PROTON EXORA IS ON THE ROAD

MPV prices, from RM69,998 for the Exora M-Line 1.6 Automatic to RM75,998 for the Exora Hi-Line 1.6 Automatic.

PM says PROTON needs to undertake initiatives and efforts to be more competitive and productive.

What about the need to tackle the issues of quality, reliability and after sales service.

Remember the recent complaints regarding PERDANA V6 from Terengganu and Selangor Excos.

Thank you Proton management for not using women to launch and promote EXORA.

Najib: Proton needs to be more competitive

Proton cannot afford to be in the comfort zone in ensuring its continued existence in the automotive market, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said today.

"With the global economic crisis, we have seen well-known automotive industry names fighting for their survival, and Proton needs to learn from this," he said at the official launch of the Proton Exora MPV.

According to Najib, Proton needs to undertake initiatives and proactive efforts to raise its competitiveness and productivity.

Proton, he said, should also cultivate the image of being able to meet consumers' needs from the aspects of design, quality and price.

Najib said that as the national carmaker, Proton has to become a more competitive company to ensure its survival in the 21st century automotive market.

"In this challenging era of globalisation as well as facing the global financial and economic crisis, we have to find more creative and innovative solutions to overcome the problems. We have to be brave to think out of the box," he said.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed and his deputy Datuk Mukhriz Tun Mahathir, and Proton Holdings Bhd's advisor Tun Mahathir Mohamad, chairman Datuk Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh and managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir.

Najib, who is also Finance Minister, said that in overcoming any crisis, there was a need to look at all options for the good of the country.

Proton, according to him, should look more seriously at strategic alliances to come out with products which were fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly.

"In the competitive local and export markets, we must always be ahead of the competition to succeed. And the competitors will also continue to challenge our position. There is no such thing as a free ride or free lunch in this world," he said.

On the Exora, Najib said he hoped that it could meet the needs of consumers who are now more conscious concerning the comfort and security of their families on the road.

He said that as the country's first locally manufactured multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), the Exora has received more than 2,000 bookings since Feb 21, 2009, when it was opened for bookings.

"We are proud because the process of coming out with the Exora, from research and development, design, testing to production, involved locals. This is a proof of our capability," he added.

Najib said the Exora required only 18 months for development, from the model fix stage to start of production.

He announced the MPV prices, from RM69,998 for the Exora M-Line 1.6 Automatic to RM75,998 for the Exora Hi-Line 1.6 Automatic.

Set up in 1983, Proton is not only a domestic player but has also entered the competitive global automotive market, including in the United Kingdom, Australia, Asian countries, the Middle East and northern Africa.

BERNAMA/fotos sun2surf


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