Proton sets initial sales target of 750 units for new model

KUALA LUMPUR: Proton Holdings Bhd (Proton) is initially targeting to sell 750 units of its newly launched model, the Proton Suprima S, locally per month.

Its executive chairman Tan Sri Mohd Khamil Jamil however reckoned that it might exceed the target due to the current demand for hatchback cars from young customers.

“We are also looking at the export market as soon as possible, maybe within this year.

“We are targeting markets within the Asia Pacific for the time being, and probably we will start off with the Asian region such as Indonesia, Thailand and Australia,” he told reporters after the launch of the car on Saturday.

However, he said the car maker would first ensure that it meet the demand for Proton Suprima S from domestic customers before the cars are exported to the overseas market.

Proton Suprima S was unveiled by Proton Advisor Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Also present at the launch was Proton Deputy Chief Executive Officer Datuk Lukman Ibrahim, who has been re-appointed to the position recently.

In his keynote address, Dr Mahathir hoped with the launch of Proton Suprima S, the perception by the public that Proton produced low quality cars could be removed.

He said that the national car maker had produced cars that meet the international standards and Malaysians should be proud of it.

Proton Suprima S is available in two variants, Executive and Premium, with on-the-road prices for Peninsular Malaysia set at RM76,338 and RM79,638, respectively.

Mohd Khamil said with RM200 million development cost, Proton has embarked on pre-production activities such as extensive surveys, not just locally but on an international scale, particularly in key markets where it will be launching the car.

“Additionally, we had our vendors and dealers involved in the development of this car in the early stage…There was comprehensive involvement to guarantee understanding and the utmost level of commitment from everyone,” he added. — Bernama