Our very own automotive manufacturer, Proton has just launched two vehicles in their model line-up specifically for Thailand’s market by PROTON Holdings Berhad Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Lukman Ibrahim at the 2012 Thailand International Motor Expo in Bangkok, and they are the Proton Prevé and Exora Prime along with Phranakorn Auto Sales Managing Director, Mr. Thawatchai Jungsanguanpornsuk. Phranakorn Auto Sales is the sole distributor for Proton vehicles in Thailand.
At current, both the the Prevé and the 6-seater MPV, Exora Prime are now officially open for bookings in Thailand. “Both the Prevé, as well as the Exora Prime has raised and set the bar for PROTON cars in all aspects encompassing key aspects such as safety, performance, comfort, build quality, technology, overall design and convenience,” said Dato’ Lukman at the unveiling.
“We’ve only recently charted a new milestone for PROTON in October by introducing the Prevé and Exora to our customers in Australia. Hence, the introduction of the Prevé today in Thailand within the span of just over a month clearly reiterates our commitment and determination to strengthen ourselves as a reputable, trusted and preferred car brand, especially in strategic markets such as Thailand. Our ultimate goal is to emerge stronger as a global car company and redefine PROTON as both a product and brand in the realm of a rapidly evolving and highly competitive global automotive industry.”
Thailand by itself is a very special market for PROTON. After only four years from when PROTON first launched in the local market, and with the encouragement and support from Thai customers, Malaysia’s national automotive manufacturer has consistently been in the country’s top 10 passenger car brand.
Thais now get the Prevé in three variants; the Standard and Executive variants that are equipped with the CAMPRO IAFM+ 1.6L engine which are available with the choice of Manual Transmission or a 6-speed CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission). The Premium variant is powered by the new generation 1.6L turbo engine, and is mated to a 7-speed ProTronic CVT transmission.
The Premium variant will also include features such as steering mounted paddle shifters, satellite navigation, auto headlights, rain sensing wipers, cruise control, reverse sensors, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity and an engine push-start button.
Safety features for the Prevé include dual front SRS airbags, side and curtain airbags, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), and Brake Assist, Traction Control and ESC (Electronic Stability Control) in the Premium variant.
The Premium variant is also equipped with a Smart Information Display system (SID) that displays vital information and status updates on the Prevé’s various functions such as average fuel consumption, distance to empty, battery health and faulty bulb indicator, gear shift lock indicator, home lamp indicator, vehicle intrusion warning and many more.
The Prevé is priced on-the-road (with insurance) at THB625,000 (MT) and THB655,000 (CVT) for the Standard variant, THB665,000 (MT) and THB695,00 (CVT) for the Executive variant and THB759,000 for the Premium variant.
Four colour choices are available for the Prevé: Blue Lagoon, Tranquility Black, Solid White and Genetic Silver. PROTON is also offering a five-year or 150,000km (whichever is comes first) warranty, access to PROTON’s 24 Hour We Care Roadside Assistance, Medical assistance and Concierge Service for the Prevé.
The Exora, first launched in 2009, is now considered by PROTON as a firm favourite amongst the Thais, with its popularity expected to continue with the introduction of a more luxurious edition – the Exora Prime, which also has the more powerful 1.6L turbo engine mated to a 7-speed CVT transmission.
The MPV comes equipped with a number of enhancements, with the exterior upgrades including an all-new front and rear bumper design; electric folding door mirrors; rear disc brakes; blacked-out headlamps; smoked rear combi lights; 16” gold-finished alloys; a rear garnish finishing. Key safety features include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), and Brake Assist.
An all-new leather interior is complemented by the walnut centre panel finishing, gear panel bezel, air-conditioning vent outlets and metallic beige door switch covers and inner door handles. The Exora Prime is also equipped with 6.2” DVD LCD monitors at the back of the front headrests and an audio system incorporating navigation as well as a reverse camera.
The Exora Prime is priced at THB899,000 on the road (with insurance), and is offered in Solid White and Tranquility Black for colour options. Owners will also enjoy a 3-year or 100,000km (whichever is comes first) warranty, access to PROTON’s 24 Hour We Care Roadside Assistance, Medical assistance and Concierge Service.
Both the Prevé and Exora Prime are now available for bookings, and will be on sale through all authorised PROTON dealers throughout Thailand.
