A 4S centre houses sales, services, spare parts and a body and paint centre under one roof.
In a statement, the national automaker said it is on track with its plan to attain 109 outlets of 3S and 4S stature by end-October 2018.
"From January – 18 May this year, we managed to accomplish 79 outlets with 3S and 4S status, which is approximately 72% achievement against target set for the year. We are confident that we are on steady grounds to provide world class excellence by delivering best sales and service experience for our customers,” said Dr Li Chunrong, CEO of Proton after another dealers' signing ceremony with 12 existing and 3 new dealers.
Proton vice president of sales and marketing Abdul Rashid Musa said the national automaker is definitely gaining momentum to reap rewards in the future from current plans that have been put in place.
"I encourage dealers to upgrade their outlets to 3S and 4S so that we could all be in a thriving business together and progressively benefit from it," said Abdul Rashid.
Meanwhile, Teng Swee Eng, of DRS Golsta Sdn Bhd who is a new Proton dealer, said Proton's partnership with Geely Auto puts the national marque in a stronger position to gain market traction.
"We also get the sense that consumers are eager for the coming new product launches, especially the first Proton SUV (sport utility vehicle," said Teng, who is a first-time car dealer.
This confidence was echoed by Chai Siam Yeong, of Anggerik Semoyang Sdn Bhd, who has never been a car dealer as well but took a leap faith for this venture into a 3S outlet.
Chai said, “Although we have no experience as a car dealer, we see tremendous opportunity as a Proton dealer. With the first Proton SUV in the market, the interest from the public is high."
Goh Kian Chuan, of Didi Motors Sdn Bhd, who is a new dealer with a 3S facility, said, "Looking at current developments in Proton, we are more than confident it is moving in the right direction. The market wants quality cars coming from Proton at affordable prices."
Meanwhile, a Proton dealer for 15 years, Sobri Mustafa of Top Zone Auto Gallery Sdn Bhd who decided to upgrade to a 3S outlet said, “The secret to a successful business is the ability to make customers happy and satisfied for both sales and after sales service. Moreover, with the current partnership with Geely, we can now compete with brands from Japan and Korea due to capabilities in terms of technology advancement, attractive design, comfort, and especially in terms of quality where we can see there are improvements in our cars now.”
For Datin Fauziah Ahmad, of Pengangkutan Sedar Sdn Bhd, she said the company had started its own initiative to upgrade from a shop-lot to a stand-alone building two years ago.
"The upgrade to a 3S outlet will ultimately serve its purpose as we will be able to serve customers better,” said Fauziah.
As for Datuk Sri Ngu Ung Yong, of Ngu’s Motor Service Sdn Bhd, he said, “Proton is our national car and it is our duty to make it successful again. Moreover, with the partnership with Geely and new management, we trust Proton is in a good position for turnaround.
Ngu is upgrading his premise in Sibu, Sarawak to a 4S outlet.
Currently, Proton is offering a 0% hire purchase interest subsidy for selected Proton models (applicable for Exora, Ertiga, Iriz and Suprima S Premium).
It is also offering free 3 months instalment or body kit or RM1,000 discount for theSaga, free 3 months instalment or RM1,000 discount for the Persona, as well as discounts of up to RM 15,172.
These promotions are valid until 31 May 2018.
Also, Proton is offering its customers the option of either cash rebate or service vouchers equivalent to the same value, for the difference between the pre and post GST price for cars bought and registered from 16 May – 31 May 2018.
