BRUNEI, 10 October 2008 – PROTON launched its latest model, the SAGA, in Brunei today, as part of its overall product portfolio renewal initiative for the region.
The SAGA was launched by YM Pengiran Hajah Mariana binti Pengiran Dipa Negara Laila Diraja Pengiran Hj. Abdul Momin, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources.
The award-winning SAGA, PROTON’s sixth fully built model was first launched in Malaysia in January 2008. To-date a total of 81,825 bookings has been received, of which 43,023 have been delivered.
The SAGA has been one of PROTON’s key sales drivers in Malaysia next to the Persona. In Brunei, it too follows the successful launch of the Persona in April and is expected to perform well, further strengthening PROTON’s market share in the country.
“The SAGA is the 11th model exported to Brunei and we are optimistic that it will be well received by our customers here. It is truly a people’s car, reflective of PROTON’s philosophy of designing the right car for the right market at the right price,” said PROTON Holdings Berhad Chairman Dato’ Mohammed Azlan Hashim in conjunction with the launch.
The SAGA, winner of the “Best People’s Car” (Malaysia) at the Asian Auto – VCA, Auto Industry Awards 2008, comes equipped with the IAFM (intake air-fuel module) system and powered by an improved version of the CamPro, The SAGA has also been designed with driver and passenger safety in mind, with 75 per cent of its chassis being made from high tensile steel.
“Quality and safety of all our models are our key concern. The new SAGA also comes with an airbag and seat belts equipped as an added safety feature,” said Azlan.
Good ride and handling were also taken into consideration when designing the car. The chassis combined with a Lotus-tuned suspension, promises excellent ride and handling that is expected to set a new benchmark in its category.
The SAGA’s contemporary and stylish design is also expected to be a key attraction for buyers.
The 1.3 M-Line manual SAGA that will make its debut in Brunei will be priced at BND$17,000.00 while the automatic transmission priced at BND$18,000.00. It will be available in seven colours namely Zircon Green, Metallic Black, Solid White, Mountain Blue, Genetic Silver, Chilli Red and Granite Gray.
PROTON has had a presence in Brunei since 1999, through sole distributor Worldwide Motor Sdn Bhd. The company owns two showrooms in Bandar. Since 2002 to-date, they have sold a total of 2,803 PROTON cars in Brunei.
About PROTON
PROTON, established in 1983, is Malaysia’s largest manufacturer of automobiles. With operations in key market centers from UK and Western Europe to the Middle East, and across South-East Asia and Australasia, PROTON produces cars to suit a range of consumer demands and preferences. The offerings include versatile and reliable four-door family vehicles, two-door hatchbacks for the young-at-heart, luxurious and stylish executive sedans, as well as the world-renowned sports cars from Lotus.
PROTON’s inception as a key driver of national development has seen the brand accelerate its learning curve through technology transfer with strategic partnerships and technical collaborations. PROTON cars are now steadily on track to achieving the mission for the future, gearing up to achieve the promise of a marquee which build cars with passion and soul; cars which are a delight to drive and a pleasure to own.
