Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 30 July 2009 – A1 Team Malaysia has built a close relationship with one of its commercial partners, Proton, as exemplified by the team’s participation at the Malaysian car manufacturer’s international launch of the new Proton Exora MPV vehicle. The Exora was launched this week at the Indonesia Motor Show with the A1 Team Malaysia simulator providing visitors to the Proton stand the chance to sample the team’s A1GP car in a virtual world.
The Exora was officially launched by the Ambassador of Malaysia to Indonesia, His Excellency Dato’ Zainal Abidin Zain in a ceremony witnessed by the Proton Holdings Berhad Chairman Dato’ Mohd. Nadzmi bin Mohd. Salleh and Managing Director Dato’ Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir. Officials from the Indonesian Government and the Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta, Proton officials from Indonesia and Malaysia, its business partners, members of the media and customers attended this special event.
The team’s simulator has proved to be a popular vehicle on the Proton stand with team member Tomy Mathen George, on hand to help the budding A1GP drivers get to grip with the challenge of driving a highly sophisticated racing car. George has also been kept busy giving stand visitors more information on A1 Team Malaysia and the A1GP Series.
Mathen George says of his trip to the Indonesia Motor Show in Jakarta, “There has been plenty of interest in our team and no shortage of people wanting to try their hand at driving a racing car. I think it has been a very worthwhile addition to the Proton display and has encouraged visitors to take a closer look at the Proton range of cars. I’ve enjoyed meeting many fans of the team and I hope that they will be supporting us in the next season of racing which starts again later this year.”
A1 Team Malaysia has proudly displayed the Proton logo on its race car and team uniforms since the launch of the A1GP Series in 2005. Since this time the team has supported Proton at many events, including drivers participating in a launch at the Australian Motor Show.
Owen Leed, Commercial Director, A1 Team Malaysia explains, “We are always keen to add value to our commercial partnerships and our presence at this Motor Show with the team’s simulator is a very appropriate marketing opportunity for both the team and Proton. We can draw visitors to the Proton stand with our interactive display chassis, while also promoting the car manufacturer’s links with our international racing team, which represents Malaysia in the nation versus nation championship.”
A1 Team Malaysia is preparing for the fifth season of the A1GP Series which starts in Surfers Paradise, Australia in October.
