Proton launches Persona

“Proton’s philosophy is of producing the right car for the right market at the right price. The Persona is a model that will get noticed and attract people not only for its looks but its practicality, smooth ride and fuel economy,” said Werner Koch — CEO, Al Hashar Group of Companies. Al Hashar and Company is the sole distributor of Proton cars in Oman and has been instrumental in the development of Proton sales in the country. Oman is the third country in the Middle East to launch Persona after Saudi Arabia and Egypt last week.

Speaking on behalf of Dato’ Haji Syed Zainal, Proton Managing Director, Hamdan Mohd Nor, Proton General Manager, International Sales and Service Division stressed on the importance of Proton to strengthen its presence in the Middle Eastern region. Proton was first established in the Sultanate’s market in 2006 when it introduced the Waja and Gen-2 models via partnership collaboration with Al Hashar and Company. “The decision to enter into the Middle East market was a natural progression for us as a player in the automotive sector. After more than 20 years in this industry, we now have presence in more than 24 countries worldwide,” he said.

The launch of Persona in the Sultanate is testament to the strength of Proton’s partnership and commitment to the country, he stated. The Persona, dubbed as Proton’s ‘pride and joy’, emphasises the sedan’s advanced styling, generous interior and expansive luggage space. The car was developed with consumers in mind and Proton’s commitment to improve every aspect — from design, styling and production to sales and after-sales. Under the bonnet, the Persona is powered by the enhanced Campro IAFM (intake air fuel module) engine, which promises smooth drivability and riding comfort. The car is engineered by Lotus promising an excellent ride and handling experience.

These attributes and qualities have won Persona the Best Model of the Year for Malaysia at the 2008 Frost & Sullivan Automotive Awards for the South East Asian (ASEAN) market. To date, the Persona has received more than 59,000 bookings in Malaysia. Established in 1983, Proton is Malaysia’s largest manufacturer of automobiles producing cars to suit a range of consumer demands and preferences in the Middle East, across South-East Asia and Australasia, UK and Western Europe.

The offerings include versatile and reliable four-door family vehicles, two-door hatchbacks, luxurious and stylish executive sedans, as well as the world-renowned sports cars from Lotus. Proton believes in building cars with passion; cars that are a delight to drive and a pleasure to own. In the sultanate, Al Hashar & Co is the distributor for Proton that currently offers model line-up comprising of Waja and Gen-2 in addition to the recently launched Proton. Al Hashar has two branches in the capital and branches in Sohar, Ibri, Buraimi, Salalah and Sur.