25-07-2008: Don’t make Proton a scapegoat, says PEDA

KUALA LUMPUR: Proton Edar Dealers’ Association (PEDA) has come out strongly to defend Proton cars in the wake of the Terengganu state government’s move in buying 14 Mercedes E200 Kompressor as its official cars.

Its president Wah Ahmad Sepwan Wan Abd Rahman, in a statement yesterday, said the association, which has a network of 180 authorised Proton service centres, found it illogical that huge sums had been spent by the Terengganu government for the maintenance of Proton Perdana.

Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said had claimed that the state administration was buying the Mercedes cars to save costs, as it had spent between RM150,000 and RM170,000 over four years for the upkeep of the Perdana V6.

“Proton’s new models carry full manufacturer’s warranty for at least two years. Does that mean the state government spent the large sum (on maintenance) after the warranty period?

“If this is the case, then the RM150,000 was spent over two years and not four. PEDA demands a thorough investigation into the matter to determine whether the maintenance was carried out by qualified parties and if the costs exceeded that of authorised Proton service centres,” he said.

Wan Sepwan said there could be a possibility that the maintenance of the state’s fleet of cars was not carried out properly, resulting in scams by unscrupulous parties.

11-07-2008: Proton launches Persona range in Indonesia

JAKARTA: Proton Holdings Bhd has launched its Persona range in Indonesia as the Gen.2 Persona, the fifth model it has introduced in the country since entering the market there in March 2007.

The company first introduced the Savvy and Gen.2 models last year, followed by the Waja and Neo ranges later.

The Gen.2 Persona that was launched at the 16th Indonesia International Motorshow on July 11 is priced at Rp122 million (RM43,213), and is available in five variants, namely the 1.6-litre base-line automatic and manual; 1.6 medium-line automatic and manual and the 1.6 high-line automatic.

In a statement on Friday, Proton said the cars would be available in seven colours.

Proton managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohd Tahir said its vehicles had been well received in Indonesia and the Gen.2 Persona was tangible proof of the company’s long-term commitment in Indonesia.

“This is the second year that we are participating in this huge motor show and we are proud to be able to introduce the Persona to the people of Indonesia at this prestigious event.

“The Persona boasts fuel economy that is very competitive in the 1,600cc segment,” he said.

He said PT Proton Edar Indonesia, the company’s local subsidiary, was working hard to grow its presence while introducing Indonesians to a wide range of services and products from Proton.

A year ago, the company began with three dealerships in Indonesia and this has now increased to five dealerships in Warung Buncit, Bandung, Makasar, Pekanbaru and Palembang, and one branch in Slipi, Jakarta, all equipped with 3S capabilities.

Syed Zainal said plans were underway to open more 3S centres in Pondok Indah and Kalimalang, with the former serving as headquarters and another dealership in Kelapa Gading.