PROTON Holdings Berhad (PROTON) today played host to the finalists of the 2013 Miss Tourism International pageant at the PROTON Centre of Excellence. PROTON is also the official car provider and Golden Sponsor of the 2013 Miss Tourism International pageant.

The 60 finalists arrived chauffeured-driven in 22 Proton cars comprising the Suprima S and Prevé, and led by a Lotus Evora, before being taken on a tour of the PROTON Shah Alam plant, and given an exclusive driving experience at the PROTON test track in the latest Lotus and Proton models, including R3 editions of the Inspira and Satria Neo.

During the visit, the beauty queens also participated in entertaining activities with their "little sisters" - 60 young girls who are the children of PROTON staff. These activities organised for the beauty queens were also part of an evaluation process, where the most outstanding participant of the day will stand a chance to be crowned Miss PROTON Elegant during the Miss Tourism International Finals on 31 December 2013.

According to PROTON Chief Operating Officer (Project Management & Strategic Initiatives), En Abdul Rashid Musa, PROTON's involvement in the pageant allows the Brand to not only reach out to an international audience, but also to introduce them to the world of PROTON; and more than that, to showcase the variety of Proton and Lotus products and services available. "We are delighted to host such global beauties - ambassadors representing 60 countries across five continents here at the PROTON headquarters. In a way we see this as an opportunity to bring the world to Malaysia, the home of PROTON and PROTON to the world. Our range of cars cater to customers from all walks of life, and there certainly is something for everybody - be it a Lotus model or a Proton."

"We also applaud the organiser's efforts in promoting tourism through this very unique way - what a perfect platform for rich and diverse cultural exchange, at the same time fostering the spirit of friendship and camaraderie amongst the contestants. This really could not come at a better time as Visit Malaysia Year 2014 is just around the corner. And on behalf of PROTON, I would also like to extend our appreciation to President and franchise owner, Datuk Danny Ooi for all his dedication and hard work over the years in making this pageant a successful world-class event it is now."










PUTRAJAYA: Proton is expected to produce a hybrid car by the end of next year.

Its executive chairman, Tan Sri Mohd Khamil Jamil, said the national car maker is now looking at ways to produce and market the car.

Mohd Khamil
"We are still on track with the project. We will complete the new technology by the end of 2014," he told reporters after the handing over of the first batch of the new-look Proton Perdana cars to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at the Perdana Putra complex here today.

In another development, Mohd Khamil said Proton, a DRB-Hicom subsidiary,  is expected to launch its electric vehicle (EV) by end-2015.

"The EV prototype is ready, and we are now at the testing stage to ensure it meets local specifications," he said. - Bernama
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Najib examining the new-look Proton Perdana bearing the number plate W 11 N. - Bernama

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak launched the new-look Proton Perdana as the official government car today.

The new version of the Proton Perdana comes in two variants, the Perdana 2.0 L and 2.4 L, with improved security features and comfort.

Two special edition units of the car were brought out for Najib and Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

At the event, Najib received his official car bearing the registration number W 11 N.

Several Cabinet ministers and Proton executive chairman Tan Sri Mohd Khamil Jamil were present at the event.

Later, at a press conference, Mohd Khamil said Proton Holdings Berhad, a wholly-owned subsidiary of DRB-Hicom, had delivered the first batch of 200 units to the Government.

He said a total of 3,000 units would be delivered on a staggered basis over the space of two years to replace the existing fleet of Proton Perdanas.

"For the moment, the new Proton Perdana will be used only as the official car of the government. It will not be sold to the public.

"Proton has received requests from the state governments and statutory bodies to make the switch as well, but this is subject to approval," he said.

Mohd Khamil said the new Proton Perdana was part of the development programme undertaken by Proton with its collaborative partner, Honda of Japan.

"We are truly grateful to our Prime Minister and the Malaysian government for keeping their faith in Proton and for giving us the opportunity once again to be the provider of the official government vehicle," he said.

Mohd Khamil said the Perdana replacement model came under the first phase of Proton's plan to develop a new D-segment (large family) car.

He said Proton had began the second phase of the programme which involved further development of the D-Segment model under a platform-sharing initiative with Honda, with a completely new interior design and exterior changes.

"It will be unveiled to the Malaysian market in 18 to 24 months' time, and will be sold to the public," he said. - Bernama
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SHAH ALAM: Proton Holdings Bhd, which launched the Proton Persona Super Value (SV) model today, following the overwhelming response for the Proton Saga SV, is confident of brisk sales for this affordable variant.

Deputy Chief Executive Officer Datuk Lukman Ibrahim said the latest Persona model rolled off the assembly line after Proton successfully manufactured more than half-a-million Persona cars since it's launch in 2007.

Retailing for as low as RM44,938 per unit and coupled with the superior features incorporated into the car, he said the car offered value for money.

"This is an effort by Proton to compete with other car manufacturers," he told reporters after the launch of the Persona SV model held in conjunction the five-day Bola! Bola! Bola! Mega Test Drive Carnival which ends tomorrow.

Persona SV uses the 1.6 liter Campro engine and is equipped with front disc brakes, dual airbags, together with side mirror signal lights, anti-lock braking system and electronic brake force distribution.

Meanwhile, Chief Operation Officer (Commercial) Proton, Hisham Othman said Proton was targeting to sell 2,400 units of the Persona SV every month.



"We can reach this target," he said, adding that orders for the Persona SV model was expected to surpass that of the Saga SV.

Lukman said todate, orders for the Saga SV model had reached 42,000 units and almost 30,000 units have been delivered to customers.

Saga sales, including that of the SV model, was approximately 78,000 units per month, he said, adding a new Proton model was expected to be launched in the second half of next year.

On the carnival, he said it was part of Proton's strategy to attract discerning car buyers who now wanted to test drive a car before making a purchase.

Buyers are spoilt for choice at the carnival as Proton, besides offering discounts of up to 15 per cent, has lined up 79 cars comprising the Suprima S, Preve, Saga, Satria Neo and Inspira models for customers to test drive. – Bernama
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BANGKOK: Proton has launched the Suprima S in Thailand.

First unveiled at the 2013 Thailand International Motor Expo in Bangkok as the Premium variant, joining the likes of its stable mates including the Prevé, Saga FLX, Gen.2 and the Exora Bold.

From Left: Chairman of Phranakorn Group Baantheong, Managing Director of Phranakorn Auto Sales Thawatchai Jungsonguanpornsuk, Malaysian Ambassador to Thailand H.E. Dato’ Nazirah Hussain and Chief Operating Officer Commercial, PROTON Holdings Berhad Hisham Othman.

The Suprima S comes with Proton’s 1.6-litre turbo engine, mated to it’s 7-speed ProTronic CVT, capable of providing 138bhp at 5,000rpm and 2.5Nm of torque from 2,000 to 4,000rpm.

With a 5-star safety rating by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), the car comes with Hill-Hold Assist, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with brake assist, Traction control, ABS brakes with EBD, Active Headrests, seat belt pre-tensioners, auto door locks, front and rear proximity sensors and a reversing camera.

Other amenities include full leather seats, a push-start button, paddle shifters and auto cruise control to name a few.

The car goes on sale in Thailand for 805,000 baht (around RM81,000) with a choice of five colours: Atlantic Blue, Fire Red, Genetic Silver, Solid White and Tranquility Black to choose from.

This makes the Suprima S' fourth regional rollout.

The car was first unveiled in Indonesia for 275 million rupiah (RM75,000) in October, followed by Australia from A$21,790 (RM65,000) in early November, Brunei just a week ago and now Thailand.
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