MUSCAT: More than 300 invited guests witnessed the dazzling launch of Proton's flagship Gen 2 and family sedan Waja at the Al Hashar Showroom on Monday night.
The first fully-homegrown marques Gen 2 and Waja were launched under the auspices of H.E. Dr. Khamis Bin Mubarak Al Alawi, Minister of Transport and Communication in Oman and in the presence of esteemed guests together with Shk. Nasser bin Mohammed Al Hashar, the chairman of Al Hashar and Company, the sole distributor of Proton cars in Oman, and the company's chief executive officer Mr. Werner Koch.
An awe-inspiring illusionist's live performance with flashy light and sound show heralded the magical appearance of the Gen 2 and Waja 2008 models on stage which provided added dramatic effect in the lively ambience of the showroom.
The stylishly chic and sporty 1,600 cc five-seater hatchback Gen 2 and the reliable and elegant family sedan Waja models were unveiled amidst the audience in the foreground for a preview by H.E Al Alawi and other guests present at the event. Local journalists joined the guests to experience the showcased models.
The event was significant as the Proton car was a high profile launch for Al Hashar and Company. This is "thanks to the excellent support of Proton," said Mr. Koch
Indeed, gracing the Gen 2 and Waja launch in a show of support were top executives from Proton including Mr. Mohamad Ariffin Bin Amir, Regional Head of Middle East and Africa and Mr. Micheal Lee, Country Manager - Proton.
The two models of Proton that will be available in Oman are the stylish and sporty - Gen 2; and the family sedan - Waja.
The new generation GEN-2 has been styled to attract a wide customer base; the Lotus Design Studio has had a major influence on the design of the curvy muscular
bodywork that looks simply sensational in a range of new colours. From the bee sting aerial to the dashboard instrument panel, the GEN-2's sporting pedigree is undeniable. The 1.6 litre CAMPRO engine, designed in collaboration with Lotus, delivers exceptional torque output. The double overhead-camshaft engine produces 110bhp. Power is matched by agility with Gen-2's handling. The GEN-2 has outstanding stability when cornering and changing lanes, making it an exciting, responsive drive while maximising passenger comfort. Sleek, sporty lines continue throughout the interior. The design combines ergonomic comfort with classic minimalism. Optimal protection is provided by increased body rigidity and strategic crumple zones. Four-wheel ABS with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) system ensures maximum stability and good braking performance.
As for the Waja, built with superior ride and handling, it is a mid-sized family sedan with a 1.6 litre engine, in both manual and automatic transmission options. Waja's two main strengths are its equipment levels and safety. With an enhanced structural integrity, the Waja's body strength was benchmarked against several leading cars in its category.
Promising to provide performance and peace-of-mind, the model is fitted with a good level of equipment which includes electronically-controlled air conditioner, power steering, electric mirrors, six-speaker single CD radio, power windows and remote central locking. The Waja's standard safety and security features include anti-lock brakes (ABS), driver and front passenger airbags, traction control, alarm, engine immobiliser, side airbags and seat belt pretension.
"Our excellent service, before- and after-sales, the fantastic value-for-money in terms of quality for Waja and Gen 2, and the chic styling of the Gen 2 will be the selling point here", added Koch.
"Mostly fleet sales are to car rental agencies and corporate firms, aside from purchases by individual families. However, we are not targeting the Gen 2 and Waja specifically for fleet sales as such. We are targeting these vehicles at middle-class expatriate individuals and families," he said.
Proton cars are currently sold in 25 countries worldwide with the biggest export markets being the United Kingdom followed by Australia, Middle East and ASEAN countries. In the last year, PROTON began to expand its ASEAN operations with the launching of the brand in Indonesia in March 2007 and in Thailand recently.
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About Al Hashar & Company (automotive division)
Al Hashar & Company is the sole distributor of Geely Motors, Brilliance Auto - Jinbei, Tata & Tata Novus medium & heavy vehicles, UD Nissan Diesel trucks, PM Truck Loader Cranes, Tadano Hyd. Cranes, Doosan Infracore Construction Equipments & other auto-accessory brands in the Sultanate of Oman having full fledged showrooms, service & parts center located in Muscat, Wattayah, Sohar, Nizwa, Ibri, Salalah, Buraimi and Sur.
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 Southeast 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 ad soul; cars which are a delight to drive and a pleasure to own.
© Press Release 2008
