Proton set to compete in the MPV market

With the newly launched Proton Exora, Proton is confident to compete with other MPV car manufacturers as reported by Bernama recently.

SHAH ALAM, Nov 19 (Bernama) -- Proton Holdings Bhd is ready for the competition and confident of getting at least a "slice of cake" of the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) market in the country.

Group Managing Director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said the company had always welcome any competition and have strong confidence with its own products.

He said this when asked whether Perodua's new MPV due to be launched on Monday would affect the demand for Proton's seven-seater MPV, Exora.

"Generally, there has been a slight slowing down in booking but I think it is typical," he told reporters after launching "Proton 4 You" appreciation event here Thursday.

Syed Zainal said: "When a new product is out, people are anticipating and will slowdown the booking, but I believe this will stabilise again.

"The competition is not going to disturb us. We will continue to compete, do our marketing activities and continue to improve our sales, products and services," he said.

Proton is targeting 150,950 vehicle sales for financial year ending March 31, 2010, and planned to sell about 36,000 units or at least 3,000 units per month of the Exora in the current financial year.

Launched on April 15, the Exora model has received 26,000 bookings todate and 17,000 units were already registered in the domestic market.

The MPV model has made its debut in Indonesia and Singapore. It will be launched in Bangkok by Dec 1.

To meet market demand, Proton will introduce Exora Basic on Saturday costing RM57,548.

"We are doing very well in Thailand. In fact, we invited 15 motoring journalists from there to test drive Exora and they are very impressed with the car," he said.

Syed Zainal Abidin said the company planned to further expand its export market to the Middle East, China, India and Asean region next year.

Exports currently contributed 20 to 25 per cent of total sales volume.

Proton's market share in terms of total industry volume has increased by three per cent to 29 per cent from 26 per cent last year.

The "Proton 4 You" appreciation event will be held over the weekend at all Proton Edar and EON outlets nationwide in appreciation to Malaysians for their trust and support to Proton.

-- BERNAMA