Proton Press Release:
JAKARTA (Indonesia) 19 July 2007 – PROTON through its subsidiary PT Proton Edar Indonesia ("PT-PEI"), today launched two new models, the Proton Neo and Proton Waja, at the 15th Indonesia International Motorshow, the biggest automotive event in the country.
The two new models were officially unveiled by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and witnessed by Datuk Zainal Abidin Mohamed Zain, Malaysian Ambassador to Indonesia, Dato' Mohammed Azlan Hashim, Chairman of PROTON Holdings Berhad and Dato' Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir, Managing Director of PROTON Holdings Berhad.
Others present at the ceremony comprised of Indonesia Government officials, members of Proton Vendors Association, members of media and PROTON representatives from Indonesia and Malaysia.
With these new additions, PROTON now has four models in the Indonesian market. On 16th March 2007, the models Gen.2 and Savvy were to mark PROTON's entry into Indonesia.
"Since PROTON set foot in the passenger-car market in Indonesia, we have seen encouraging growth.
We are delighted by this positive response and are now confident that with this more diversified offering of the PROTON range, there will be even better results," said Dato' Mohammed Azlan Hashim.
Mohammed Azlan attributed the growth to the customers who have given PROTON strong support.
"Thank you for choosing PROTON and thank you for your confidence in us!"
Priced from Rp 175 million, the Neo will be offered both manual and automatic transmission.
Fitted with 1.6-litre CamPro engine, the Neo is expected to be a hit with the young and adventurous. The unique 3-door design sporty hatchback also sets it apart from the other cars in the market and will appeal to a select niche market.
The design and build of the Waja makes it attractive to the corporate sector. It is also expected to attract the 'family' market largely due to its competitive price offer. The Waja is priced from Rp 158 million and it will also offer a choice of manual and automatic transmission.
One common characteristic for these two cars is their drivability. Incorporating the Lotus technology in "Ride and Handling" characteristics, drivers of both the Waja and the Satria Neo will be able to maximize and enjoy their driving experience. This "Ride and Handling" characteristic also acts as an active safety feature, where the suspension and steering systems enable the driver to be in full control of the vehicle.
"We are confident that the 4-door sedan Waja and 3-door hatchback Neo will offer the Indonesian market further options in terms of high quality cars at competitive prices," said Dato' Mohammed Azlan Hashim.
Mohammed Azlan added that PT-PEI is an example of PROTON's commitment to its customers In Indonesia. It is considered as a tangible proof of PROTON's dedication to the growth of the Indonesian automotive industry.
"I am confident that we will be able to expand our presence considerably by the end of the year," said Mohammed Azlan.
"We will continually improve our product quality, and we will introduce more new models here in Indonesia."
