Joyous Finale As PROTON Delivers Final Makeover Car

Shah Alam, 24 May 2012 - The final recipient of the “My PROTON Makeover” program, Madam Lee Koon Gaik, had her newly refurbished Proton Saga Aeroback returned to her by PROTON’s Director of Group Marketing, Branding & Motorsports, John D. Chacko, at a jovial gathering at PROTON’s Centre of Excellence today.

As part of PROTON’s “Committed to Be Better” promise, the car makeover program was developed to reward loyal and long standing customers of PROTON. Speaking on behalf of the national automotive manufacturer, Chacko was extremely pleased in witnessing the return of the sixth and final car to its owner.

“PROTON has worked unceasingly through the years in providing the best for our customers. We are really happy and encouraged by the many loyal customers that we have gained over the years” said Chacko. “Madam Lee’s love and trust in her Proton Saga is truly heartening, and this makeover is truly a gift and tribute to her for her devotion to the PROTON brand” Chacko added.

Madam Lee, 54 - from Seri Kembangan Selangor, was understandably very emotional when she handed over her Proton Saga Aeroback to PROTON for the makeover, as she had been driving it for almost 20 years. A gift from her husband way back in 1991, her car had been a trustworthy workhorse and companion, assisting her in caring for her ailing father, as well as seeing her sons to school, college and their early working life. A one-car owner, Madam Lee believes that her Saga Aeroback is a car for a lifetime, and her devotion was obvious when she decided not to participate in the government’s voluntary scrapping incentive in return for a new Proton car back in 2009.

Speaking on behalf of R3, PROTON’s motorsports arm that undertook the refurbishment work of the car, Head of Engineering, Tengku Djan Ley expressed the team’s honour to be able to be part of the programme that recognizes loyal PROTON owners, saying that the R3 team was also heartened by Madam Lee’s belief and trust in them.

“Understanding her driving patterns as she uses her car for her daily errands, we worked to give the car a more pleasurable drive. The engine and gearbox were rebuilt without adding any performance enhancements or modifications, with the exhaust system being tweaked to improve the car’s torque without making it loud and noisy,” said Tengku Djan.

“Considering that she does a considerable amount of town driving, the car’s suspension was upgraded, with the new parts and components installed to improve the ride comfort of the car. To improve the car’s stability, we went with 16-inch wheels which will enhance the car’s overall road holding ability” he added.

The R3 team maintained the Saga Aeroback’s classic look and feel, giving the exterior of the car a coat of metallic silver paint with gun metal highlights. Adding to that, pinstripes with R3’s signature red colour was added to give the car a fresh look. The car’s interior was redone as well to match the car’s exterior, being refreshed and upholstered in leather with red highlights.

Madam Lee was visibly moved when she received the keys to her refurbished car. “I have always maintained that this car would be sufficient to serve me a lifetime. Thank you PROTON for your commitment towards simple customers like me, going the extra mile to help me keep this car going. Your efforts and generosity will always be remembered!” she said.

“My PROTON Makeover”, in line with PROTON’s “Committed to Be Better” promise, required submissions of personal and heart-warming stories involving contestants and their PROTON cars, with the best stories winning a complete car makeover

For more information about “My PROTON Makeover” and the cars that were worked on, visit www.protonvip.com or follow PROTON ONLINE SALES on www.facebook.com/Proton Online Sales