SUBANG JAYA: National automotive manufacturer Proton, opens its second 4S (Sales, Service, Spare parts and Spray paint) centre in the northern region of Sungai Petani, Kedah.

Operated by Mercu Usaha Mesra Corporation (MUMC), the facility - previously a 1S outlet occupying a two shop-lot facility, now occupies a new building on 78,000 square feet of land.

According to Proton chief executive officer Datuk Abdul Harith Abdullah, the company is looking to instigate improvements at all levels, with efforts concentrated at providing quality services and convenience to all its customers.

One such convenience is having its service centres open seven days a week in the more urban or busy areas after having identified a trend pointing to Proton owners preferring to service their vehicle over the weekend.

Beginning Oct 10, 40 service centre outlets will begin operating on all seven days, while the remaining centres will gradually follow suit by January 2015.

"People have said to me that producing good quality cars do not suffice if we fail to see the much needed improvements in our after-sales-services team, and we agree,” said Harith.

Proton currently has 270 service outlets nationwide - 16 of which are 4S centres.
TANJUNG MALIM: The new Proton Iriz promises class-leading comfort and safety features as well as being easy on the pocket.

The B-segment five-door hatchback was launched by Proton chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad at Proton City in Tanjung Malim, Perak.

Also present were Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Hamim Samuri, and Proton chief executive officer Datuk Abdul Harith Abdullah, and DRB-Hicom Bhd chairman Datuk Syed Mohamad Syed Murtaza.

The five-door hatchback is billed as having specifications and equipment that are on par with or exceed non-national cars.

Its size pits it against B-segment cars like the Honda Jazz, Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo.

The Iriz has new 1.3 and 1.6-litre engines with VVT (variable valve timing).

The 1.3-litre Iriz comes in entry-grade Standard and mid-grade Executive variants, while the 1.6-litre Iriz has Executive and high-grade Premium variants.

For all variants, the transmission is either a Getrag-sourced 5-speed manual or a 6-speed CVT (continuously variable transmission) from Punch Powertrain.

All Iriz variants come standard with ESC (electronic stability control), ABS (anti-lock braking system), EBD (electronic brake-force distribution), traction control, brake assist, HHA (hill hold assist), and a SBR (seat belt reminder) system for all seat belts.

The Asean NCAP has awarded the Iriz a five-star rating in Adult Occupant Protection and four-star rating in Child Occupant Protection.

Dr Mahathir said Proton has received 17,000 bookings for the Iriz to date. Deliveries to customers are expected to start in mid-October.

"The mindset in Proton today is to produce cars that can be sold anywhere in the world," said Dr Mahathir.

"We are improving our quality to meet the stringent requirements of foreign markets. During the development of the Iriz, we tested the car in winter conditions in Sweden and also, in extreme desert environment where temperature was 42 degrees Celsius.

"The Iriz also ran for 100,000km in endurance testing. You will find driving the Iriz a great pleasure. It is the best car I have driven out of Proton."

On-the-road prices start from RM42,438 and the highest grade variant is retailed at RM62,888.