Proton has launched its range of
facelifted models, the Iriz, Persona and Saga, in Brunei – making the Borneo
country the first export market for these cars. The market availability of
these three vehicles will be followed by a series of roadshows that will kick
off on January 28.
The Bruneian launch is just the start of
the national carmaker’s export market offensive, as it aims to become the third
bestselling brand in ASEAN in the long term. The company said growing its
overseas sales is critical to this plan, after it successfully secured second
place in the local standings.
Proton is also looking to increase sales
of the X70 SUV, now that locally-assembled 2020 model year versions are rolling
off the new RM 1.2 billion plant extension in Tanjung Malim. Li reiterated that
further models being developed in collaboration with Geely are in the pipeline.
The Iriz, Persona and Saga were revised
last year with new designs inspired by the X70 – including the brand’s latest
Infinite Weave grille – and improvements that include new touchscreen infotainment
systems for all three models. The Saga also received a new Hyundai-sourced
four-speed automatic transmission to replace the much-maligned CVT.
