Proton hosts official opening event

Proton Cars opened its doors to its Malaysian Board of Directors, Malaysian media, UK dealers and key suppliers at its new head office and PDI facility in Avonmouth Bristol.

The purpose of the event was to officially open the new PDI centre and to demonstrate Proton’s commitment to providing a more efficient service for both customers and dealers. The new facility, which includes a full technical workshop and paint shop, enables Proton to prepare and store vehicles under cover, ready for next-day despatch as well as offering retail-prepared used cars to the highest standard.

In addition to a full tour of the facility, guests were treated to the official unveiling of the new Proton Super 2000 Rally Car, designed and built by UK based company, Mellors Elliot Motorsport. The car is based on the Proton Satria Neo, the bodyshell of which has been modified and strengthened. The engine is based on the Waja 1.8 engine with racing internals increasing the capacity to 1998cc, producing a power output of 280bhp at 7800rpm. Super 2000 Rally Car is a new category of World Rallying which is aimed at controlling and reducing costs of preparation and participation by manufacturers in the world, regional, and national championships.

Also present were members of the A1 Team Malaysia, Jack Cunningham, Jon Beale and their driver, Fairuz Fauzy, to showcase the current A1GP car. The A1GP Series will return to the race track for the fourth season of competition later this year, with a new car at a new venue, Mugello in Italy. The first round takes place from 19-21 September.

According to Brian Collier, MD of Proton Cars (UK), the new PDI centre will significantly improve the quality of service to Proton dealers; “This is a huge investment designed to bring benefits to our network. The new facility will improve our already high dealer support operation by reducing delivery times and costs for dealers as well as supporting our sales plans for the coming year.”