Petaling Jaya, 17 February 2009 - Proton Holdings Berhad today selected the name Exora, as the name for its first MPV schedule to be launched in April. The event was officiated by Dato’ Haji Syed Zainal Abidin bin Syed Mohamed Tahir, Managing Director, in the presence of Dato’ Mohd. Nadzmi bin Mohd. Salleh, Chairman, Proton Holdings Berhad.

The name was chosen after evaluating 251,763 entries received during the month long contest which was open to all Malaysians and 84% was received online while the rest through SMS. The selection process was overseen by professional auditors PriceWaterhouse Coopers.

The Grand prize winner of a new Exora was Norsholihan Bt Abd Eanich, a teacher, while Rashidi Bin Tokiman and Ros Hamdi Bin Ismail won a trip for two each worth RM15,000 to the United Kingdom.

“The name Exora is a flower that grows in bunches and this in a way goes to highlight the utility/family value of the MPV,” said Dato’ Haji Syed Zainal.

“Our target is to produce between 3,000 and 3,500 units per month at our Shah Alam plant of the Exora which is a full 7-seater,” he added.

“Our investment is RM450 million on this project and we hope to start exports to Thailand and Indonesia by July,” replied Dato’ Haji Syed Zainal in reply to questions.

The bookings for the Exora will be open from 21 February at all Proton Edar and EON showrooms. It will come with two airbags with ABS and EBD with the price of around RM80,000 with the colour options of Generic Silver, Tranquility Black, Blue Haze, Pyrite Brown an Gaia Blue. There is be a booking fee of RM1,000 per unit.