KUALA LUMPUR: Proton Holdings Bhd (Proton) has made its debut for its best-selling vehicle, the Proton Saga in Pakistan earlier this month.
The national car manufacturer said the model is also available in other international markets namely Brunei, Bangladesh, Egypt, Jordan, Kenya, Mauritius and Nepal.
The Proton Saga line-up in Pakistan consists of three models - Saga MT, Saga AT and Saga Ace AT.
Additionally, 100 units of the Proton Saga R3 Limited Edition will also be paired with either manual or automatic transmission.
The product launch was conducted online and was graced by the High Commissioner of Malaysia to Pakistan, Ikram Mohammad Ibrahim.
In his keynote address during the launch, Ikram is hopeful that Proton's operations in Pakistan will further strengthen then economic ties between Malaysia and Pakistan.
Following the launch of the Proton X70 in December last year, the Saga was the second model to be offered in Pakistan.
Currently all vehicles are supplied from Malaysia as complete-built unit (CBU).
However, Proton's partner, Al-Haj Automotive is set to commence local assembly operations at its new plant in Karachi by the third quarter of 2021.
With a planned capacity of 25,000 units per annum, the plant will enable sales of Proton cars to grow quickly in a market brimming with growth potential.
Al-Haj Automotive chief executive officer Hilal Khan Afridi said the company is confident that Pakistani customers will be attracted to the Proton brand and its products.
"I am thankful to our fellow Pakistanis for making the Proton Saga an instant success in Pakistan. This car will definitely stand out for its reliability, durability and value for money," he said.
Proton also plans to increase its international market presence in the second quarter this year to achieve its long term goals.
Aside from the Saga – the volume seller in most markets, the Proton X70 and Proton X50 were also being exported to establish the company's intelligent range of vehicles overseas.
"Exports are an important pillar for Proton and will account for an increasing percentage of our sales volume in coming years.
"Aside from promoting the features of our products we also leverage on the high quality reputation of Malaysia's manufacturing sector, which lends credibility to our own product story," said Proton Edar chief executive officer Roslan Abdullah.
He added Proton will ramp-up efforts to re-enter major Asean markets such as Thailand and Indonesia this year.