BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The new Proton Persona and Saga made their first foray into the export market last week.
The dynamic duo, well received in the domestic market, will undergo their first acid test in a foreign market after being unveiled at a mall here by its main distributor in Brunei, PAD Motors Sdn Bhd (PAD).
The launching ceremony was officiated by Deputy High Commissioner Rafedah Abdul Aziz of the Malaysian High Commission here.
Present was Proton chief executive officer Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Kenali, Proton transformation director and head of international sales, Mohd Khalid Yusof, Land Transport Brunei director Dr Supry Ladi, PAD directors Hambali Pehin Orang Kaya Shahbandar Datuk Seri Paduka Mohd Salleh and Tan Kah Boon, and PAD general manager Gina Tan Koh Poi.
Launched in Malaysia in August and September, respectively, Brunei consumers will be the first to experience these value-for-money Malaysian-made cars. Prior to this, Proton has also unveiled its Iriz for the Brunei market on Oct 1 last year.
“We are pleased that the Persona and Saga, which are well received in Malaysia, have generated the interest of the consumers in Brunei.
“The all-new Persona has evolved significantly in terms of the features, advanced technology, design and build, including refined ride and handling, as well as reduced noise vibration and harshness (NVH). For its class, it is really a pleasure to drive the all-new Persona,” said Fuaad.
“Both the Persona and Saga are well-designed cars, which are good value for money - affordable, safe and with practical features. These cars are equipped with excellent active and passive safety features, and are rated 5-star and 4-star in the Asean NCAP ratings, respectively,” added Fuaad.
The export market is a way for Proton to improve the sale of its cars. Earlier, it was reported that only 5,000 units a year, or about five per cent of its total sales, were from exports.