SHAH ALAM, Feb 3 (Bernama) -- Proton Edar Sdn Bhd, the marketing arm of Proton Holdings Bhd, aims to sell 165,000 proton cars this year from 148,027 units last year, says Chief Executive Officer Mohamad Shukor Ibrahim.

He said the higher sales target stemmed from aggressive marketing strategies to compete with established car companies, introduction of new upper-end sedan model and rising consumer sentiment in view of improved economic outlook.

"We'll unveil new models towards the second half of this year to attract customers and excite the car industry amid the competitve market," he told reporters after the Proton Drive for Holiday Campaign prize-giving ceremony.

Mohamad Shukor said the company sold 14,485 units or 14 per cent increase last month as compared with 10,134 units in the same period last year, driven by strong sales of Proton Saga, Proton Persona and Proton Exora.

He said Proton Edar was confident of consolidating its 257 outlets, including outlets under Edaran Otomobil Nasional Bhd and authorised dealers, to 191 by year-end.

He said the rationalisation would ensure profitability for all dealers and benefits to existing and new customers as a stronger network would improve services.

On challenges in the automotive industry, Mohamad Shukor said the likely increase in the overnight policy rate (OPR) this year would affect sales, adding that the market was currently enjoying lower rate over the last 20 years.

He said the hike in OPR towards the second half of this year was sensitive to the industry as banks would start tightening lending criteria while household finances become fragile following lower disposable income.

"We know the government is very supportive to the local auto industry. The co-relation between the performance of car industry and economic growth is very close," he added.

what i found on proton exora

Space is very definitely best in class, comparable to the Innova which is one class larger.

This is a full 7-seater, with commendable legroom way at the back, as well as space for luggage in the ‘boot’, even with the rearmost seat in place. The amount of head room will win anyone over. The Exora gives new meaning to the word: Roominess.

Thanks to its balanced proportions, its size and height are not obvious. While not as low and streamlined as the Honda Stream and Toyota Wish, the Exora looks more like a luxury MPV than the Innova does. It also looks more ‘stable’ as it has a more favourable footprint – ratio of wheelbase and tracks in relations to the body.

The chassis is outstanding. It has a commanding stance at high speed on the highways, and a prowess and agility on fast curving roads that will astound even those used to tackling such challenges in well sorted out sedans.

The performance is highly commendable, considering that the engine is only a 1.6L petrol, and that the weight of the vehicle is close to 1400kg. Both the Auto and the Manual will easily pass the ‘drive-round-the-block’ test, even with a full load of seven adults, and with a slope or two thrown in. The drivetrain does not show signs of struggling; the engine does not run out of breath, the auto gearbox is not constantly ‘hunting’, the manual easily goes through its five speeds even with change-up done at below 3000rpm.

The engine does not sound harsh, even when revved near to the redline, which is set at 7000rpm. In fact, the atmosphere in this vehicle can be judged truly impressive if you were to jump in from any of its rivals, driving it the same manner. This is even more so when you pick the pace up. I was maintaining the speed at about 150kph, with seven guys on board, with the tachometer reading about 4300rpm, and we could converse in normal tones, even between me and the two rearmost guys.

But it was the Manual that bowled me over. I drove it for about 160km, a lot of that with the fun pedal nailed to the floor, and at the end of it I did not experience the usual attack of nerves – a tingling sensation in the hands, a buzzing in the ears, a feeling of being dehydrated, and the onset of a headache – which I would get driving most cars on the limit.

facts that you need to know about proton exora

The car that many thought had come too late for Proton now could not have come at a better time for Malaysia's first national car-maker. Launched in an elaborate ceremony in Kuala Lumpur last night, the first home-grown MPV looks certain to help bolster the company's sales during this trying economic period.
A medium-sized MPV, the Exora looks extremely competitive going into a category that has seen fierce competition in recent times. Proton's version will set about carving out its own niche by offering greater space, flexibility and, to a certain extent, better trim.

The engine choice is no surprise, with the 123bhp/150Nm CAMPRO CPS 1.6-litre four cylinder tasked with powering the largest, heaviest vehicle it has been fitted to since it was introduced. Outright performance claims currently look pedestrian, with a 15.5-second 0-100km/h time and a 165km/h maximum speed.
Only the automatic transmission variants – medium and high lines – will be available from launch, with the manual version likely being reserved for the intense fight that will occur when Perodua comes up with their version of the MPV later this year.

At the moment, Proton's pricing looks to be strong against the current crop of contenders. The medium line model starts from RM69,548 while the better equipped high line will set you back by RM75,548.
The equipment list shows Proton's new philosophy by offering exceptional value without having to omit key features from their vehicles. Both Exora trim levels come standard with dual front SRS airbags, antilock brakes, and brake-force distribution as standard. This will be a move welcome by Malaysians who have long been clamouring for these essential features.
As for the high line model, the additional cost will see the Exora fitted with features that introduce a sense of premium to the MPV. The current range-topper will come with an overhead LCD monitor with integrated entertainment system (DVD, SD, USB capable), a GPS navigation system (standalone), cruise control function, and a leather interior.
Six colour options will be offered – one solid (white) and five metallic. The metallic colours include Genetic Silver, Blue Haze, Tranquility Black, Gaia Blue, and Pyrite Brown. Metallic colours are an additional RM450.
FACTBOX
Model: Proton Exora
Engine: 1.598cc inline four-cylinder
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Power/Torque: 125bhp/150Nm
0-100km/h: 15.5-seconds
Top Speed: 165km/h
Consumption: N/A
Price: RM65,548 (M-Line), RM75,548 (H-Line)