such as a nomination committee and a remuneration committee for these appointments."At the moment, I've not put forward to the DRB-Hicom board of directors the candidates who will or may helm or assist in helming Proton. I was waiting for this EGM to be completed."
"I was not sure whether the shareholders will approve the resolution (for Proton stake acquisition). Now that the shareholders have agreed with our plan and they have approved Proton's acquisition, I've got an idea of who to go there.
"I've to look into the expertise, into the talent and into the areas in which an individual or a group of individuals who are going to go there.
DRB-Hicom chairman Datuk Syed Mohamad Syed Murtaza said the company was in the midst of looking who should be appointed to manage Proton.
"We'll make the announcement after a serious consideration. We'll come back at the right time," he said, according to Bernama.
Syed Mohamad said the company obtained the approval Wednesday for the acquisition of a 42.74% stake in Proton from Khazanah Nasional Bhd, the Government's investment arm, with 99% shareholers voting for the resolution.
On the fate of Lotus, Mohd Khamil said DRB-HICOM Bhd would review its operations before making any decision.
"After this, we will be in a position to evaluate the situation in Lotus to take a further step - whether it will remain in the stable or be disposed of." click
-Star-motoring
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