OVERWHELMING INTEREST IN THE ALL-NEW INSPIRA - A SIGN OF APPROVAL FROM CAR BUYERS

1100 bookings in ten days and the numbers continue to increase for PROTON’s latest model the Inspira, ahead of the four-door executive sedan’s much anticipated launch date on November 10th 2010.

Despite only several details of the new car being shared with the public, and PROTON only revealing a glimpse of what the actual sedan will look like, Proton showrooms nationwide have been inundated with enquiries from car buyers and those who have placed a booking fee of RM1,000 for the vehicle since its soft launch on October 21.

“The enormous level of interest shown since we first announced the introduction of the new model is certainly a big sign of approval from car buyers. PROTON would like to thank all those who have placed a booking for the Inspira and believe me, they will not be disappointed with the new generation of Proton cars coming their way,” said PROTON Holdings Berhad Group Managing Director Dato’ Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir.

The all-new Inspira, available in 1.8-litre CVT and manual transmission as well as in 2-liter CVT  transmission, is a model that has been jointly-developed by PROTON with Mitsubishi Motor Corporation of Japan under a new strategic alliance that is based on the global ideology and benefits of product sharing.

The automatic CVT, or Continuously Variable Transmission with the Intelligent & Innovative Vehicle Electronic Control System (INVECS-III), is an advanced system that automatically selects the optimal gear ratio based on road and driving conditions with a self-learning ability to match an individual’s driving style.

The Inspira is also fitted with Mitsubishi’s Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system or in short, MIVEC, a technology that provides optimal valve timing at both low and high rev ranges.

Sporting significant aesthetic enhancements, the Inspira is being further improved with the unmistakable Lotus ride and handling, enhancing the car’s driving experience and comfort.
“The new strategic relationship with Mitsubishi is based on the fundamentals of knowledge exchange, and one that brings PROTON to a new and higher level in which we can benefit from technologically in our pursuit of evolving into a global car manufacturer, ” said Dato’ Syed Zainal Abidin.

Unlike in the early days of PROTON where a similar relationship confined the national car manufacturer to purely receiving the transfer of technology from Mitsubishi, this new strategic alliance, which is based on the principles of product sharing, will also see Mitsubishi benefitting from the various enhancements underwritten by PROTON.

“It is a win-win partnership, one that is in the true spirit of product sharing to enhance the business of both companies going forward in our respective markets,” added Dato’ Syed Zainal Abidin.

The Inspira joins other existing Proton models with its strong booking numbers. To date, the top three Proton models in terms of bookings are the Exora with 3,600 units, the Persona with 6,100 units and Saga with 9,600 units.-proton.com