Jakarta, 11 July 2008 – Malaysian car manufacturer, Proton Holdings Berhad, today launched the Persona, at the 16th Indonesia International Motorshow, the biggest automotive event in the country.

The Persona was officially launched by Proton Managing Director Dato’ Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohd Tahir in a ceremony witnessed by the Head of Chancery of the Malaysian Embassy in Indonesia, YM Raja Reza Raja Zaib Shah, Indonesia Government officials, Proton representatives from Indonesia and Malaysia, its business partners, members of the media as well as customers.

The Persona is being introduced as the “Gen.2 Persona” in Indonesia and is the fifth model in the country. Proton entered the Indonesian market in March 2007 with the introduction of the Savvy and Gen.2 followed by the launch of the Waja and Neo later the same year.

“The Persona is our pride and joy and the latest in our commitment to offer the right car for the right market at the right price. Since our entry into the Indonesian market last year, we have been received warmly by the people here and this latest offering is tangible proof of our intention to have a long-standing relationship with the people of Indonesia,” said Syed Zainal.

The Persona was developed with the commitment to improve every quality aspect - from design, styling and production to sales and after-sales.

It is one of our top selling models in Malaysia with bookings in Malaysia having surpassed 45,000 since its launch in August last year. Its popularity was a major contributory factor that won it the Best Model of the Year for Malaysia at the 2008 Frost & Sullivan ASEAN Automotive Awards.

The Persona offers advanced styling, generous interior and luggage space, practical with safe attributes and value for money proposition. Its stylish design is enhanced by the elegant face design with exquisite front grille as well as stylish rear end and tail design that is bound to turn heads on the road.

Enhanced with the Campro IAFM engine and engineered with Lotus ride and handling technology, this provides the Persona driver with a smooth cruising experience, improved driveability with better performance and smoother acceleration for effortless overtaking in all conditions. 
 
“This is the second year that we are participating in this huge motorshow and we are proud to be able to introduce the Persona to the people of Indonesia at this prestigious event,” added Syed Zainal.

Priced from Rp122,000,000  the Persona is available in five variants – the 1.6 base-line automatic and manual; 1.6 medium-line, automatic and manual; and 1.6 high-line automatic only and comes in seven colours.

“The Persona also boasts fuel economy that is very competitive in the 1,600cc segment”.

Motorists are also expected to be attracted to the model’s dark grey interior for practicality, chrome finishing for exquisite appearance and meter combination with built-in clock for functionality in addition to the significant cabin space.

PT Proton Edar Indonesia, the company’s local subsidiary, is working very hard to grow its presence while introducing Indonesians to a wide range of services and products from Proton.

A year ago, the company began with three dealerships in Indonesia and this has now increased to five dealerships in Warung Buncit, Bandung, Makasar, Pekanbaru and Palembang, and one branch Slipi, Jakarta, all equipped with 3S capabilities. Plans are underway to open more 3S centres in Pondok Indah and Kalimalang, with the former serving as headquarters and another dealership in Kelapa Gading. Proton targets to open about 27 outlets by 2012.

“We are committed to not only grow our presence here but also to develop the Indonesian automotive industry. We hope to be able to offer even more diversity in our products and subsequently continue to meet the expectations of the people here,” he added.