PETALING JAYA: Proton has opened its order books for the new Perdana and has also announced a recall of over 94,000 cars to fix a defect.
The price of the Perdana flagship model, to be launched by the first quarter of this year, is expected to be from RM100,000 to RM150,000
It comes with a 2.4-litre engine that delivers 181hp and 222Nm of torque. Features will include paddle shifters, cruise control, an infotainment system with reverse camera, GPS navigation, dual-zone air-conditioning, powered driver's seat, and tilt and telescopic steering.
Besides airbags, safety kit includes ESC (Electronic Stability Control), ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution), and front anti-trap powered windows.
On the recall covering 94,577 cars comprising Exora, Preve and Suprima, Proton said the recall is with immediate effect.
It said it would spend over RM2mil on the fix to replace burst cooler hoses. The recall would is expected to take six months to complete.
“The hoses are cheap, about RM17 each, but labour cost will be expensive. So we expect the cost to be over RM2mil,” CEO Datuk Abdul Harith Abdullah said at a media briefing today.
He also said that Proton would rebrand itself "as a step to break away from unfavourable market perception." The exercise will also see a fresher corporate logo and improved ownership experience for customers of Proton, which marks 31 years in business this year.
Amongst the initiatives to improve Proton service is a 7-day a week service at 50 of Proton’s service outlets nationwide and pick-up and delivery services in busy areas of the Klang Valley which involve four branches - Mutiara Damansara, Setapak, Bukit Maluri and Section 13, Petaling Jaya. The company is looking at three more Klang Valley branches to implement this service soon.
Proton chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Harith showing the hotline to call in case of breakdowns.
Harith also said Proton would also increase the number of courtesy cars and carry out a My Taxi Service programme to help taxi drivers service their cars more efficiently, a 24-hour Proton Mobile Breakdown Assist and 80-minute quick service bays.
“In terms of engagement with customers, we have recently launched the 'It's In The Drive' campaign to encourage people to come and test drive our cars so that they can experience for themselves that Proton has come a long way since its first car - from the smooth handling to the interior finishing and to the technology aspect of the cars that are installed with the latest safety features. We have also open up free safety inspection mobile services nearer to where customers are, to encourage them to check their cars before the long festive holidays recently."
Proton detailing how it would make customers happy.
