Mohd Khiarul (left) shaking hands with Yohan. In the centre is Dr Li with Proton and Rohamas executives.
SUBANG JAYA: Proton announced it has signed on more dealers who are committed to expanding their dealerships into 3S and 4S centres.
It said on Wednesday that 10 more dealers will be investing in the upgrade. Two earlier batches of dealers had agreed to do so last December and in January this year.
Present at the Dealers Network Upgrade agreement signing ceremony held at the Proton Centre of Excellence. here were Proton CEO Dr Li Chunrong and Proton special projects director Yohan Mokhtar.
The 3S centres provide sales, service and spare parts while the top-flight 4S centres go one step further by also offering body & paint services.
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Dr Li urged more dealers to upgrade their outlets, saying Proton is now offering one of the best dealer incentive support schemes in town.
"Customers today are very different from those before," said Dr Li. "Their needs have gone from expectation of a simple service to a different level altogether. Now it becomes a lifestyle need. It is important for us to stay connected with market requirements in order to be on top of our game, and to serve our customers professionally and with integrity.
“Month by month, we see more dealers seeking to upgrade their outlets. Surely, this means that Proton is a promising brand, a brand worth investing in. I am delighted that we have many entrepreneurs here who share the same view. I applaud their courage and far-sightedness. These are businessmen who understand the need to invest more now, in order to enjoy much more in the future," said Dr Li.
“Proton is certainly moving in the right direction and this gives us the confidence to pursue the upgrading plan," said Proton dealer Rozlan Abdul Manaf of Wasilah Global Sdn Bhd. He has been working in the auto business for over 10 years.
"We can foresee newer and exciting models coming from the partnership with Geely. This will definitely spur further interest from the market for Proton cars. The upgrade will also boost customer confidence in the brand. People generally like brands that are able to embrace change and move with the times.”
Superior Regal Sdn Bhd director Lim Eng Sin (left) is another dealer that is signing on for the upgrade. He is seen here alongside Yohan. At the rear flanking Dr Li are (from left) Proton sales director Lau Yit Mun, Superior Regal director Lim Eng Beng and Proton senior manager of network planning and development Dr Ho Tuck Sum.
For Philip How Eng Thye of Regal Motors Holdings Sdn Bhd, he said he was confident of a Proton turnaround. "The upgrading of the outlet comes naturally because, as dealers, we not only sell cars but also provide sales and aftersales services for a holistic customer experience."
Mohd Khairul Idzwan of Rohamas Autoservices said investing in a 4S centre "is inevitable." "We must serve customers better. This long-term strategy will ensure that we can compete with other car brands here and elsewhere.”
